NCC Comprehensive Plan - Councilman Bob Weiner Speaks

Reflecting back on my 25 years of public service--first as Council of Civic Organizations of Brandywine Hundred Zoning Vice President, and then as County Councilman-- my greatest disappointment is the continuing failure of DelDOT and New Castle County to implement a paradigm shift to foster bike/ped friendly, transit oriented, walkable mixed use villages---where folks can live, shop, work, play, pray and school their children, without always having to rely upon a motor vehicle; a concept which has been promised in every update of both State and County Comprehensive Plans.

However, we should only direct transit oriented walkable smart growth development [consistent with community character] where infrastructure is already in place.

Workforce housing, as legislatively mandated in the UDC, is a severely flawed concept in achieving its stated goals; and certainly does not provide affordable housing for our children, who, as a consequence, cannot realize the American dream of home ownership.

“Community character” needs to be clearly incorporated of the New Castle County Unified Development Code, but should be a determination made early in the land use decision making process.

State and County laws favor auto dominated suburban sprawl. In a market driven world, it should all be about choices. Some may chose to live in auto dominated suburban sprawl communities; some not. Our state and county policies fail to allow market driven choices, due in part to institutional impediment of “old school” codes...spurred by developers who think in “old school” terms. The cost is unsustainable. We are also not addressing the real demand for transit oriented bike/ped friendly growth; which is both good for the environment and business friendly.

To learn more, see “Development Doesn’t Have to Be a Bad Word” presentation in pdf, which I spearheaded with Councilwoman Lisa Diller.

Thank you for your consideration.

Robert S. Weiner
Council District 2, New Castle County, DE
Louis Hinkle, aide to Councilman Weiner 302-395-8362
www.bobweiner.com

Newark Bicycle Committee initiatives for 2011

At the end of 2010, Newark Bicycle Committee members weighed in on their priorities for the coming year. Keep your eyes open for the following happenings in 2011:

Support adoption of the Newark Transportation Plan, which is expected to contain literally dozens of short- and medium-term bicycle facility recommendations. WILMAPCO will hold a final public workshop, probably this spring, detailing the recommendations in the Plan. The Committee will then work to get them implemented as fast as possible!

Install bike racks along Main Street. DelDOT donated 16 racks to the City. Approvals are in progress to install some in the street in unused spaces next to pedestrian bulbouts, and others in sidewalk areas outside the main flow of traffic.

Conduct four more safety checkpoints, two in the spring and two in the fall. DelDOT will generously supply lights, helmets, literature and staff, supplemented by volunteers.

Staff booths at Newark Nite and Community Day to further encourage bicycling, distribute safety information, and answer questions.

Conduct Bike Month and Bike‐to‐Work Day activities. This will form the centerpiece of our outreach efforts in 2011, and we anticipate working with government officials, businesspeople, advocates, and residents to make Bike-to-Work Day a major event in Newark this year.

Support shared-lane marking "sharrow" education. DelDOT is currently preparing a brochure to explain how sharrows work. If we're successful in getting them installed through implementing the Newark Transportation Plan, local bicyclists and drivers alike will need to understand what they mean and how they work.

Write a new Newark Bicycle Plan. The last official Newark Bicycle Plan was in 1996; WILMAPCO wrote a draft in 2002-2003 that was never adopted. An official plan will give weight to our priorities and could strengthen our efforts to get funding for improvements.

Track UD's redevelopment of the former Chrysler site to make it as bicycle-friendly as possible.

Explore extension of the Hall Trail west to Elkton Road, potentially along neighborhood streets. This will form a critical component of the East Coast Greenway in Delaware.

And look for the long-awaited start of construction for the Pomeroy Trail!

As you can tell, we'll be busy this year! The Committee is truly thankful to all the volunteers and agency staff who have contributed time and effort to make Newark a bicycle-friendly community. Let's keep it going!

Bike/Ped Return on Investment

Read More: Walking ROI Biking ROI Walking Return on Investment Biking Return on Investment Walking Investment Biking Investment Investment in Walking Investment In Biking

If you are a state DOT or other government entity, you have a choice about how you spend your transportation dollar. What the Portland Metropolitan Region has found, however, is that the return on investment (ROI) in (a) bike/ped (or "Active Transportation"), (b) transit or (c) motor vehicles (i.e. roadway improvements) is not equal. In terms of bang for their transportation buck, bike/ped crushes motorized commuting. Portland Metro spent about 11 times the amount on motor vehicle infrastructure that they spent on active transportation per new commuter:

Click on image to expand (+):

Source: League of American Bicyclists

To put this another way, not only are walking and bicycling the most cost-effective transportation options for the private individual or family in terms of household budget, they are also far and away the most cost-effective transportation investment option for governments facing budget constraints.

