Bike Lanes Through Intersections: Take the Survey

Only 4 questions!

A working group has come together to develop Bike Delaware's first ever bike lane position statement: "Bike Lanes Where Shoulders Become Right Turn Only Lanes". Throughout the state, DelDOT has identified a system of bicycle routes. Many of these consist of wide shoulders where riding is feasible even when the prevailing speed of adjacent motorized traffic is high. The challenge to bicyclists comes when these shoulders suddenly or gradually become dedicated right turn lanes for cars. When a "right turn only lane" (RTOL) is present, the shoulder ends and the bicyclist must merge with vehicular traffic, causing potential hazards and crash situations for the bicyclist(s), turning driver, and all adjacent traffic. On higher speed roads (45+ mph), it becomes frightening for virtually every class of bicyclist.

Therefore, on all DelDOT identified state, regional and connector bicycle routes, Bike Delaware strongly advocates that bike lanes be installed to the left of right turn only lanes wherever these occur. To validate our position, it is important that we provide survey data from none other than Delaware bicyclists themselves. Are you willing to help us in this endeavor? All it takes is answering 4 simple questions HERE!

Results of 2010 Survey of Delaware General Assembly Candidates

What do candidates running this year for the Delaware General Assembly think about biking, and about making biking better?

Bike Delaware asked them. And 48% of them answered.

Did the candidates running to represent you in Dover respond to Bike Delaware's survey? Check and see the survey results. You can look at them organized either by the name of the candidate or organized by district. In the latter case, it is easy to compare how candidates competing for the same seat answered our questions.

Any candidate with a score of "100" responded with "strongly agree" to all 5 survey questions.

Delaware General Assembly Survey Results

• by name
• by district
  

AAA asks Congress to eliminate bike/ped from the Highway Trust Fund

The American Automobile Association (AAA) wants Congress to cut funds that support trail, biking and walking programs in order to funnel that money to the highway system. AAA has forgotten that bicyclists and pedestrians drive, support AAA, pay gas taxes and want balanced transportation systems that provide the choice to get around in a variety of ways.

In a recent issue of AAA World magazine, Don Gagnon, president and CEO of AAA Mid-Atlantic, argued to restrict the federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to just highways. That argument may sound reasonable on its face given the fund's name, but such a change would eliminate popular and effective programs that have been the lifeblood of our movement for two decades, helping to create more than 19,000 miles of rail-trails and many other bicycle and walking facilities around the country.

Since 1991, Congress has clearly intended the HTF to be used flexibly for all aspects of a surface transportation system. Like the 1990 Clean Air Act before it, AAA is now working to defeat clean transportation alternatives as well. Here's how you can tell them NO: Sign this simple on-line petition, with a pre-written, customizable letter with only your name, zip, and email required.

Related links:
What AAA is saying
The Secret Life of AAA

Action Alert: Kennett Pike/SR52 at SR82 revisited

The Delaware Department of Transportation has stated that the widening of SR52 (Kennett Pike) at SR82 is necessary to make the intersection safer since motorists tend to pass left-turning cars in the right-turn-only lane. The intersection has been the site of 73 accidents between 2004 and 2008, as well as two fatalities in the same accident in 2008. Residents and stakeholders are worried that the current plan could compromise the scenic and residential character of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, the state’s only national scenic byway, said Sen. Mike Katz (D-Centreville). They say that reducing the speed limit from 50 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour is a better solution than widening the road.

The current plan calls for adding lights, and increasing capacity to 3 lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides of SR 52. Dedicated left turn lanes, along with bike lanes (between the right turn only lanes and thru lanes) will be added. While this does provide for the bicyclist's needs if there was no other alternative, we believe there are other design options available that would safely address VMT, bicycle/ped safety, and preserve area character. Among them is a Bicycle-Friendly Roundabout.

A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hagley Soda House to hear the community's concerns and present the SR52/SR82 intersection's issues and proposed design solutions. Delaware cyclists are STRONGLY urged to participate. The meeting will be followed by the Kennett Pike Association's annual meeting. "I think we all know the intersection is dangerous and something needs to be done to improve safety," said John Danzeisen, president of the Kennett Pike Association. "But I think it’s possible to make those improvements in a way the preserves that unique character of the road that makes it a National Historic Byway".


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Bike Delaware Candidate Survey Closed

A big Bike Delaware thank you to all the Delaware General Assembly candidates who participated in our bicycling survey!

The survey is now closed.

