Georgia has leapt nine places in the Bicycle Friendly States rankings from the League of American Bicyclists, moving from 23rd place in the 2024 rankings to 14th, and from 4th to 2nd among 13 southern states.

The ranking jump was driven by strong performances in funding and planning, which complement special stipulations related to cycling in state law. These gains came about not only because of state action, but due to ongoing advocacy by Go Georgia, a statewide active-transportation nonprofit organization, as well as local advocates around the state.

According to the League’s state report card, one of the factors driving Georgia’s improved ranking was increasing the use of federal funds for biking and walking improvements across the state. In addition, the state received special recognition for its soon-to-be finalized Rural Statewide Active Transportation Plan. Funding for the urban component of this plan is already secured.

“The statewide Active Transportation Plan (ATP) — a first for Georgia — represents a generational opportunity to catalyze life-saving infrastructure and policy changes," said John Devine, AICP, executive director of Go Georgia. "I expect the rural phase of the ATP — paid for by a $3M grant that Go Georgia won on behalf of everyone who bikes, walks, and rolls statewide — to transform investment, prioritization, law, and administrative policy."

“Georgia’s rise in the League of American Bicyclist’s Bicycle Friendly State rankings reflects the progress local and state agencies have made toward a safer and more accessible bicycle network across the state,” said Nathaniel Quinn Cicala, State Pedestrian and Bicycle Engineer, Georgia Department of Transportation.

“We are elated to see our statewide active transportation planning efforts such as our Rural Active Transportation plan, our vulnerable road user safety initiatives, and ongoing collaboration with local governments and advocates contributed to our improved score, and GDOT remains committed to improved bicycle safety and connectivity for all Georgians,” Cicala continued. 

An ongoing safety crisis

However, current safety statistics are a notably concerning exception to the generally positive picture painted by the state’s 2026 ranking. The rate of cyclist fatalities stands at 31.4 per 10,000, for a ranking of 42nd place nationwide. One new feature of this year’s report is the inclusion of public survey responses to a nationwide questionnaire, which point out more problems than positives.

“While we’re justifiably proud of Georgia’s dramatic improvement in the rankings based on expected future gains from major recent wins and investments, this should be viewed in the context of a present-day crisis on our roadways,” said Devine.

“We know that the impacts of the transportation safety epidemic are literally life and death, especially for vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by traffic violence,” Devine said. “No one should fear making it home to their loved ones because they walk, ride a bike or a scooter, or roll in a wheelchair. Investments in planning and funding will have major long-term impacts on safety, but none of us wait idly for lives to be saved.”

Go Georgia works directly with GDOT and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to provide critical safety-focused education and outreach to vulnerable road users, drivers, and law-enforcement.

”Together, we are providing people across Georgia with the knowledge and technical skills required to navigate our existing roadways as safely as possible while we await on-the-ground improvements,” Devine added.

According to the League, the Bicycle Friendly States report and ranking highlights the considerable role states play in making our nation’s roadways safer for people who bike.

Overall, states own 20 percent of the nation’s roadways, yet 42 percent of bicyclist fatalities are on state-owned roads. In Georgia, the state owns 14 percent of all mileage in the state, yet 58 percent of all bicyclist fatalities occur on state-owned roads. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2024.)

Every two years, the League of American Bicyclists surveys and compiles data from all 50 states to create its Bicycle Friendly State ranking and report cards. According to the League, in 2026 this process has demonstrated that many states are moving bike plans forward, that federal funding used for bicycling and walking projects continues to increase, and that more state transportation departments than ever are promoting good guidance for safer bicycle infrastructure.

Go Georgia advances safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation and recreation as vital components of a thriving, livable Georgia. The organization envisions a future where everyone has access to safe and enjoyable biking, walking, rolling, and transit.