As we struggle to recover from the most severe economic slump since the Great Depression, we're going to have to, at least temporarily, suspend building bridges to nowhere and roads to subdivisions that don't exist yet. And we're going to have to take a few pennies out of those saved dollars and invest instead in making it safe for people to get around by walking and biking.

Utah may become 2nd state to legalize rolling stops for bicycles

Utah News -- Despite opposition from car insurance companies, a House committee endorsed a bill Tuesday that would allow bicyclists to treat stop signs as if they were yield signs. Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, said HB155 would make roads safer and would reflect what cyclists already do. She said allowing cyclists to merely slow and proceed when no cars are present allows them to be less wobbly when going through intersections. It would attract more cyclists away from major highways onto neighborhood roads if they feel they can keep up speed without constantly slowing to full stops. The House Transportation Committee endorsed the measure 12-1 and sent it to the full House. Read the full story in the Salt Lake Tribune HERE.

Currently, Idaho is the only state containing such a law, known as the "Idaho Stop", with no negative impact whatsoever on bicycle safety or crash statistics. Will Delaware be next to consider such a bill? The below animation is a very compelling argument:

Bicycles, Rolling Stops, and the Idaho Stop from Spencer Boomhower on Vimeo.

White Clay Creek State Park Trail Plan - Comments Needed

The White Clay Creek State Park Trail Plan looks at the existing 40-mile trail system in the park today and proposes changes that result in increased recreational [and transportational] trail opportunities, creates connections Newark communities, and reduces habitat fragmentation. Existing trail conditions, natural and cultural resources, and recreation demand and trends were evaluated to propose new trail segments. The Trail Plan was developed with the full involvement of Division of Parks and Recreation’s Trail Committee with public participation.

In the Spring and Summer of 2010, meetings were held with stakeholder organizations to present an early version of the proposed Trail Plan. Meetings were held with the following groups: Park and Recreation Council; Council on Greenways and Trails; Friends of White Clay Creek State Park Executive Committee and Advisory Board; Wilmington Trail Club Board; an alliance of running clubs that include the Pike Creek Running Club and Trail Dawgs; Delaware Trail Spinners; Newark Bicycle Council; Bi-State Preserve Council; and Equine Council Trail Committee members. In addition meetings were held with staff from Pennsylvania State Parks, New Castle County Special Services, City of Newark Parks & Recreation Department, and the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO). Input from all organizations and agencies was valuable in shaping the proposed plan that is presented for public review.

Now, it's up to us to participate by simply commenting, and letting State Parks know we're actively involved. It is important to note that there is a relatively small, but fiercely vocal opposition that would like to see bikes relegated or banned from park trails altogether - so the importance of this cannot be stressed enough.

Comments on the proposed White Clay Creek State Park Trail Plan will be received through March 25, 2011, and can be emailed directly to Susan Moerschel at: Susan.Moerschel@state.de.us.

Be sure to visit the the plan home page HERE, which includes links to the complete proposal for your review. A comment form can also be downloaded, and a mailing address is provided.

Dangerous by Design - Revisited

16% of Traffic Fatalities in Delaware Are Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Excerpts from the original report as seen on Transportation for America (with commentary by James Wilson.)

"In the last 15 years, more than 76,000 Americans have been killed while crossing or walking along a street in their community. More than 43,000 Americans – including 3,906 children under 16 – have been killed this decade alone. This is the equivalent of a jumbo jet going down roughly every month, yet it receives nothing like the kind of attention that would surely follow such a disaster.

"These deaths typically are labeled "accidents," and attributed to error on the part of motorist or pedestrian. In fact, however, an overwhelming proportion share a similar factor: They occurred along roadways that were dangerous by design, streets that were engineered for speeding cars and made little or no provision for people on foot, in wheelchairs or on a bicycle.

"While it is still unnecessarily dangerous for pedestrians to walk, health experts are making the case that it can be just as deadly not to walk. Even as these preventable deaths mount, there has been a growing recognition that walking and bicycling – what many now refer to as "active transportation" – are critical to increasing levels of healthy exercise and reducing obesity and heart disease.

"At the same time, it has become increasingly clear that these clean, human-powered modes of transportation are an essential part of efforts to limit the negative impacts of traffic congestion, oil dependency and climate change."

