Bike Delaware News

We've Moved

2011-09-23T23:31:00.017-04:00

Bike Delaware News Has Relocated

We would like to announce that after about 11 months of effort and lots of talk Bike DE finally went live with their new website. The site is still at the original address: http://www.bikede.org/

This new site will combine the old website content along with the blog content. A one stop shop for Bike DE! As a precaution, we will not delete this blog until we are 100% configured and functional. There will be no new entries posted here, however.

The only items our users need to adjust for this change is to update any RSS feeds you might have configured to use http://www.bikede.org/feed/ rather than the old blogger address. Also, remove the word "index" from our home page address on any bookmarks, links, or shortcuts you may have saved (right click, "properties").

The new site will continue to evolve over the coming months as Bike DE continues to grow so keep coming back to see what is new!

Thank you,

Bike DE Public Relations and Web Crew

BOD

2011-09-23T12:21:00.005-04:00

Bicycle-Oriented Development

A lot of folks have heard about "TOD" ("transit-oriented development"). Why can't we have "BOD" ("bicycle-oriented development") too?

By Linda Baker

Published September 20, 2011 in the New York Times

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland is nationally recognized as a leader in the movement to create bicycle-friendly cities. About 7 percent of commuters here travel by bike (the national average is under 1 percent) and the city has an ambitious plan, adopted last year, to increase that proportion to 25 percent by 2030.

Until recently, Portland’s bike initiatives focused on improving the transportation infrastructure, said Roger Geller, the city’s bicycle coordinator. But as businesses awaken to the purchasing power of cyclists, “bicycle-supported developments” are also beginning to appear around town, Mr. Geller said. These are residential and commercial projects built near popular bikeways and outfitted with cycling-related services and amenities.

An indoor bike rack at EcoFlats in Portland

Montreal Gazette: Cyclists need be cowboys no more

2011-09-23T09:51:00.001-04:00

by Mira Katnick
September 19, 2011
Published in the Montreal Gazette

Montreal -- For those who hadn’t biked in Montreal prior to its recent transformation into a bicycling city, I would like to explain how it was to be an urban cyclist. Cyclists had to take on a different mentality; some would say they had to act like cowboys. We became cowboys because there was no place for cyclists in the city. There were no apparent regulations for cyclists, so we had to make our own rules. We’d go through intersections on walk signals; no one wanted us on the roads, so we’d follow the rules of the sidewalk. We’d go on green lights with a no-walk signal; no one wanted us on the sidewalk either, so we’d follow the rules of the road. We had to jostle our way between parked cars and speeding traffic, keeping a careful eye out for parked cars opening doors. We’d dread having to play tag with city buses, which ride at the same pace as a bicycle, weaving in and out of the path of bicycles to reach bus stops. The only way to get out of bus tag is to get ahead by running red lights. Cycling through red lights was also a necessity in order to get ahead of the adjacent traffic that would tend to turn right as soon as the light would turn green without signalling or checking for bikes. Thankfully, through the perseverance of the bicycling community in co-operation with the cities on the island of Montreal, an incredible network of appropriate bicycle paths has been built, giving access to a growing population of urban bicyclists. With this transformation there is a slow but sure change in the mentality of cyclists. We now have a dedicated place on the roads. With this newly established sense of place comes pride for our space and a desire to hold onto it and ensure that these paths are not taken away from us. We have a place to commute without jostling amongst opening doors and bus routes. We are seeing (in most places) that priority is given to cyclists at intersections and that traffic lights take into account the requirements of the cyclist. At first we had to yell at cars and pedestrians to remind them to heed the newly paced traffic lights, but now even the other cowboys on the road are starting to follow the rules set up around cyclists. I have heard on numerous occasions surprise to see cyclists stopping at red lights and stop signs, but I’m not surprised. Civil obedience is the outcome of giving a group a place in society. [Full article ...]

Senator Coons' Office Tells Us About World Carfree Day

2011-09-23T05:50:00.004-04:00

Yesterday (September 22) was "World Carfree Day" which we know because Senator Coons' office told us (while simultaneously giving a very nice shout-out to Bike Delaware on the Senator's blog.)

