As the year draws to a close, Bike Delaware is thrilled with the progress made in 2009 and is excited about the prospects for the coming year. We led a campaign to get bike lanes on St. Georges Bridge and we supported and helped plan and implement the first Delaware Bike Summit. We have a logo, a well-developed website, an informative periodic newsletter, a Board of Directors and a good start towards incorporation.
Approaching 2010, we need on-going funding to maintain our momentum and accomplish our goals. You can help by making a donation to Bike Delaware. To make a tax-deductible donation, go to http://www.bikede.org and click on the Donate button (
or just click here). Decide on your donation level on the "click-and-pledge" webpage, select the appropriate "Add to Cart" button and then click on the "Go to Checkout" button. Your donation completed this way will be processed through the Bike Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP), a 501c3 non-profit organization. GCGP will then transfer the money to Bike Delaware. If you want to make a direct donation, you can make a check out to "Bike Delaware" and mail to the Bike Delaware treasurer:
Carol Ireland106 Hobson DrHockessin, DE 19707How will your donation be used? Here are some examples. We will develop communications supporting a three-foot passing law to be voted on in the DE House (it passed unanimously in the Senate). We will support the 2010 Delaware Bike Summit (scheduled for May 21 -- mark your calendar). We will develop educational brochures covering bicycle safety, bicycle laws and bicycling issues to distribute at community events. We have joined one national advocacy organization and would like to take advantage of the resources provided by one or two others. We would like to support one or two of our members attending the National Bike Summit in Washington in March. We have an on-going server charge for our website.
Membership in Bike Delaware is free, today. Our goal is to avoid starting to charge a membership fee, so your donations are essential.
We thank you for your on-going support and look forward to working with you towards a more bike-friendly Delaware in 2010!
Frank Warnock, President
Drew Knox, Vice-President
Maria Wilburn, Secretary
Carol Ireland, Treasurer
Caroline Honse, At Large
For those interested in improving bicycle facilities, the 2009 Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) was finally approved and released.
Bike Delaware members report advocacy progress on multiple fronts since the 1st Annual Delaware Bike Summit -- minus bike lanes for on-road safety. It appears the majority, if not all DelDOT pave and rehab projects covered with the stimulus funding as well as the state's own budget were also ruled out, leaving those roads as many as 10 years away from consideration. The complete report on stimulus funded pavement and rehabilitation statewide, what appears to be a great opportunity lost, can be found HERE.
As much as $50M could be made available to Delaware, for the purpose of facilitating clean, green, healthy transportation alternatives. All Delaware organizations with the purpose of reduced auto-dependence, healthier lifestyles and livable communities need to get on board. There are only 2 days left! Delaware stands an excellent chance of of being selected, given WILMAPCO's hard work and dedication in the creation of an Active Transportation in Northern Delaware Case Statement. More information on the program from RTTC HERE.