Although DelDOT's recent formal "Complete Streets" policy has been a welcome step towards making Delaware more friendly towards walking and bicycling, an informal policy to "accommodate" walking and bicycling has in fact been in effect at DelDOT for a number of years without having any clear effect at reducing pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. In fact, if anything, the problem seems to have gotten worse in recent years, with pedestrian and bicyclists fatalities as a share of total traffic fatalities both recently above their 10 year averages of 13% and 2%:


What is missing (and what DelDOT's "Complete Streets" policy does nothing to address) is direct, targeted and strategic investment to make walking and bicycling safer. Given that the total share of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities over the last 10 years has been 16%, that would be a reasonable number to start from. But, if you look at DelDOT's Capital Transportation Plan for the next 5 years, you find that DelDOT does not plan to spend anything close to 16% of it's capital budget on bike/ped projects specifically dedicated to improving the safety (and mobility) of pedestrians and bicyclists.

That's not right, because without direct investment to fix the very worst problems facing pedestrians and bicyclists, we should not expect that the disproportionate carnage of pedestrians and bicyclists will lessen, or that the next 10 years will be any better for pedestrians and bicyclists willing, or obliged, to venture out on to Delaware's dangerous (by design) roads.

Read the full report on T4A's website HERE. Read related comments from Jeff Butcher HERE. Read related comments from Carol Ireland HERE.

Bike Delaware needs your help - key volunteer positions still open

Bike Delaware needs your help. We either don't have volunteers for the positions listed below, or they are currently being handled by board members who are unable to devote much time and energy due to work overload. Please consider volunteering a small amount of time today ... none of these are difficult; in fact, they are VERY rewarding:

1) Marketing Director: Developes Bike Delaware's promotional materials, tracks public events with tabling opportunities, and coordinates Bike Delaware staffing at these events.

2) Complete Streets Coordinator: Monitor DelDOT's implementation of its "Complete Streets" policy in both new road projects and pave & rehab activities. Will coordinate with Anthony Aglio, DelDOT's Bicycle Coordinator, to receive project notices. This in turn will provide the opportunity for member input on complete streets recommendations before the final stages of planning.

Email Frank Warnock, PR Chair at frank@bikede.org today to accept a position or for further information. Or call 302-722-4591 ext.5

DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks Resigns

Dover -- It is with great consideration, that Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Carolann Wicks has resigned her position as Cabinet Secretary effective March 18, 2011.

"This has been a difficult decision, but one that has been made with a clear conscience and the best interest of the department at heart." Secretary Wicks stated. "I have greatly enjoyed the many years I have served the State of Delaware, from an engineer just out of college to my position of leadership in one of the most hardworking agencies in the State of Delaware. The opportunities I have experienced in my years at DelDOT will always be looked upon with sincere gratitude. But, as with many other retirees, I will now move on to the next chapter in my life, including spending more time with my family."

Carolann Wicks is the eighth Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Carolann began her long career at DelDOT more than 28 years ago as a Civil Engineer. She served in several leadership roles including the Chief Engineer for the department and Director of Transportation Solutions. As Secretary, she was responsible for the capital program, managing statewide transit services, motor vehicle services, and the maintenance and operation of 90 percent of Delaware's transportation system. DelDOT employs over 2600 transportation professionals to achieve these goals. (read the entire press release HERE). Article in the Wilmington News Journal HERE.

[Side note: For Delaware bicycle advocates, Carolann was a friend and ally who supported a number of bicycle and pedestrian projects when called upon. Without her over-riding support in the face of director level opposition, we would likely not have the Saint Georges Bridge bike lanes.]

Bringázz a munkába!

Meanwhile, in Hungary:

Biking to work - why stop there?

Published by the Wall Street Journal

A recent review of existing research suggests there is “strong evidence” that time spent sitting is linked to a higher risk of death during the studies’ follow-up periods.

That’s bad news for those of us who are desk-bound for long stretches at a time at work. And using the stairs instead of the elevator can only get you so far.

The Wall Street Journal has written before about one proposed solution to the problem: walking on a slow-moving treadmill while doing your work. But riding? Read the article in its entirely HERE!

Core trail, walking and bicycling programs miss the axe - for now

From our friends at the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC):

Core programs for trails, walking and bicycling are safe... for now!

Speak up to keep trail programs around for years to come.

Post a short comment—or more—on this Facebook discussion!

Or, read more now, then take action.