Senator Coons' staff is clearly on the ball. (And doing our job for us.)

Read the Senator's blog HERE.

Ride this Saturday for a fossil fuel-free future!

2011-09-22T00:15:00.002-04:00

Join us on Sept 24 for a ride to several alternative energy projects, begun or planned, in New Castle County. We'll gather at Limestone Presbyterian Church in Hockessin at 7:30 to leave at 8, biking first to the PBF Refinery in Delaware City to encourage them to test a carbon capture process on some of their land. Other stops will include a wind turbine, a planned solar park, commercial composting, reforestation, a fuel cell, and vehicle-to-grid electric car manufacture. All in a roughly 38-mile loop.

Or, join us after the long ride, back at the church, for speakers, tune-ups from the Urban Bike Project, information about climate change in Delaware and what you can do about it, and more, from 1 to 3. Come on your bike, and dress for attention during your ride! 350.org shirts and banners encouraged. Limestone is just 8 miles from Wilmington, and 8 miles from Newark.

Check back for confirmation of the times the week before the event. See you on the 24th as we move beyond fossil fuels! Event webpage, RSVP HERE.

View Larger Map

The True Cost of Driving

2011-09-21T22:26:00.008-04:00

From World Carfree Network

Probably the most comprehensive analysis ever compiled on auto dependency. Also see What Does Driving Really Cost

Some Statistics:
The typical American male devotes more than 1,600 hours a year to his car. He sits in it while it goes and while it stands idling. He parks it and searches for it. He earns the money to put down on it and to meet the monthly installments. He works to pay for petrol, tolls, insurance, taxes and tickets. He spends four of his sixteen waking hours on the road or gathering resources for it. And this figure does not take account of the time consumed by other activities dictated by transport: time spent in hospitals, traffic courts and garages: time spent watching automobile commercials or attending consumer education meetings to improve quality of the next buy. The model American puts in 1,600 hours to get 7,500 miles: less than five miles an hour. (6)

Contents:

China's Car Culture: The Numbers

All of this, not to mention the huge toll on wildlife, probably measured in the millions of deaths every year. Some drivers even aim for and deliberately run over animals, including this beautiful Box Turtle found crushed at the very edge of the road.

e-How: Bicycle to work for a tax deduction

2011-09-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

As seen on e-How.com

Do any of our readers participate in this program? Please share your comments.

It's great to save money and get exercise, and biking to work can be a beneficial way to achieve both. Not only will you save money on gas and car repairs, you can even profit by staying off the motorways. Former President Bush signed into law the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act, which gives each commuter a tax break and credit for their environmentally sound decision.

Instructions:

1) Contact your employer and let him know your intention to begin biking to work. Ask if the employer is currently participating in the Bicycle Commuter Benefit Act. All employers are eligible, and there is no reason for them to deny the benefit or back out of the program.

2) Purchase a bicycle and save the receipts for all bicycle-related expenses. These can include repairs, tires, locks, helmet, clothes and bags. Present this information to your employer. Once your employer has this information, it must file with the federal government to participate in the program.

3) Begin commuting on bicycle to work [continue reading...]

Move By Bike

2011-09-21T08:02:00.002-04:00

No Truck. But A Substantial Amount of Beer

Bike Delaware News Special Interview: Marty Drinan

2011-09-20T09:00:00.002-04:00

Bike Delaware News recently caught up with Marty Drinan, Secretary with the Wilmington Ski Club and an active member of multiple other non-profit organizations. When it comes to action alerts, Marty is easily Bike Delaware’s most consistent responder. So much so, he even made the trip downstate on a weeknight - in a Prius no less - to advocate for the Georgetown-Lewes Rail Trail.

FW: Marty, welcome to Bike Delaware News.
MD: Frank, thanks for having me, it's always a pleasure.

FW: How many miles roundtrip is your commute, and how many days per week do you ride?
MD: 12 miles round trip and 1-4 days/ week during late spring to fall.

FW: How many years have you been riding, and what's your longest ever ride?
MD: Resumed riding in 1995 when I got a new bike. The longest daily ride is about 95 miles.

