In its driver's manual, the state lists the rights and responsibilities of cyclists.

Maine also has a statewide mountain biking plan.

Primarily for those reasons, the League of American Bicyclists lists Maine as the sixth best state in the country when it comes to being bicycle-friendly. Neighboring New Hampshire is 10th.

The League represents the interests of 57 million American cyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates.

According to the League, a bicycle-friendly state promotes cycling through legislation, policies, programs and by creating new places to ride.

"The driver's manual is a big part of it, if you're teaching motorists to share the road," said Elizabeth Kiker, director of communications for the League of American Bicyclists from her office in Washington, D.C. "It shows a real dedication and a commitment to bicycling, and that's what impressed us."

Kiker said the group posted 75 questions to each state.

In 2004, the League presented its Bicycle Friendly Community award to Brunswick.

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine presented the award.

Brunswick is recognized for providing safe accommodation and facilities, and for its efforts to encourage bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation.

Allison Vogt, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, said that the group has worked hard for cyclists' rights since 1992. Vogt applauded a state law, passed in 2007, that requires motorists to give three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. The law also allows drivers to pass a double line when so doing.

"I think the cyclists themselves in Maine have been very active and very vocal in demanding a place," Vogt said.

The state Department of Transportation estimates there are 900,000 bicycles in use in Maine.

According to national statistics, Vogt said, 45 percent of people in the country ride bicycles. That would equate to 520,000 cyclists in Maine, she said.

Larry Grard - 861-9239

lgrard@centralmaine.com