Some very welcome news from an especially challenging situation:

Earlier this week, RTC alerted us to a possible attack on trail funding, but they are pleased to share that no cuts were made to core trail, walking and bicycling programs during this week’s congressional amendment process!

This is a heartening development, as our programs have been fiercely targeted in the past and many worthy programs are on the chopping block. We believe these programs were spared because of the groundwork you helped to lay over the past years to foster appreciation of trail, walking and bicycling investments. Thank you so much for your strong trail and active transportation advocacy!

But, we’re not unscathed, and we have an important opportunity for you to help keep these critical programs safe:

AASHTO—a powerful voice in the federal transportation debate—is turning to the millions of Americans on Facebook to provide their thoughts on transportation priorities. We encourage everyone who has an opinion on active transportation improvements to stop by AASHTO's "I Told Congress" discussion page and leave a comment to influence future transportation priorities!

Please speak up for trails, walking and bicycling on Facebook now.

Other Programs Still Under Attack

While the above is good news for our core programs, many other valuable programs are still in danger as budget debates continue. These include newer programs that have would benefit trails, like TIGER and Community Transformation Grants.

Also alarming, an amendment to gut the very popular Land and Water Conservation Fund—which has funded trails and other preservation efforts—was narrowly defeated by a nail-biting 213-216 vote last night!

We’ll be posting the results of upcoming critical votes on our Facebook page. Follow us at www.facebook.com/railstotrails to stay informed (and don't forgot to comment on AASHTO's discussion page while you’re there!). And be assured that we will continue to monitor and defend the programs that make local trails and active transportation opportunities possible.

Thank you for this week's victory, - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Saint Georges Bridge Sweeping - A Letter of Thanks

Spring is coming!! I can tell by the weather reports and by watching the bright yellow hazard jackets of the DelDot crews buzzing around to make our roads safer for cars and bikes. Whether they are simply patching those nasty potholes that wreck your tires or sweeping the shoulders of the roads it is greatly appreciated by all.

The good old St. Georges Bridge received a thorough cleaning yesterday (Feb. 16). DelDot was out picking up junk off the bridge and sweeping the bicycle lanes. They came back once again and swept the driving lanes. Please use caution on the approaches and exits as there are new cracks and potholes the crews will be working on.

A huge thank you is past due to all of the people and agencies involved in getting a segregated bicycle lane on the St. Georges Bridge. Now is the time for all cyclists that have not considered crossing the canal by this bridge to do so. Beginners - don't let the height of the bridge deter you. It is not as steep as it looks, and is OK to stop to catch your breath. (Just call out your intention of stopping.) Now go home and check that off your list of bicycle accomplishments! For seasoned riders this will just be another bump in the road, but now a pleasant one.

I appreciate the fact that this bridge cleaning was completed in a time of budget cuts and restraints on spending. I get really excited when I see a project like this undertaken with our tax dollars. It takes the sting out of the cost of some of the projects that we don't "see". While I am not politically alert on the budgetary process for setting aside money for sweeping, road markings, etc, this web site and others can point us in the right direction for action if we are shown the way.

Please remember to slow down, give plenty of room for all emergency, safety and construction workers when passing in your car or on the bike. Again, my greatest appreciation to DelDOT for making my next ride, and that of fellow cyclists that little bit safer. Remember DelDOT is working for us even if we don't agree to everything they do.

-- Barbara A. Gillespie, Bike Delaware member and contributor

Bike Delaware's 1st Annual Membership Event and Social

Bike Delaware's "Cycling Season Opener" - Participate in our first annual fundraising event and founding membership drive. Join us as we kick off the 2011 Cycling Season in style. Details as follows:

Tuesday, March 22, 5:30 - 8pm, at the Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. DuPont Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 (map). Plenty of parking available nearby.

• Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, soda, beer and the company of fellow cyclists
• Learn new details about Bike Delaware’s advocacy goals for 2011
• Learn about a new cycling opportunity in this year’s Wilmington Grand Prix
• A complete rundown of 2011 bike events in Delaware
  

Door prizes (more to come):

• VIP package to the Wilmington Grand Prix
• VIP Gift Bag from the Bike Boutique
• A free registration to Habitat for Humanity's Bike to Build 2011
  
• Bike shop gift certificates
• Amish Country Tour registration gift certificate
  
• Plenty more!