FW: What other careers have you had before Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics?
MD: Farming, Chemical Plant Operator, Research Chemist.

FW: Tell us some of your favorite pastimes when you are not on the bike.
MD: Beer brewing, Square-dancing, Repairing the Wilmington and Western Tourist Railroad, Ushering at the Grand Opera House, Reading, Cooking.

FW: What other non-profit organizations have you served or volunteered with?
MD: Wilmington Ski Club, Bike DE, Rails to Trails, Adventure Cycling, Wilmington and Western, National Railroad Historical Society, NorDel Model Railroad Club, First State Brewers, Saengerbund HausBrauers, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, Grand Opera House, Circle Four Square Dance Club, English Country Dance Club.

FW: What do you most enjoy about your commute, and the least enjoy?
MD: Cycling to work helps reduce my weight. Cracks in the road, glass, debris.

FW: Is there special bike equipment or technology you couldn't do without?
MD: Airfree tires or Slime tubes and tread bands. Can't do without the helmet mirror!

FW: Where do you find your nitch in bike advocacy?
MD: Answering action alerts, as I find it easiest to fit them in my schedule.

FW: Have you ever completed a multi-day bike tour?
MD: Vermont, Cape Cod, Western Pennsylvania.

FW: What do you think needs to happen if more folks are to take up biking in Delaware?
MD: Traffic calming, off alignment bikeways, complete streets, increasing gas prices.

Dinner with the ladies; a night out on the 2004 Tour of Cape Cod.

Marty rides the Cape Cod Rail Trail

More time spent with the lovely ladies of the Wilmington Ski Club; this time at the Harp 'N Bard in Clifton, NJ.

Delaware Transportation Spending Strategy #9

2011-09-19T17:14:00.006-04:00

Where Bicycling Shows Up in the State's Spending Priorities

About a month before the Delaware General Assembly passed "Walkable, Bikeable Delaware", Governor Jack Markell signed Executive Order #26, releasing an updated "State Strategies for State Policies and Spending". What the heck are "State Strategies for State Policies and Spending"? Well, in a nutshell (also known as an Executive Summary) these "strategies" are supposed to "coordinate land-use decision-making with the provision of infrastructure and services in a manner that makes the best use of our natural and fiscal resources."

Agriculture, the environment, education and more...they all have spending "strategies" that we're supposed to be following in Delaware so that limited resources are spent wisely. At Bike Delaware, however, our particular focus is on transportation and bicycling. Does the state recognize bicycling as a prudent investment? Do we show up anywhere in the state's transportation spending priorities?

Indeed, we do. Delaware's official top transportation spending strategies include maintaining the current transportation system (#1), improving the traffic-signal system (#2), making investments to reduce injuries and fatalities (#4) and building sidewalk networks (#8). State transportation strategy #9 is

"Collaborate to link cities and towns by a network of off-alignment multi-use paths that can be used by commuters in addition to recreational pedestrians and bicyclists."

So, there you have it. We're not the state's #1 transportation strategy. That should not come as a surprise. But we are on the list even if only at #9. That's an important acknowledgement and, given the miniscule number of people who currently use a bike as their main way to commute in Delaware, a remarkably visionary action by the state. Let's build on that opportunity.

Governor Jack's Tour Postponed

2011-09-19T09:57:00.002-04:00

By Kirsten Louis

Last week New Castle County and Delaware suffered a great loss when Sgt. Joseph Szczerba was killed in the line of duty.

Sgt. Szczerba's funeral services are scheduled for Friday, September 23rd. Due to this scheduling conflict, Gov. Markell must reschedule the Tour of Delaware. I will follow up in a few days with another date that works for Gov. Markell's calendar.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me either by email at kirsten@markell.org or by cell (302) 650-8777.

All the best,
--
Kirsten Louis
Markell for Delaware
office: (302) 322-8800
cell: (302) 650-8777

An "I95" For Bicycling Between Wilmington and Newark?

2011-09-19T09:17:00.009-04:00

Is it possible to build a limited access "I95" for bicycling between Wilmington and Newark? Hop on and turn one way and arrive in minutes at the Wilmington Riverfront and the Wilmington Train Station? Or turn the other way and head to the Pomeroy Trail and downtown Newark?

