Wilmington to New Castle Bicycle Highway

Phase 2 of the Wilmington-to-New Castle Bike Highway (aka the New Castle Industrial Track) is not yet built (though it has been funded) and Phase 3 (the last phase) has not even been funded, but Phase 1 was built this summer with ARRA funds. And, although it's still incomplete as a bike commuter route between Wilmington and New Castle, it's already a wonderful amenity for the adjacent neighborhoods, as well as for the kids of the Family Foundations Academy school, which is about 10 yards from Phase 1's southern terminus in New Castle. On a recent warm Fall day, those kids were out and about enjoying the path right outside their school door.

DelDOT ready to help with bike lane symbol refresh

All too often, bike lane markings - especially the symbols - are left to fade and eventually disappear, despite regular refresh of the shoulder and other lane dividing lines. This usually happens because two different paint crews are responsible for this maintenance. The one bicyclists depend on, which also includes turn arrows, crosswalks, and other non-striping applications, is known as the "Short Line" crew. Due to budget constraints, DelDOT sometimes depends on us, the citizens who are out and about, to report those which are chipping and/or fading away. Once recorded, the crew is dispatched to apply a fresh coat of paint, epoxy, thermoplastic, or whatever else is required to refresh the original application.

Are there any bike lanes in your area with faded symbols, as seen in the photo above? Let us know today. Bike Delaware is building a database that will be submitted to DelDOT early next year so they can answer the call, and bring worn or faded bike lanes back to life. Email us today at refresh@bikede.org and tell us the road name and location.

A brand new bike lane symbol as seen on Glasgow Ave (Bus.896) just south of Rt.40. Recently, DelDOT refreshed several bike lane symbols in the City of Newark.

Recycle-A-Bicycle announces 2011 Youth Bike Summit

The Youth Bike Summit is a three day gathering geared toward students, educators, and advocates in New York City and in the Northeast United States. The conference aims to bring people from different educational disciplines together to explore, network, and learn how bicycling can be a legitimate and safe form of transportation for today's youth. With this mission in mind, the Youth Bike Summit will offer educational workshops and panel discussions on subjects ranging from how to advocate for bike lanes to basic bike maintenance. It will also provide tools and information on fundraising and best practices for schools that wish to incorporate bikes into the physical fabric of the learning environment.

When: Friday January 14 - Sunday January 16, 2011
Where: The New School in New York, NY

Visit the event web page HERE for full event details, including registration info.

Kent County Bike Survey

The Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (whose planning region encompasses all of Kent County, plus the parts of Smyrna and Milford that extend into New Castle and Sussex counties) is creating a bicycle plan for central Delaware. The plan will show where bicycle trails, lanes and other facilities connect, and where they need improvement.

If you are a Kent County bicyclist, you can give them a little help them by taking their biking survey.

Elkton Bicycle Plan - Final Public Workshop

Do you live in, or frequent Elkton MD by bicycle, or know someone who will if it was bicycle friendly? Strong attendance is needed for the township's final bicycle plan workshop on December 1, 2010, anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The workshop will primarily outline the short- and long-term recommendations proposed to implement the plan. This is the plan’s final public workshop before it is presented to the Elkton Mayor and Commissioners for adoption. View public workshop flyer.

One key to Elkton’s growth and development is its location along major transportation routes. Although these routes are largely traversed by automobile, opportunities to enhance multi-modal transportation options are available, including improved pedestrian and bicycle linkages. The Elkton Bicycle Plan serves to improve quality of life for Town residents and visitors by expanding the existing transportation system to include safe and convenient choices for bicycle commuting and recreation. View the entire plan web page HERE.

Wednesday, December 1, between 4 - 7 p.m.
Elkton Town Hall, 1st floor
100 Railroad Avenue,
Elkton, Maryland (Map)

In AAA Mid-Atlantic's own backyard, a TE-funded trail!