Event Fee:
$25 - Includes Bike Delaware Founding Membership ($30 at the door)
$50 - Silver Membership
$100 - Gold Membership

3 convenient payment methods (fill in the proper amount):
PayPal | Tax Deductible Donation | Check

For further info, contact Ed Weirauch, 302-778-5418, or email events@bikede.org

See the event flyer in pdf HERE!

Aidan Gause earns Sussex Cyclist's 2010 Volunteer or the Year

Sussex Cyclists, a local cycling nonprofit organization that promotes cycling activity and safety primarily in Coastal Sussex County, honored Sussex Tech High School junior Aidan Gause as the club's 2010 Volunteer or the Year. He was recognized for his dedication and tireless efforts at Sussex Cyclists' Bicycle Safety Check Points. The program, often referred to as bicycle "pit stops," sets up stations in the resort area during June and July offering assistance and safety items-helmets, lights, brochures and minor repairs-to seasonal cyclist commuters as well as locals and visitors. Sussex Cyclists has conducted the program for more than seven years with support from the Delaware Department of Transportation, the State Police, grants from County Council and the Transportation Management Association and local businesses.

At a lunch meeting, Saturday January 29, with Sussex Cyclists Vice President Joe Juknelis and long-time members Jack Boettger (club treasurer) and Mike Tyler (advocacy chairman), Aidan was awarded a framed certificate recognizing his work. He also received a Sussex Cyclists logo shirt and a personal letter congratulating him for his active role in the "pit stop" program from club President Tony Pezone who was unable to attend. Pezone praised Aidan's efforts: "Your service and dedication to our Bike Safety Program has contributed to the success of the program over the years in a very important way. We look forward to more years together in the future."

Aidan is an active cadet fire fighter member of the Lewes Fire Department. He is studying criminal justice at Sussex Tech and plans attend the University of Delaware with a goal of becoming a Delaware Fish and Wildlife Department officer. The best of luck to Aidan on these endeavors!

How Did Boulder Do It?

Boulder, Colorado is one of just three "platinum" bicycle friendly communities in the United States (along with Davis and Portland). And it also has the 2nd or 3rd highest bicycle mode share in the country.

How did Boulder do it? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, can be partly summed up in a single word: "underpasses". Or, to get fancier, "Grade-Separated Crossing Treatments". The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center describes the history:

"In 1984, the city adopted the Boulder Creek Corridor Plan that recommended development of a continuous path along the entire length of Boulder Creek. This corridor would serve both as a flood hazard mitigation measure and as a continuous urban park for recreational and transportation use. It would also serve to restore and enhance wetlands along with fish and wildlife habitats.

"The construction of a continuous shared-use facility required separated grade crossings at each intersection throughout the corridor. Existing creek underpasses were converted to include shared-use path underpasses through fairly simple modifications. Upon its completion, the Boulder Creek Path was instantly popular and quickly became a much loved community amenity.

"The public acclaim of the Boulder Creek project led to an increase in public discussion about the desirability of extending and continuing the concept of the Boulder Creek project along Boulder Creek’s tributaries within the city. As a result, the city designated over 32.2 km (20 mi) of stream corridors along six tributaries of Boulder Creek for inclusion in the Greenways Program.

"Today, the city of Boulder is home to more than 55 underpasses built to serve bicyclists and pedestrians. While most new underpass projects are driven by the transportation department, underpasses often have benefits beyond transportation. New underpasses along Boulder’s greenways have increased flood carrying capacity and improved the natural environmental systems along Boulder Creek and its tributaries.

"Although most underpasses have been built as a part of Boulder’s greenway system, a number of underpasses have been constructed at locations not along a waterway. These underpasses serve to eliminate pedestrian barriers and increase safety at dangerous intersections. The College and Broadway underpass, for instance, was designed with the sole purpose of increasing pedestrian safety."

Here's what all this direct investment in biking feels like. Be sure to check out the real estate agent (at 5:25) who shows properties by bike:

Selling Bikes

Car makers have been selling cars with clever and persuasive ads for decades. Why can't bike makers get in the game, too? (And check out the awesome bike bridge at 0:36.)

Will Our Kids Have Shorter Lives Than Ours?

The New England Journal of Medicine published a Special Report a few years back that projected that

"...as a result of the substantial rise in the prevalence of obesity and its life-shortening complications such as diabetes, life expectancy at birth and at older ages could level off or even decline within the first half of this century."

