AUGUSTA – A Maine law that requires motor vehicles to give bicyclist some space has helped make the state the third most bike-friendly in the nation, according to a release issued by the Maine Bicycle Coalition.

Maine rose three spots in 2009, in its ranking from the League of American Bicyclists. The ranking is based on a 75-item survey covering legislation, education, policies and programs, infrastructure, evaluation and planning, enforcement and efforts to encourage people to bike for transportation and recreation, the release stated.

“Our ranking is a tribute to 17 years of advocacy by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine working with local bicycle advocates, bike shops and clubs, supportive legislators and MaineDOT to improve cycling conditions in our state,” said Allison Vogt, the coalition’s executive director. “The Maine law requiring motorists to give three feet of clearance when passing bikes has become a model for other states,” Vogt said. “The Bicycle Coalition of Maine partners with MaineDOT to teach bicycle safety to 10,000 schoolchildren each year, and we manage the state’s Safe Routes to School program. We train police officers about bicycle safety and the law. We also work with state agencies on an effective Share the Road media campaign.”