Let's find out. Meeting details HERE.

2011 Mountain Bike Jamboree scheduled for Oct. 2

2011-09-18T22:59:00.000-04:00

Join the Delaware Trail Spinners on Sunday October 2nd (rain date Sunday October 23rd) from 9am – 3pm for group rides for all ability levels on marked trails, great food from Fast Eddie's, beer from Dogfish Head, live music, bike games including the ‘Earn Your Wings’ Pixie Bike Race sponsored by GT Bikes, bike shop and vendor tents, and much more. Bring the family and enjoy a day of riding and celebrating at beautiful Fair Hill. You won’t want to miss it!

Bike Demos:
Test ride a brand new mountain bike from GT Bikes on our marked demo route.

Raffle Prizes:
We have some great prizes for the raffle this year. And as always, 100% of proceeds from the raffle (and registration) go toward local trail building projects. Look for prizes from the following great companie:

GT Bikes – Complete GT mountain bike

Twin Six - Cycling jerseys, socks and water bottles

Dogfish Head – Cycling jerseys, socks and wall signs

House Industries – Wool cycling jersey

Osprey Hydration Packs – Osprey Viper Hydration Pack

And many more to come!

Registration/Schedule:

Registration opens at 8:30am, with group rides beginning at 9:00am. After the ride, join us back at the Fairgrounds. The festivities will be begin at noon.

Food:

Fast Eddie's will be there with great BBQ, plus burgers, dogs and sides for sale. Of course, you're also welcome to bring or grill your own lunch if you wish.

Cost:

$10 for IMBA members (must show IMBA membership card), $15 for non-members. Kids 16 & under: $5. Kids 12 & under: FREE. Parking fee included in cost of admission.

Location:

Fair Hill Fairgrounds on Rt. 273 in Elkton, Maryland (same location as the Fair Hill Classic Mountain Bike Race).

For more information, visit the event webpage HERE.

Reply letter from Senator Tom Carper

2011-09-18T22:13:00.002-04:00

Dear Mr. Warnock:

Thank you for contacting my office to express your support for funding for Transportation Enhancement activities and for a clean extension of federal surface transportation funding and programs. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter and I am pleased to inform you that my colleagues and I recently passed a clean extension of the surface transportation program, ahead of its scheduled expiration on September 30, 2011, in order to give Congress more time to debate a long-term transportation bill. The extension will tide the program over until the end of March 2012.

As a senior member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the matter of maintaining our nation's infrastructure is of the utmost importance to me. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, our infrastructure is in woeful condition, and transportation infrastructure is no exception. As you know, on August 10, 2005, President George W. Bush signed into law the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). As a member of the committee that crafted SAFETEA-LU, I helped secure $63.6 million in new highway, transit, bridge, rail and "smart growth" projects in all three Delaware counties. SAFETEA-LU expired on September 30, 2009, and is currently operating under short-term extensions.

With that said, I strongly agree with you that Congress must take action to consider and adequately fund a comprehensive, more long-term reauthorization measure soon, so that we have the chance to address the problems in our nation's transportation system. I am a strong advocate of expanding transit and alternative transportation options. We face ever-worsening congestion on our roads and limited capacity on our rail lines. It is clear to me that the American people want more transportation options and better transit infrastructure—in both urban and rural areas. Like you, I would like to see a more widespread public transportation system in Delaware and throughout the country.

As you mentioned, Transportation Enhancement activities, the Safe Routes to School Program, and the Recreational Trails Program offer funding opportunities to help expand transportation choices, including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, multi-modal trails, scenic and historic highway programs, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation. I assure you that I understand the importance of these programs. As Congress considers a comprehensive, more long-term reauthorization bill, I will be sure to keep your views about these programs in mind.