Registered dietitian and nutritionist - and Bike Delaware member - Dr. Barbara Boyce puts this in a Delaware context:

"Delaware has a public health problem. More and more children and adults are getting heavier and many are developing diabetes or pre-diabetes. We need to stop the weight gain. According to BRFSS statistics, 27% of adults in Delaware are obese (with a BMI of > 30%). A 2009 report from Delaware Health & Social Services showed that the prevalence of diabetes has more than doubled among Delawareans between 1995 and 2007. At a rate of almost 9% for adults, Delaware has a higher rate of diabetes than the national average.

"To deal with this public health issue, we need to make it easy and fun to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. This includes designing and rebuilding our communities to encourage active lifestyles. People still need to take responsibility for their own health, but communities need to play an active role. Delaware invests heavily in its infrastructure for roads to accommodate cars and trucks. What about more infrastructure for biking and walking? A greater amount of attention and money needs to be given to making our communities healthier so that we can all enjoy a more active lifestyle. Losing just 10% of one’s body weight goes a long ways in terms of improving one’s overall health. As warmer weather approaches and we think more about being outdoors, let’s let our legislators know that we want and need healthier communities so that we can live healthier lives."

State Funding for Bike/Ped Infrastructure (2)

More on the problem of funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in Delaware from Carol Ireland:

"A couple of years ago I submitted some comments to WILMAPCO regarding their Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Those comments are still valid today. At that time I was pleased with the projects geared to promoting safe bicycling and walking, but was very disappointed at the small number of these and the very limited funding aimed at bicycling and pedestrian improvements. I asked that the priorities be reviewed and reassessed to put more funding towards alternatives to vehicular transportation. At a time when the newspapers are filled with articles about excessive air pollution, over-dependence on oil and gasoline, life-threatening obesity and horrendous accidents resulting in death or permanent injury to cyclists and pedestrians, surely there should be more than 0.5% of the total TIP funding on bicycle-pedestrian projects! At that time, we were pushing for a recommended minimum funding level of 2% but our current goal is 3%. (Hey, if 2% is unrealistic, then 3% will be no more difficult!) This is still a very small number but at least enough to start having an impact on Delaware residents seeking to improve their life styles by leaving their cars at home.

"I have had the opportunity to cycle in several communities across the US, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Palo Alto, California. The bike-friendliness of these two cities is immediately evident and most enjoyable, especially compared with conditions I normally encounter in New Castle County. Wisconsin has been spending significant funds on bicycle projects for at least the last 15 years. According to one Wisconsin DOT report, 75% of the the 2-lane state highways have 3-5 foot wide shoulders, for improved cycling (and pedestrian) safety. Delaware has a long ways to go!

"Over my 32 year career working for DuPont, I rode my bike to work as much as possible, despite less than ideal cycling conditions on the roadways. Many others will do the same if there are more shoulders, easier ways to cross busy roads, and better routes to get from one place to another without having to go on major highways (e.g. if there were more cut-throughs that connect neighborhoods to adjoining neighborhoods). I now try to use my bicycle as much as possible for transportation, as well as for recreation. Increased funding to improve Delaware's roads for bicyclists would be welcomed by both current and future cyclists in the state!"

Carol Ireland
Vice President, White Clay Bicycle Club
Secretary, Bike Delaware

State Funding for Bike/Ped Infrastructure (1)

Bike Delaware member (and former president of the White Clay Bicycle Club) Jeff Butcher:

"Approximately 2 percent of state residents rely on non-motorized transportation for daily travel. Cyclists and pedestrians suffer a disproportionately higher rate of injuries and fatalities (in excess of 2 percent) than do their motorized counterparts. If injury and fatality rates were proportional, it would seem fair to fund improvements at percentage rates proportional to usage, in this case 2 percent towards cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. However, and considering the higher rates of injuries and deaths attributed to cyclists and pedestrians, it would seem both fair and prudent to provide funding in excess of 2 percent, not less, in order to address the disproportionate carnage.

"I mix walking, cycling, and driving a car as my personal modes of transportation. I value being able to use my car when either walking or cycling is impractical. I cannot accurately be described as an anti-automobile fanatic. Our road system, designed for motorized traffic, is well developed compared to Delaware’s infrastructure that is suitable for cyclists and pedestrians. In light of rising fuel prices and the great expense associated with road improvements for motorized traffic, it seems fair and makes good sense to encourage other modes of transportation, if for no other reason than to reduce the stress on the system designed for motorized vehicles. It is patently unfair to fund cycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvements at a level lower than the percentage of use, especially considering the injury and fatality rates.

"It would be fair and prudent to increase funding for improvements to infrastructure friendly to cyclists and pedestrians. A level of 2 percent, or preferably higher, would be appropriate."