From our friends at the Rails to Trails Conservancy -

In August, AAA Mid-Atlantic called for the elimination of critical, established programs that fund trails, walking and bicycling from our nation's transportation trust fund. De-funded programs would include Transportation Enhancements (TE), the largest funding source for trails and active transportation infrastructure.

AAA says it supports all types of transportation, but that doesn't square with the above position, which would divert crucial money away from walking and bicycling and toward the highway system.

Imagine the surprise when RTC learned that AAA Mid-Atlantic has a trail right outside their building that their employees get to enjoy every day... funded by TE! So they decided to go see it for themselves.

Have you signed the petition yet? It's easy, using this simple pre-written, customizable letter you can send with the click of a mouse.

How bike friendly were Wilmington, Dover and Newark 2 years ago?

The U.S Census Bureau conducts a major census of the United States once every 10 years. In the intervening years, the Bureau conducts a much smaller survey - the American Community Survey - of 3 million households. ACS data provides more up-to-date (but less accurate) information about U.S. communities.

Because of the relatively small sample size, the accuracy of ACS data can be a big issue. But, keeping this problem in mind, it is still interesting to use this data to give us some sense of how well Delaware's largest communities were doing (as of the last available ACS survey) at making bicycling a safe and convenient transportation option. The most recent 3 year average ACS data (2006-2008) suggests, for example, that Newark was way out in front of other Delaware communities in this regard. While only 0.1% of work commuting trips in Wilmington were done by bicycle, and only 0.3% in Dover, ACS data indicates that in Newark 4.7% of all work commuting trips were done by bicycle in the 2006-2008 period.

We can add some context to these numbers by comparing these Delaware communities to big cities:

Source: American Community Survey, 2006-2008

Without putting any emphasis on the exact numbers, we can nonetheless see that, as of a couple of years ago, both Wilmington and Dover were at ground level in terms of making their respective communities bike friendly.

In the above table, we compared small Delaware communities to some of the largest cities in the country. From a statistical point-of-view, using these big cities makes sense because of the greater accuracy of the ACS data. But from a more practical point-of-view, comparing Newark to Los Angeles or even Portland, probably isn't telling us all that much. For Newark, in particular, the more helpful comparison to make is with other college towns (small cities with populations under ~150,000 dominated by the presence of one or more large Universities):

Source: American Community Survey, 2006-2008

Newark's ~ 4.7% bicycle mode share places it in the middle tier among college towns (but above some "Silver" bike friendly award towns) and also suggests some other communities that might have lessons that Newark can learn from. Like Newark, Palo Alto, San Luis Obispo and Corvallis are all small college towns, but with apparently (keeping in mind the limits on the accuracy of ACS data) higher bike mode shares. What are they doing that Newark isn't, but could?

Bicyclist Killed in Bridgeville - Can We Do Better For Western Sussex Cyclists?

Delaware State Police and local media reports in Sussex County indicate that a bicyclist was killed on Wilson Farm Road ½ mile north of Route 18 Bridgeville on Monday November 8, 2010.

54 Year Old Gerald Crossman of Seaford was struck from behind at 5:47 p.m while traveling southbound on the right side of Wilson Farm Road by a minivan driven by 57 Year Old Elna Watt of Seaford.

Crossman was taken to Nanticoke Hospital and then flown to Christiana where he died the next day. No word as to the whether the driver of the minivan was charged. However the description in the DSP press release seems to assign fault to the cyclist - For an unknown reason the victim turned left into the path of the Dodge Caravan and was struck. Delaware's vulnerable road users law was signed by the Governor in August and probably will not take effect until after the new year.


View DE Bicycle Crashes and Incidents in a larger map

A close up look at the map shows that Road 546 (Wilson Farm Rd and Speck Rd) is parallel to Route 13, the time and direction of travel suggests that Crossman was taking a logical route back to Seaford. In fact a network of parallel roads stretches from the MD State Line at Delmar to just south of Greenwood. Perhaps DelDOT should identify this road network as a priority bicycle route and consider adding shoulder bike lanes to these narrow mostly rural roads.