In closing, federal funding is necessary for maintaining the safety and quality of our infrastructure, while at the same time creating jobs and stimulating state and local economies. I believe it will take a combination of innovative approaches to build the financial base that this nation requires to adequately address our transportation needs. I look forward to considering further improvements to the ways we fund and implement infrastructure projects in the upcoming transportation reauthorization bill. When the transportation reauthorization bill comes before the full Senate for a vote, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Sincerely, Tom Carper, United States Senator

Delaware advocates met with Senator Carper and presented him with an award at the 2011 National Bike Summit held in Washington, DC. L-R: Amy Wilburn (Delaware Bicycle Council), Frank Warnock (Bike DE), Senator Tom Carper, John McCormick (White Clay Bicycle Club) and Ceci McCormick (also WCBC).

More MUTCD Humor

2011-09-17T07:04:00.000-04:00

We won! Federal support for bicycling is preserved

2011-09-16T16:44:00.000-04:00

By Tim Blumenthal, Director, Peopleforbikes.org

The U.S. Senate affirmed its time-tested support of bicycling Thursday by forcing Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma to withdraw his proposal to eliminate dedicated funding for the Transportation Enhancements program.

Peopleforbikes.org supporters and our advocacy partners influenced this outcome by sending close to 50,000 emails and making thousands of phone calls to their U.S. Senators in just 48 hours. Thank you!

As a result, funding for all federal transportation programs has now been extended to March 31, 2012. The key, cost-effective programs that make bicycling safer and easier -- Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails -- will continue to receive modest, dedicated support -- about 1.5 percent of the total federal transportation investment.

Every U.S. Senate office received an unprecedented number of well-crafted emails and articulate phone calls this week from people who bike. This powerful show of support for bicycling made a strong impression on Congress and influenced the positive outcome.

We reminded the Senate that bicycling investments support a growing number of transportation trips coast to coast, and save government agencies money on road repairs, parking infrastructure costs, and health-care costs. They recognize that this is a small investment with a big payback that makes Americans safer.

A huge thanks to the thousands of Americans, our supporters, who rallied quickly to contact their elected officials on this challenge. We will continue to keep you posted on key issues and opportunities that affect the future of bicycling in the United States.

I hope you'll join me in taking a ride this weekend to celebrate!

Too Many Cyclists

2011-09-16T14:46:00.007-04:00

by Amelia Hill

Published in the Guardian

September 9, 2010

Can there be too many bikes in a city for safety? It's not a question usually asked: the received wisdom, supported by research and backed by campaigning groups, is that the more cyclists there are, the safer the roads become for everyone.

But in Copenhagen – one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world in which 36% of its inhabitants cycle to work or school, and which has committed to increasing that figure to 50% by 2015 – there are controversial voices coming from unexpected places.

According to the Danish Cyclists' Federation and Wonderful Copenhagen, the official tourism organisation for Denmark, the sheer success of the drive to get more locals and tourists on bikes is creating a dangerous, intimidating and unpleasant climate for cyclists in the city.

"In Copenhagen, we have quite extraordinary problems around cycling congestion," said Aneh Hajdu, of Wonderful Copenhagen. "I don't take my children on their bikes into Copenhagen at rush hour any more. It's too dangerous and scary. I just wouldn't risk it."

Read rest of article>>

*******************

Bike Delaware is concerned about this issue but we think several more decades of poor land use and transportation investment decisions may help us avoid Copenhagen's unhappy predicament.

In other stories, a famous actress is concerned about having too much money.

Together For The First Time

2011-09-16T07:47:00.001-04:00

Joint Meeting of the Wilmington Bicycle Advisory Committee and Newark Bicycle Committee

When: September 28 at 4PM

Where: WILMAPCO (850 Library Avenue, Newark)

Agenda: "Off-alignment" multi-use path connecting Wilmington and Newark

Questions? Email wbd@bikede.org

Drivers smash the illusion that we're a rational society

2011-09-15T17:36:00.000-04:00

From the Canberra Times

Not long after Henry Ford drove the car into mainstream American life, a new area of psychology began to flourish. Its aim, in layman's terms, was to understand why apparently normal people become complete arseholes behind a steering wheel. Leon Brody's 1955 book, The psychology of problem drivers, concluded that ''problem drivers are problem people; or rather, people with problems, including problems of which they often are not aware''. Until then, researchers had believed most crashes were caused by physical shortcomings such as slow reflexes, poor eyesight and glare-recovery time. But, as Herbert Stack wrote in the Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine in 1956, ''[In] all of our studies, these characteristics have been found to have little significance. The real causes of accidents are far more deep-seated. They have to do with our attitudes, our emotions, and our judgments.''