It is good that, when multimillion dollar road projects are built by DelDOT, some thought is given to walking and bicycling. This "routine accommodation" means that, for example, when a massive project like the Indian River Inlet Bridge is built, it may feature a shoulder striped as a bike lane. Or, similarly, other projects to relieve road congestion by expanding roads from 2 travel lanes to 4 may include painted bike lanes.

But we also have to be realistic. Little isolated bits of bicycle infrastructure appearing here and there, stranded, and unconnected to a larger bikeway network or to any strategic plan of investment and embedded in a high-speed road network, are unlikely to spur increases in bicycling. The experience of other places is that only strategic, targeted, stable and long-term investment of the kind described by Jeff Butcher can do that.

We've been investing heavily in transportation infrastructure for cars and trucks for at least the last 60 years while walking and bicycling have been marginalized. Our roads are wider, smoother, straighter and faster than they've ever been. Commute distances have skyrocketed; the percentages of kids who walk or bike to school has plummeted; obesity and adult diabetes rates have exploded; and everybody drives everywhere to do everything. It's time to try something a little different. As Jeff says, let's invest a few pennies out of every capital transportation dollar, directly, to make walking and bicycling both safe and convenient in Delaware. We will not only better serve the current population who depend on these modes; we will also make it more attractive for people to get where they want to go on a bike or on their own 2 feet. On a nice spring day, who would want to burn hydrocarbons when they can burn carbohydrates instead, if it was safe and convenient for them to do?

"Complete Streets" = Routine Accommodation

Original Post Date: 10/7/10

When Governor Jack Markell signed Executive Order #6 on April 24, 2009, ordering the creation of a "Complete Streets" policy at DelDOT, many Delaware bicyclists were giddy. If the Delaware bicycling community were blessed with its own version of Martin Luther King Jr., he might have yelled out "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

In reality, however, an informal "Complete Streets" policy has been in effect at DelDOT for a number of years, just with a much less exciting name: "Routine Accommodation". And, as DelDOT has pointed out, such multi-modal accommodation has been happening routinely in DelDOT projects, just with less fanfare and without the sexy name of "Complete Streets".

So, what has "routine accommodation" meant for bicycling in Delaware? The most important thing to keep in mind is that "routine accommodation" is not a commitment to make dedicated, stand-alone and strategic investments in bicycling (or walking, for that matter). Instead, it's a commitment to keep these other ways of getting around in mind while improving roads for car and truck travel. The policy explicitly applies to "road reconstruction" and projects that "widens [sic] the pavement width". Under the "road reconstruction" label, it is possible to imagine, of course, all kinds of traffic calming and road diet projects, but in practice these are uncommon. (And if a project was motivated by these kinds of concerns right from its inception, there would be no need for an "accommodation" of walking and biking in any case.)

At Bike Delaware's recent 2011 Strategic Vision meeting, a great deal of discussion centered upon the kinds of opportunities that might follow in the wake of DelDOT's "Complete Streets" policy, including

• Retrofitted bike lanes to the left of right turn only lanes,

• Bike-friendly training for traffic engineers,

• Better road crossing infrastructure (e.g. lighting, refuge islands, hot response signals, etc.) and

• Bike-friendly roundabouts (instead of right turn only lanes)

Some or all of these things might have happened even without a formal policy. None of them will happen automatically even with a formal policy. We may or may not see them happen as DelDOT decides exactly how it will implement the policy. But Bike Delaware can help bicyclists - and DelDOT - by synthesizing the views of bicyclists and then presenting these views in a reasoned, comprehensive and unified way to DelDOT. By being organized and clear, we can, and will, affect how DelDOT's "Complete Streets" policy is implemented in 2011 in Delaware.

White Clay Creek SP Proposed Trail Plan Review

The above says it all. Please make every effort to attend. Go to the original news release HERE, including a link to the Trail Plan itself. Hope to see you there!

New Castle County Land Use Meeting #2 - Transportation

If we were to pick one land use meeting of the 12 scheduled, this Wednesday night Feb. 9 is it. Bike Delaware asks everyone who can attend on behalf of bicyclists and pedestrians to please do so. Land use planning is critical in gaining non-motorized connections between communities. It also cements the county's goals for tighter development patterns, with emphasis on biking, walking, transit, and open space preservation. It provides the fabric for active, healthy living.