Position Statement: Bike Lanes at Intersections with Right Turn-Only Lanes

After several weeks of study, data collection, committee input, and multiple revisions, Bike Delaware's latest position statement titled "Bike Lanes at Intersections with Right Turn-Only Lanes" is finally complete. The primary goal is to provide supporting data and justification for properly designed bike lanes through intersections, or "pocket lane" retrofits where there is insufficient width to incorporate a standard 5' bike lane. It also defines Bike Delaware's position on bike lane width as it relates to different posted speed limits.

Among the most frustrating and dangerous challenges Delaware bicyclists face every day is the loss of shoulder space at the onset of right turn-only lanes (RTOLs). Not only can there be legal implications involved when using one as a shoulder or through lane, but cyclists are compelled to continue through on red as cars cue up behind them waiting to turn right. Defined space, however, in the form of a bike lane or other marked provision, gives cyclists credence as a participant in vehicular traffic. There is also a much higher probably they will follow traffic laws, as seen in a recent survey conducted by Bike Delaware.

Left: Bike "Pocket Lane" retrofits in Maui, Hawaii. Neighboring Maryland has recently adopted the tool in their own MUTCD as well.

Also view a comprehensive study performed in Eugene, Oregon, at the UNC Highway Safety Center. The benefits are abundantly clear.



View Larger Map
Above: A virtual trip down Old Baltimore Pike between Route 72 and Route 273, a 45 mph arterial south of Newark that already contains combination shoulder/turn lane/bike lanes with no striped off RTOLs. The only thing missing would be the additional line segments to delineate shared space to the left of this facility as it passes side streets and intersections. This places bicyclists in the most optimal position for their own safety, as well as that of motorists, and discourages right hooking.

No time wasted: Wilson Blvd marks first DelDOT signal fix

Only a few weeks after the word getting out, DelDOT acted on a tip from a Bike Delaware member concerning a red light that just wouldn't sense a bicyclist's presence. "It was my issue when I commuted to Newark. I would leave McCoy Road and cut through to the development to come out at this intersection. The light never worked - I had to use the cross walk" says Barbara Gillespie, long time resident and member of the White Clay Bicycle Club and Bike Delaware.

Wilson Blvd, at Rt.72 (Wrangle Hill) marks the very first repair since the campaign began. It will now enable cyclists to position their bike over the loop detector and trigger a phase change to green.

Is your commute and safety compromised as a result of running red lights because they just won't change? DelDOT is standing by, ready to dispatch a technician to investigate! Email Steve Treut at: Steve.Treut@state.de.us and let him know the exact location and details.

Delaware's 1st Sharrows!

The very first sharrows in the entire state of Delaware have appeared on Market Street in Wilmington! Congratulations to Wilmington!

Will Newark follow suit? Find out! Visit the City's Transportation Plan 2nd workshop on Nov.16 (info HERE).

DelDOT standing by, ready to help with bicycle-insensitive red lights

An occasional problem for Delaware bicyclists, and in particular for bicycle commuters, is the traffic loop sensor. These are the devices which detect the presence of vehicles to control the sequencing of traffic lights at many intersections. Often, they are installed in figure-eight slits cut into the pavement near a traffic light, as seen in the photo above.

How do they work? It starts with the slight change in inductance of the loop of wire buried in the slit caused by a large metallic object (such as a motor vehicle) above the loop. The problem for bicyclists is that sometimes the sensitivity of the electronics behind the loop are just a bit too low, due to either age related issues with the hardware or to avoid false detections. This can make it difficult for a bicycle (a relatively small metal object) to make its presence known to the sequencing circuit. The result is frustration for a bicyclist trying to get a green light or left-turn arrow. This is especially a problem at streets with low traffic - often where these sensors are used in the first place - as one waits for a motor vehicle to come by and trip the sensor.

