Northern Delaware Greenway Trail Stewards set for June 6

A Volunteer Opportunity!

The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail is a 10-mile ribbon of green that connects neighborhoods and byways to the recreational, historic and cultural resources of New Castle County. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide a valuable service to your community while maintaining physical fitness and enjoying your favorite trails and parks. Additional perks include an identifying t-shirt as uniform, great training and free entrance to State Parks.

Learn how to become a steward. Walk or Cycle the Northern Delaware Greenways Trail, 9 - 11am, followed by a National Trail Day celebration.

Full details on line HERE.
Check out their event flyer HERE (pdf).

Support National Transportation Objectives

The Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2009, introduced by Senators Lautenberg and Rockefeller, sets a bold new vision for federal transportation policy in order to address the current and future needs of our economy, energy, environment and health.

But their bill – and real reform – needs the support of many more senators to become the law of the land. Bike Delaware Members are strongly encouraged to contact Senators Carper and Kaufman via this easy on-line pre-written (customizable) letter found HERE, encouraging them to become cosponsors of S.1036 today.

More information HERE. View the bill and vote on line HERE.

Bike to Work Day 2009 - An "Overwhelming Field of Participants" in Delaware

According to Suzan Doordan of Transportation Management Association of Delaware, we more than doubled the number of cyclists who participated in Bike to Work Day, May 22, 2009. This in spite of a 40% chance of rain.

According to Jennifer Wilcox, Astra Zeneca enjoyed it so much, they are starting "Bike to Work Fridays" for the Summer. Anyone cycling in gets free use of the Fitness Center locker rooms and a 'rental (no fee)' locker for overnight storage from Thursday into Friday mornings.

See the Final Acknowledgement HERE (pdf)

"Congratulations to all participants - you are making a difference! And best wishes for safe traveling" ~ Suzan Doordan

Mike Castle Has a Chance to Improve Active Transportation Nationally

Congress has begun drafting the next multi-year transportation bill, meaning now is a critical opportunity to impact how our nation’s transportation priorities will shape up for the coming years and beyond. One common way in which representatives show their support for specific policies is through a “dear colleague” letter. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) has drafted such a letter for all representatives to send to the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee that would indicate their support for more trails, walking and biking funding.

Time is of the essence. This is our best opportunity yet to get in on the ground floor. We have until June 3. If the T&I committee leadership receives enough of these letters, it will be clear that Americans want better transportation choices. Investing more in trails, walking and biking makes clear sense. Economically, we could save tens of billions of dollars nationally if more people were able to walk and bike to get where they’re going.

Securing enough signatures on these letters could define our nation’s transportation priorities for years to come. Getting it done has never been easier:

• Rails to Trails Conservancy has a fully written, customizable letter (scroll down) HERE. Simply enter your address and select "Send Message".
  
• League of American Bicyclists have a similar form, minus the pre-written letter HERE. Simply enter your zip code and use the listed talking points to quick create your own, and "Send Message" at bottom.
  

Both methods above take only minutes, and could determine the future of cycling in our transportation system. Please act today!

Ride of Silence set for May 20, 2009 at 2 locations in Delaware

On May 20, 2009, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

Newark Charter School area map
Sussex ROS information (pdf)
New Castle ROS information (pdf)
ROS Delaware locations/contacts page

Delaware jumps 22 places in LAB's Bicycle Friendly States ranking - makes top 10

Based on our first annual Bike Summit, and Gov. Markell's Complete Streets executive order. The application, completed by DelDOT, offers a road map on making improvements to create an ideal Bicycle Friendly State. See the updated 2009 rankings HERE.