We don't need to read this in journals; it's evident to any observant driver, even on Canberra's comparatively calm roads. Once inside a car, a harsh self-interest replaces many civilians' usual willingness to co-operate. Driving becomes less a means of travelling efficiently than a competition to get ahead of nearby ''rivals''. We throw caution out the window in favour of cutting our journeys by seconds. Drivers who are mild mannered in all other aspects of life become enraged by the perceived slights of other motorists (and especially cyclists). And almost no one respects basic road rules such as speed limits and the requirement to indicate; somehow, when we're in a car, these laws become optional. [Continue reading...]

2011 Savage Century only one month away

2011-09-15T12:19:00.003-04:00

By Craig Hall, WCBC Event Director

It’s fall once again, and that means it’s time for the final major WCBC event for the year: the 2011 edition of the Savage Century! Plans are well underway for another great ride! A great weather forecast is on order, given that for the past 2 years, we’ve had rain and then wind. The 3^rd year will be the charm, with comfortable fall weather, and scenic autumn riding in the hills of Chester and Lancaster Counties. Come out and enjoy the cooler weather after the hazy, hot and humid summer days (and canceled rides) we all endured!

This year’s ride is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, beginning once again at the W.L. Gore facility on Barksdale Road, just south of Newark. Registration opens at 7AM. The same 4 routes (40, 60, 75, and 100 miles) as last year will again be used, so we’ll have rest stops at both Nottingham County Park (all routes) and out at the Colemanville Church (on the 100-mile route).

Check the WCBC website for more information and registration links.

Also, in order to continue the outstanding tradition and reputation of WCBC major events, I’m hoping I can count on a number of you to volunteer some of your time on the day of the event to help with setup, registration, SAG, rest stops, and cleanup! We need ~ 15 – 20 volunteers. Please let me know as quickly as possible if you would be willing to volunteer. If you have volunteered for the Savage Century before, please let me know if you have a preference as to where you’d like to volunteer. Also, if you are willing to put on your baker’s hat and maybe even test a new recipe, please let me know. These home-baked treats are clearly a favorite of the cyclists who participate in our events.

Volunteers: Please send your replies to: SavageCentury@WhiteClayBicycleClub.org

I’m looking forward to another successful Savage Century, and with your help, the Club’s tradition of hosting great rides will continue. Thanks for your continued support!

Sept 6 Meeting with Secretary Shailen Bhatt - Notes

2011-09-15T11:56:00.000-04:00

By Carol Ireland, White Clay Bicycle Club President

Amy Wilburn with the Delaware Bicycle Council reached out to Secretary Shailen Bhatt to talk about her council's activities and discuss some of their concerns. His response was to make this meeting as all inclusive if possible. He is very interested in hearing from the bicycling community. Senator Robert Venables and representatives from the Delaware Bicycle Council, Bike Delaware, Nemours Health and Prevention Services, the Wilmington and Newark bicycle committees, WILMAPCO, Dover/Kent County MPO, White Clay Bicycle Club, Sussex Cyclists and the Urban Bike Project all met with Secretary Bhatt on September 6 at the DelDOT offices in Dover.

The format of the session was quite informal, with various participants sharing their perspectives on the particular focus of each organization, what is going well in Delaware (with particular emphasis on the $5 million in the bond bill), and what the key issues are. These include: driver education regarding bicyclists' rights, discontinuous bike facilities, the need for ongoing maintenance of bike paths, and maximizing federal dollars to match the state dollars allocated for bikeways. Secretary Bhatt was an excellent listener, and seemed to understand both the positives and issues, based on his experiences directing an MPO in Kentucky and with the Federal Highway Administration in Washington, DC as well as his few months in Delaware.