We will release the survey results on October 26 on this blog and also in an email to all Bike Delaware members.

Press Release: First Delaware Trails Summit

DOVER (Oct.14) – DNREC’S Division of Parks and Recreation sponsored the first Delaware Trails Summit on Oct 14 in Rehoboth Beach. The summit marked the first time recreational trail groups, advocates and users came together statewide to learn about the progress made in creating a statewide network of trails, and to develop strategies for envisioning, planning, funding, designing, constructing, and managing recreational trails in Delaware.

"The need for recreational trails is greater and more relevant than ever, as tools to help us promote physical fitness, fight childhood obesity and provide transportation alternatives," said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. "Integrating trails into our communities - and as connections between communities - is a critical strategy to improve the livability of our state, increase recreational opportunities and connect Delawareans of all ages to the great outdoors". Cont . . .

The crowd enjoying a fantastic keynote presentation by Mark Fenton, one of the nation's foremost experts on walking.

Heather Dunigan of WILMAPCO presents the East Coast Greenway during breakout session "Regional and Long Distance Trails".

24 Hours To Go!

What do candidates running this year for the Delaware General Assembly think about biking, and about making biking better?

They have 24 hours left to tell us!

Bike Delaware sent out a survey to all candidates running for the Delaware General Assembly this year. We are planning on releasing the results of the survey on October 26. But the survey answer period is scheduled to close tomorrow!

Even now - with just 24 hours to go - just one call or email from just a single constituent can be enough to get a candidate to respond. If a candidate tells you he/she hasn't seen the survey, you can give him/her this link: http://www.bikede.org/BikeDE_GA_Survey.pdf

They can email their answers to Bike Delaware Survey.

At the bottom of this post is a list of the General Assembly candidates who have not yet responded to Bike Delaware's survey, listed (for both Senators and Representative) by district. (If you're not sure what district you live in, it's easy to find out.) Do you see a candidate running to represent you who has not yet responded to Bike Delaware's survey? If so, contact them and let them know you'd like them to.

Candidate Harris McDowell Catherine Cloutier Louis Saindon David McBride John Moritz Nancy Cook David Lawson Joseph Booth George Bunting Dennis P. Williams Stephanie Bolden Robert Bovell Helene Keeley Melanie George Debra Heffernan Scott Gesty Judith Travis Quinton Johnson Kathleen Rokosz Gregory Lavelle Joshua Schoenberg James Christina Jeffrey Brown John Mitchell Jr. Christopher Weeks George Barnett James Van Houten James Johnson Michael Mulrooney Robert Gilligan Nick Manolakos Francis Swift Jr. Gordon Winegar John Viola William Carson Jr. Karen Minner John McCutchan Lincoln Willis William McVay Beth Miller Harold Peterman Robert Walls Donald Blakey Jonathan Marango David Wilson Harvey Kenton C. Russell McCabe Daniel Short Clifford Lee John Atkins Gregory Hastings

Running for Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative

in District 1 5 8 13 14 15 15 19 20 1 2 3 3 5 6 7 7 8 8 11 11 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 19 20 20 25 26 28 28 29 29 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 36 36 39 40 41 41

The Delaware General Assembly

What do candidates running this year for the Delaware General Assembly think about biking, and about making biking better?

We thought we'd ask them.

Bike Delaware sent out a survey to all candidates running for the Delaware General Assembly this year. We are planning on releasing the results of the survey on October 26.

Although we sent the survey out by both mail and email, some candidates have not yet sent us their answers. Undoubtedly, some of these non-responders have not replied because they calculated that we would not like their answers and so figured that they would be better off just not saying anything at all. But we're pretty sure that, for others, the survey has just gotten put aside in the press of other business. This is where Bike Delaware needs your help.

Just one call or email from just a single constituent is usually enough to get a candidate to respond. So Bike Delaware just needs a few score people across Delaware to contact the candidates running in their respective districts. You can tell them that Bike Delaware sent them a survey about bicycling, and you would like them to respond. If a candidate tells you he/she hasn't seen the survey, you can give him/her this link: http://www.bikede.org/BikeDE_GA_Survey.pdf

They can email their answers to Bike Delaware Survey.

At the bottom of this post is a list of the General Assembly candidates who have not yet responded to Bike Delaware's survey, listed (for both Senators and Representative) by district. (If you're not sure what district you live in, it's easy to find out.) The time for candidates to respond is running out...so Bike Delaware needs your help this week! Will you contact the candidates running in your area and ask them to respond to our survey? (Be sure to identify yourself as living in their district. If you feel comfortable doing so, give them your address.)

