How would you enter College Square Shopping Center in Newark?

Incorrectly designed Pedestrian Refuge Islands (aka "Pork Chops") are probably the #1 complaint from Delaware cyclists, and are a violation of DelDOT's own Bicycle Policy. Anthony Aglio and Jennifer Baldwin, bicycle and pedestrian coordinators at DelDOT, have fought tirelessly on our behalf to ensure at least 4-5' of shoulder remains at all times between the white line and concrete edge. Failure to do so forces cyclists to swerve into high speed lanes of traffic, or in this case an unnecessary share situation with often intolerant motorists. While some improvement has been noted, use of guidelines according to the AASHTO Greenbook (pdf) in the field remains questionable. It is very important that this and other aspects of the Complete Streets draft policy are scrutinized by Delaware cyclists during the public comment period (TBA).

Bike Delaware incorporation on schedule for 2010

Founded in 2005 as a project of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Bike Delaware has functioned under BCGP's 501(c)3 designation. With generous support from Sally Humphrey of Delaware Greenways, legal guidance has been secured allowing us to move forward on our own non-profit incorporation. Officers for 2010 are slated as follows: President: Drew Knox. Vice President: Caroline Honse. Treasurer: Carol Ireland. Secretary: Maria Wilburn. Publicity Chair: Frank Warnock. More to be announced.

Bike Delaware comments on revised Complete Streets Policy draft

A number of Bike Delaware members took the time to review and comment on Delaware's upcoming Complete Streets Policy draft. Compiled in letter form HERE (pdf). Read the latest Complete Streets Policy revision HERE (pdf). Plenty more to come, including the public comment period and actual policy signing by Governor Markell.

Transportation Enhancements Saved - Thank Senators Carper and Kaufman

Please send a note thanking Senators Kaufman and Carper for saving Transportation Enhancements by following the form below.



http://capwiz.com/lab/issues/alert/?alertid=14041566

Transportation Enhancements Under Attack!

Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) is offering two amendments to the FY10 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill that will strike funding for transportation enhancements. The two amendments are S. Amendment 2370 and S. Amendment 2371. It was Mr. Coburn that ensured his own state designated 0% of stimulus funds toward clean, healthy transportation alternatives.

The Transportation Enhancement program has provided between one-half and three-quarters of all Federal funding invested in bicycling and walking improvements in the last 20 years. More than $250 million is at stake in fiscal year 2010 - if Coburn's amendment is successful it will affect hundreds of trail projects, sidewalks, bicyclist education programs, bike rack on bus programs, and roadway improvements for bicyclists.

Please email our Senators immediately and urge them to vote NO on S. Amendment 2370 and S. Amendment 2371 to the FY10 transportation appropriations bill:

Senator Tom Carper: http://carper.senate.gov/contact/
Senator Ted Kaufman: Jim.Catella@mail.house.gov
Rep. Mike Castle: Jeff.Dayton@mail.house.gov

Head to our Take Action page for more . . .

Stimulus spent on biking, walking, and public transportation: Delaware 3rd

In 11 states, 100% of funds going to roads is going to repair. A total of 17 states are spending 90% or more. Seven states are spending more than 10% to make progress on expanding choices, including biking, walking, and public transportation. See the full report HERE (pdf), page 23 (27/file) for a state by state breakdown. Oklahoma ranks among the last at 0%, with Sen. Tom Coburn (R) refusing federal investment in alternatives to driving. "The Obama administration's stimulus program is fraught with waste and incompetence ... Millions of dollars are going toward bicycle lockers, bike paths, walking trails and a skate park", Coburn said. More info on the WashCycle.

6 year Delaware Transportation Plan hearings set

The Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the citizen-member Council on Transportation (COT), the Dover/Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) and Sussex County invite the public to attend the Capital Transportation Program (CTP) hearings set for Sept. 9 in New Castle County, Sept. 16 in Kent County, and Sept. 21 in Sussex County.

The hearings provide an opportunity to review the current CTP and suggest transportation projects and/or services to be considered for the proposed CTP for Fiscal Years 2011 - 2016. Public input received during the September hearings is crucial to the development of this program.

Each hearing format will be an open house setting beginning at 4 p.m, and we'll need a strong showing by Delaware cyclists if we are to keep non-motorized funding alive. See the full DelDOT press release HERE (pdf) for locations, dates, and further information or call Public Relations at 800-652-5600 (in DE) or 302-760-2080.

Bike Racks on Cecil County Buses

Cecil County MD's "The Bus" transit buses are being equipped with Bike Racks. The Bus connects with Dart First State Buses in Elkton (Route 65) and at the Peoples Plaza in Glasgow (Routes 40 and 55). Currently 7 of the fixed route buses already have bike racks installed while 3 more buses will be receiving bike racks in the near future.

This is great news for Cecil County as many rural residents live well beyond walking distance of bus stops, which mostly run along US 40 and in downtown Elkton.

PDF Schedules are available for the Glasgow and Perryville Routes. More information on the The Bus services are available at www.transportingcecil.com

Fate of Barksdale and Valley Road property uncertain

Had the Cecil County MD Commissioners denied the application at a meeting today, a mandatory 1 year waiting period would be required. As of now, the developer continues ownership of the property, and will likely move forward with other ideas. This issue will linger until a decision is made to push again for a change, or simply go residential. See previous post for more details.

Any planned development for the area in question will impact bicycle safety. Contact Alan Coffey at: alan@alancoffey.com to find out how you can help, or for more information.