(Washington, DC) A report issued this week by the Alliance for Biking & Walking  gives the District of Columbia high marks for its commitment to bicycle and pedestrian programs. The report, Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report, ranks all 50 states and the 51 largest US cities on bicycling and walking levels, safety, funding, and other factors. The District topped the list of cities with the highest per-capita funding for cycle and pedestrian facilities and education. The report says DC spends approximately $9.82 per resident to promote biking and walking.

The Alliance also found that the District has the second-highest share of commuters who walk to work, trailing only Boston, and the 7th-highest share of commuters who bike to work. In addition, only New York City can boast a lower rate of car ownership. More than 35 percent of District households do not own a vehicle.

“I have made it clear I want the District of Columbia to be the most sustainable, walkable city in the nation," said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. "It’s great to see where we stand among our peers and that we are making real progress toward that goal.”

DC also scored well on safety. Among the major cities surveyed, the District has the 6th-lowest fatality rate for cyclists and pedestrians. The nation’s capital is considered the 4th-safest city to bike in and the 7th-safest for walking.

“The report shows our commitment to bike and pedestrian programs is paying off,” said DDOT Director Terry Bellamy. “It is easier and safer to bike and walk in the District today thanks to the investment we have made in bike lanes, bikesharing, pedestrian crossings, education and enforcement, and under Mayor Gray’s leadership we will continue to make improvements for our residents, many of whom don’t drive.”

The full Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report  is available for download online.

For more information about DDOT’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Programs please visit ddot.dc.gov/BikesandPeds.