The situation has improved over the years. Our friends at DelDOT do their best to ensure new installations default at a level expected to detect all vehicles, and they usually do. But there's still some out there with older hardware that just won't detect anything except motor vehicles. Well, help is on the way! DelDOT's Traffic Department is ready to respond. They're willing to dispatch a technician if needed to assess the problem, and make the necessary adjustments. Contact Steve Treut, Signal Maintenance Manager, to report traffic signals that just won't see bicyclists at intersections: Steve.Treut@state.de.us

A HUGE tip of the helmet to Mark Luszcz of DelDOT for extending this opportunity to us!

DelDOT Technicians Steve Treut and Rob Kern work on a signal panel, in this case increasing sensitivity for bicycles at the Brownleaf/Route 273 intersection.

Replenishing the National Highway Transportation Fund

In a letter sent Friday to the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, Sen. Tom Carper (D) and George Voinovich (R) proposed a 25-cent-per-gallon increase in the fuel tax, to be gradually rolled out over the next three years. The two senators say the levy would raise $200 billion over five years. Under the plan, $117 billion (or 15 cents per gallon) would be permanently dedicated to the highway fund, and $83 billion (or 10 cents per gallon) would be directed toward deficit reduction.

For advocates, replenishing the Highway Transportation Fund is critical for a transportation bill, and thus the passage of bicycle-friendly legislation. This includes marker bills that Bike Delaware has fought very hard for, such as the Active Community Transporation Act. Carper and Voinovich have the backing of industry leaders who stand to benefit from a bigger investment in infrastructure. Representatives from almost every corner of the transportation community -- from the Laborers International Union of North America to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association to America Bikes -- sent a separate letter to the debt commission Friday urging support of the proposal.

Bike Delaware urges it's members to write Senator Carper and their local media if they support the idea of highway funding through a graduated tax on gasoline, and thus an increase in the cost of driving. Higher gas prices usually result in more fuel efficient vehicles, consolidated trips (more carpooling), increased bicycle sales, and DOTs more open to non-motorized facilities, transportation funding and initiatives.

Article in NationalJournal.com
Email Senator Carper HERE.
Write a letter to the Wilmington News Journal HERE (or email direct to: letters@delawareonline.com)

Full list of Delaware media contacts in xls HERE.

Delegates from Bike Delaware and the Delaware Trailspinners meet with Sen. Carper during the National Bike Summit back in March.

Bike Lanes Through Intersections Survey Results

172 responded to Bike Delaware's Intersection Bike Lanes survey, now officially closed. The results will be used as supporting data for our second ever position statement, titled "Bike Lanes Through Intersections with Right Turn Only Lanes". Currently in draft form, the final revision will be voted on by Bike Delaware's Board of Directors. Once approved, it will be submitted to DelDOT's bicycle coordinator, Anthony Aglio, for possible inclusion in Delaware's version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Analysis:
At intersections in general, most indicate a lack of driver respect and a disdain for bicyclists as legitimate road users, at least on occasion. As expected, an overwhelming majority (86%) view properly designed bike lanes as having at least somewhat of a positive influence on motorist behavior. Motorists turning right as they overtake bicyclists, also known as the “Right Hook”, is cited as a problem at some level by close to 90% of respondents. Finally, an additional 64% indicated a willingness to obey traffic laws where bicycle facilities are present, which includes bike lanes or other legally defined space. See the results in pdf HERE.

Just under 1/3 submitted comments. They are a serious part of this survey and will be submitted to DelDOT along with the survey results. Among the notables:

• There was strong support for proper striping (bike lanes) as a safety enhancement and form of "on-road" education.

• Several were unable to answer Question 4, as intersections with bike lanes do not exist in every part of Delaware.

• The legal implications of using right turn-only lanes as shoulders, in the event there is a crash or altercation, is a major concern.

• Motorist's lack of education or unwillingness to accept bicyclists as legitimate road users is cited as a huge problem.

• A disdain for traffic laws - mainly failing to stop at red lights - is viewed as souring bicyclist's relationship with the motoring public.