Candidate Harris McDowell Catherine Cloutier Louis Saindon David McBride John Moritz Nancy Cook David Lawson Joseph Booth George Bunting Dennis P. Williams Stephanie Bolden Robert Bovell Helene Keeley Melanie George Debra Heffernan Scott Gesty Judith Travis Quinton Johnson Kathleen Rokosz Dennis E. Williams Gregory Lavelle Joshua Schoenberg James Christina Jeffrey Brown John Mitchell Jr. Christopher Weeks George Barnett James Van Houten James Johnson Michael Mulrooney Robert Gilligan Nick Manolakos Francis Swift Jr. Gordon Winegar John Viola William Carson Jr. Karen Minner John McCutchan Lincoln Willis William McVay Beth Miller Harold Peterman Robert Walls Donald Blakey Jill Fuchs Jonathan Marango David Wilson Harvey Kenton C. Russell McCabe Daniel Short Clifford Lee John Atkins Gregory Hastings

Running for Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative

in District 1 5 8 13 14 15 15 19 20 1 2 3 3 5 6 7 7 8 8 10 11 11 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 19 20 20 25 26 28 28 29 29 32 32 33 33 34 34 34 35 36 36 39 40 41 41

Governor Jack's Tour of Delaware in pictures

Delaware Governor Jack Markell enjoyed a record turnout on Oct. 17 for his annual "Tour of Delaware". Also joining the ride, among others was Delaware City Mayor John Martin.

Kudos to Nancy Waddell, who routed a perfect half century (50 miles) for the event.

Governor Jack (center), preparing the group for departure . . .

Close to 100 riders depart for Middletown, with SAG service provided by Jack's Communications Director Felicia Pullam.

The "Peloton" storms the Saint Georges Bridge!

The ride concludes with plenty of comradery, photo ops, and social time with Jack. Pictured here (L-R) Frank Warnock (Bike Delaware PR Chair), Gov. Jack, and Carol Ireland (Bike Delaware Treasurer).

Elkton Road Improvements Project Begins Oct. 18

Newark -- The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has announced that the long-awaited Elkton Road project, which extends in its entirety from Delaware Avenue in Newark to the vicinity of the intersection with Gravenor Lane, will begin Monday October 18, 2010. The project is divided into four construction phases and will include roadway reconstruction and intersection improvements, among other features.

The Phase One work beginning October 18 and run through November 2011, will include the area of Elkton Road between Casho Mill Road and Delaware Avenue. This portion of Elkton Road will be reconstructed to correct deteriorated pavement, improve safety, and improve traffic operations. Intermittent lane closures will be required for the removal and paving of concrete islands. The removal of the islands is temporary and will allow for a switch in traffic patterns during the first month of work. The change will affect the portion of Elkton Road between Casho Mill Road and Apple Road.

Overall, in addition to pavement reconstruction, the project includes additional turn lanes at the intersections of Elkton Road and Casho Mill and Apple Road, reducing Elkton Road between Apple Road and Delaware Avenue from four to two lanes with a two-way center turn lane, new sidewalks and curb ramps, bike lanes, and utility improvements. The segment of Elkton Road between Amstel and Delaware Avenues had previously been identified as a Hazard Elimination Program (HEP) site. More . . .

The current scene on Elkton Road, at Christina Pkwy heading east toward Newark. This section, which also extends west to the Maryland border, will be covered under additional phases (timing not yet determined).

Visit the project page HERE for details, including a link to the original workshop back in 2005 .

An open letter to Carolann Wicks, DelDOT Secretary

Dear Secretary Wicks,

On behalf of Bike Delaware, our constituent organizations, and bicyclists all over Delaware, we write this letter in thanks for your hard work and dedication in the protection of TE funding. It recently came to our attention that over $580M was cut nationally, with many states forfeiting a grossly disproportionate share. At only .4% of total funds rescinded, Delaware was not among them.

The economic impacts of bicycling, walking, and other forms of non-motorized transportation and recreation is enormous. Knowing you understand the benefits, including those for the environment, healthcare costs, obesity rates, and a host of other issues is what keeps us moving forward with confidence, and for that we are grateful.