These meetings are scheduled for 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Gilliam Building, 77 Reads Way, Corporate Commons. This one will be focused on Mobility & Transportation, which is one of a series to discuss how Land Use and County Council will plan for and process development applications. It is a 5-year cycle. The last document was created about 4 years ago (2007) and reflected very little public requests for consideration.

We need strong attendance and participation so that the needs of the non-motorized are incorporated into this planning process. We are not there just to listen or to offer comments for the public record. This is our chance, it is our responsibility to make our voices heard, and take on the developers and their attorneys who have had almost complete influence on how the process is directly or indirectly handled. DelDOT officials will also be on hand and taking questions regarding their roll and involvement in the Comprehensive Plan Update.

If you are unable to ride to the Gilliam Bldg (understandable by all means), please consider wearing at least one item that indicates you're a bicyclist, or a runner/jogger for that matter. For example, a helmet, reflective vest, hat, bike-centric jewelery, etc.

You may also visit the Rails to Trails Conservancy's "Benefits" web page for plenty of talking points and answers when discussing bike-able/walkable communities. You may find this quite valuable in taking on the "CAVE People" (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) who will also be showing up to strike down livable concepts. The more of us are present, however, the less NCC planners will hear from them on how NOT to manage land use.

See our previous entry for full meeting info, including map to the Gilliam Building.

Newark bicycle LOS not reflected in on-road snow removal

At 4.7% bicycle mode share, Newark ranks among the highest in the U.S. That and their recent award as a Bicycle Friendly Community (Bronze, BFC) should see at least some effort made to keep the city's main bike lanes and popular shoulder routes reasonably clear of snow. But, as seen in this photo weeks after a recent storm, that doesn't appear to be the case. And it doesn't bode well for UD students just returning from Winter Break.

"I am very disappointed" said Tom Motz, of the 1000 block of S. Chapel Street Ext and a frequent patron of the Home Grown Cafe among others on his bike. "The piles completely block the bike lane. I know it's difficult and you don't want to push it up on the sidewalk either, but they could leave at least a few feet behind the white line so bikes can stay out of the traffic lanes. This is asking for a road rage incident".

That said, we commend Charlie Emerson and his Public Works Department for a superb job in clearing snow on the city's off road facilities. The James F. Hall Trail is viewed as the model of bike path maintenance, landscaping, and clearing of all hazards from tree limbs to several feet of snow.

Now we must convince Newark that its on-road facilities deserve equal (or at least some) attention.

Public Workshop: Plantation/Cedar Grove/Postal Lane Intersection Realignment

The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will be holding a public workshop to receive public input on the proposed realignment of the Plantation Road/Cedar Grove Road/Postal Lane intersection. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 in the Cape Henlopen High School cafeteria, located at 1250 Kings Highway in Lewes (map). The public is invited to attend any time between 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The project would allow for the realignment of these roadways to provide a correct perpendicular intersection. This safety project will also widen the intersection to provide for separate turn lanes in each direction. Bicycle lanes and some sidewalks will be provided within the project limits.

Attendees will have an opportunity to review display materials and provide comments to DelDOT representatives. 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.

This location is accessible to persons having disabilities. Any person having special needs or requiring special aid, such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired, is requested to contact DelDOT by phone or mail one week in advance. For further information contact Public Relations at 1-800-652-5600 (in DE) or 302-760-2080 or write to the above address. Go to the press release HERE.

The intersection of Plantation Road/Cedar Grove Road/Postal Lane circled above. Its parallel alignment with Route 1 has it a much preferred alternative for recreational and commuting bicyclists. Plans to add dedicated right turn-only lanes reduce safety for the non-motorized. If they cannot be defeated, we must ensure that bike & ped facilities are planned and carefully implemented.

A Sign of the Times

Think there will ever be funding for something as simple as clearing snow from a bus stop, not to mention the poorly maintained multi-use path along the highway itself? Think again. Starting next year, DelDOT's highway trust fund will fall short by at least $50 million without an influx of cash, and the deficit will rise to hundreds of millions within a few years. The fund now gets money primarily from the fuel tax, vehicle documentation fees and tolls.

Many legislators say increasing those charges for Delaware residents is unacceptable, especially in light of a weak economy and a year of management troubles for the agency. Raising any kind of taxes or fees is political suicide, yet basic services such as plowing streets (never mind non-motorized pathways) requires paying for them. So what is the answer?

The same high volume multi-use path sits under those piles of snow pictured at top. Bikes and peds rely on this unmaintained facility given no other choice along the Rt.72 corridor - except the high speed lanes themselves.