• Vehicular cyclists, though weary of bicycle-specific infrastructure, generally accept its role for the "less confident, less skilled".
  

Bike Delaware thanks everyone who participated in this survey. With your help, we will continue working with DelDOT to improve bicycle safety on Delaware roads, especially in this era of ever increasing demand for automobile LOS (level of service).


View Larger Map
Bike lane retrofits are appearing all over Hawaii, this one in Maui. Paint alone can signal to motorists that bicyclists have a right to the road, and provide legal protections when using a right turn-only lane as a through lane.

Mid-November Events and Workshops

The importance that bicyclists have a strong presence at these three events cannot be stressed enough. Please consider going to at least one if your schedule allows.

Philadelphia Pike Improvements Project (reminder)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 4-7 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. Claymont Fire Hall, Training Room, 3223 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. Complete info on Bike Delaware News HERE.

City of Newark Transportation Plan - 2nd Workshop
November 16, 2010, 7 pm. WILMAPCO (map) and the City of Newark will host the second workshop for the Newark Transportation Plan. At the workshop, they will present draft recommendations developed based on public comment and technical analysis. Following the presentation they will invite discussion and questions about the draft recommendations. Bicycling is heavily included in the plans, and they need our input. Please visit the event web page to view the Workshop flyer, send comments, suggestions or photos of issue areas or post your ideas by becoming a fan on facebook to join the discussion forum.

Our Town
November 17, 2010, 4-7 pm. This event will be the highlight of WILMAPCO's public outreach for the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan. It provides the opportunity for stakeholders and interested citizens to learn about the RTP update, and share ideas. The event is also being held in conjunction with outreach for several other long-range Plans for Delaware and Maryland. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the development of several land use and transportation plans for Delaware and Maryland. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Takes place at the Embassy Suites Hotel on 654 South College Ave, Newark, DE 19713. Event web page HERE. Pre-registration is free but required.

Multiple Roads Being Converted To Asphalt in Sussex County

Frankford - The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announced that a paving contract has been awarded which will allow for several Sussex County surface-treated roads, commonly known as "tar and chip", to be repaved. This treatment method, though effective in sealing against cracks, wear, and weather-related damage, leaves behind loose gravel which can be a hazard for bicyclists in the shorter term.

-Cubbage Pond Road. from the bridge over Cubbage Pond to Johnson Road
-Church Street from Beaver Dam Road to Lewes/Georgetown Highway
-Wil King Road from Conleys Chapel Road to Kendale Road
-Cannon Road from Mount Joy Road to Indian Mission Road/SR 22
-East Piney Grove Road from Governor Stockley Road to Route 113
-Burbage Road from Powell Farm Road to Omar Road
-Primehook Road from hotmix joint east of Wilson Pond to Wilkerson Road
-Lakeview Road from Revel Road to Country Living Road
-Salt Barn Road from Bi-state Boulevard to Route 113/Sussex Highway
-Christ Church Road from Laurel Road to Chipmans Pond Road
-Camp Road from Route 13/Seaford Road to Sussex Highway
-Camp Road from Cannon Road to Sussex Highway
-Camp Road from Sussex Highway to Cannon Road
-Whaleys Road from Careys Camp Road to Laurel Road
-Whaleys Road from Kings Crossing Road to Careys Camp Road

Work will begin this month, and weather permitting, should be completed in 100 calendar days. See the press release HERE.

We thank DelDOT for acting in the interest of bicycle safety, regardless of where and what type of road.

Vote

In case Bike Delaware's blog is your only source of news***, we thought we should mention that today (Tuesday) is election day.

You can find your local polling place here.

If you want to see how the candidates running to represent you in the Delaware General Assembly answered Bike Delaware's candidate survey (where we asked candidates about their views on biking and walking), you can look here:

Delaware General Assembly Survey Results

• by name
• by district
  

*** That's cool, but probably not prudent.