If there is ever a doubt about the decisions you’ve made, we’ll leave you with a story about the Schuylkill River Trail from Manayunk to Valley Forge, PA. The “Manayunk Survey” revealed the spending amounts, as well as the percentage of trail users who spend money. It was found most trail users (53.3%) spend money "frequently" when they use the Schuylkill River Trail. Most trail users (73.4%) spend thirty dollars or less per visit. Studies show the number of trail users at approximately 250,000 visits per year. It is estimated that the trail impact in Manayunk generates business revenue in excess of $2.5 million dollars annually. This represents an average of $15.05 per trail user within the 73.4% spending range, or an average of $10.30 per trail user. Without it being the original intent, the Schuylkill River Trail has generated substantial revenue for neighboring businesses, even with a lack of serious promotion. This success ultimately lead to its extension to Oaks, PA (via the Perkiomen Trail) and beyond, with over 100 more miles currently under construction that will link Reading, PA.

With this study, there is no reason the upcoming Industrial Track Rail Trail between Old New Castle and Wilmington’s Waterfront won’t mirror this success, validating the preservation and (hopefully) future increase of TE and other sources of bike/ped funding. ~ Frank Warnock

Actual letter sent to Secretary Wicks in pdf HERE.
Secretary Wicks home page HERE.
Story with Action Alert on Rails to Trails Conservancy HERE.
Understanding Rescissions, by LAB (in pdf) HERE.

Public Workshop: Philadelphia Pike Improvements Project

Public Workshop:
Philadelphia Pike Improvements Project

Claymont Fire Hall, Training Room
3223 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is holding a Public Workshop to present information regarding implementation of the first phase of the Claymont Transportation Plan. The plan includes proposed modifications to the existing lane configurations on Philadelphia Pike to provide opportunities for parking, bicycle or transit use. Improvements to the Commonwealth Avenue intersection are also proposed. The workshop will be held on Tuesday November 16, 2010 in the Training Room of the Claymont Fire Hall, 3223 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont. The public is invited to attend any time between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Interested persons are invited to express their views in writing, giving reasons for support of or in opposition to, the proposed project. Comments will be received during the workshop or can be mailed to DelDOT Public Relations, P.O. Box 778, Dover, DE 19903. When applicable, we offer the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire online which will automatically get emailed to Public Relations.

More info on DelDOT's website HERE.

Delaware Trailspinners Announce 2010 MTB Jamboree

The Delaware Trail Spinners would like to invite all mountain bikers and those interested in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and other areas to a group ride at Fair Hill. Flyer in pdf HERE.

The date is Sunday, November 7 (Sunday November 14th is the rain date), and the location is the Fair Grounds near Walls Hall at Fair Hill NMRA. Registration will be held from 8-9 AM with the rides beginning at 8:30 AM and lasting for about 2-3 hours. Members of the Trail Spinners will serve as personal guides for small groups of riders (approx 8-10) to show you some of the best and most beautiful single track in the mid-Atlantic area. DTS guides will tailor the speed and distance of the ride to suit each group. Distances flexible but usually will run between 8 and 20 miles. We'll provide bail-out points or give directions to anyone who may need to head back to the parking lot early.

There will not be any water stops. You should be self supported, meaning bring your own water, tools, tubes, etc while on the trail!

Riders under the age of 18 need to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Click here to download the waiver.

Bike Delaware Votes Today on 2011 Goals

Among the topics to be discussed (and voted on) at today's Bike Delaware Strategic Vision meeting:

• 3 FT PASSING LAW?

• ACTIVE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACT?

• BIKE LANES THROUGH SLIP LANES?

• BICYCLE BOULEVARDS?

• IMPLEMENTING “COMPLETE STREETS” POLICY AT DELDOT?

• CONNECT THE CUL-DE-SACS?

• IMPROVED DRIVER EDUCATION

• BIKE/PED SPENDING EARMARK?

• EAST COAST GREENWAY?

• MORE ELDERBERRY RIDES?

• BIG INFRASTRUCTURE?

• ONLINE BIKE MAPS?

• PRINTED BIKE MAPS?

• WALKING RESEARCH AND POLICY ISSUES?

• BIKE-FRIENDLY ROUNDABOUTS?

• BIKE SAFETY PROGRAM?

• SHARROWS?

• TRAFFIC CALMING?

• BIKE-FRIENDLY TRAINING FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERS?

All Bike Delaware members, as well as any other interested parties, are invited to this meeting to help Bike Delaware set its strategic vision for improving bicycling in the First State in 2011.

Bike Delaware 2011 Priorities and Strategic Vision Meeting
Location: Wilmapco Offices, 850 Library Ave, Newark
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5. Time: 6 pm. Interactive map to start location HERE.