Also notable for his listeners, Secretary Bhatt chose a home for his family near Wesley College in Dover, located so he can bike to work. He told us that one of his goals for Delaware is to move the state back into the top 10 bike friendly states, as judged by the League of American Bicyclists. I think he means it! He understands that there are a number of bike-related projects that have been planned because of the new and unprecedented funds voted by the General Assembly in the spring. It's time for DelDOT to have fewer meetings and more implementations. (This last was stated during a conversation with Secretary Bhatt at the ceremony to announce funding of the C&D Canal Recreational Trail.)

We thank the Secretary for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with Delaware advocates. We very much look forward to working with him to achieve a more bike-friendly Delaware.

Reply letter from Senator Chris Coons

2011-09-14T22:00:00.000-04:00

September 14, 2011

Dear Mr. Warnock:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for funding within the next surface transportation reauthorization bill to promote biking and walking as a means of transportation. I appreciate having the benefit of your views on this issue.

Designing our communities in a way that encourages walking and biking is an important way to make them more sustainable and resident friendly. Walking and biking not only reduces congestion on roadways, but also helps to create a better quality of life and a healthier lifestyle. I hope that Congress can work on a bipartisan basis to craft a transportation reauthorization bill that takes a comprehensive approach to our transportation challenges, including support for transportation enhancements, Public Lands Highway Discretionary funds, recreational trails, the Safe Routes to School Program, and high speed and traditional passenger rail. The existing transportation bill expires on Sept 30th of this year and I will be sure to keep your views in mind as the Senate continues its work on the surface transportation reauthorization bill.

Additionally, you may be interested to know that I am a strong supporter of constructing a greenway for biking, walking, jogging, and horseback riding along the banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal. I have been working closely with state leaders and the Delaware Congressional delegation to secure funding to begin this project. The greenway will encourage health and fitness, enhance an understanding of Delaware’s history and natural environment, and create jobs and bring business to towns along the Canal.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I am honored to represent Delaware in the United States Senate and truly value hearing from Delawareans on issues of concern. My website, www.coons.senate.gov, can provide additional details about my work in the Senate, including legislation and state projects. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.

Sincerely,

Christopher A. Coons

United States Senator

L-R: Frank Warnock, Greg Wood, Senator Coons, and Wally Hertler met at the Wilmington Amtrak Station before the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway Tour in June.

DelDOT Traffic Impact Study Regulations Workshop is TONIGHT

2011-09-14T16:23:00.017-04:00

Credit: Ian Lockwood

The Delaware Department of Transportation will be holding a public workshop, facilitated by the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration (IPA), to solicit community input on changes to its regulations regarding Traffic Impact Studies and Traffic Operational Analyses. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. in the Carvel State Office Building Auditorium (Mezzanine Level) in Wilmington, Delaware.

If you can't attend this evening's Workshop (or, even if you can) here are some earlier Bike Delaware unfair attacks on the profession of traffic engineering, for which we should be held accountable:

Wider. Straighter. Smoother. Faster

First, Do No Harm to Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Sussex County Council Includes Lewes-to-Georgetown In Its List of Transportation Priorities

2011-09-14T05:59:00.006-04:00

Meeting yesterday, the Sussex County Council discussed its 2012 – 2018 Capital Transportation Program Request to DelDOT. Among the County's identified transportation priorities is the 17 mile Lewes-to-Georgetown bike route, a long discussed and long overdue project.

Last week, the 6 mile Wilmington-to-New Castle Industrial Track, in New Castle County, became the first project in the state to benefit from the state bike route money voted by the General Assembly in June. The WILMAPCO Council voted to amend its Transportation Improvement Program, with $120,000 from state bike route funds to be matched by $480,000 in federal transportation (CMAQ) matching funds. By including Lewes-to-Georgetown in its list of transportation priorities to DelDOT, the Sussex County Council has made certain that Sussex County will be the next beneficiary of the General Assembly's commitment to a Walkable, Bikeable Delaware.

Progress on the Industrial Track and the Lewes-to-Georgetown route (plus the C&D Canal Trail) already marks 2011 as the most remarkable year for bicycling that Delaware has ever seen. So we're done, right? I mean all we hear about from Washington is how we're broke, American can't afford anything and we should all learn how to speak Chinese. Well, to quote a wise man (and Bike Delaware Board member): "Nuh-uh." We are not done. Not even close.

Advocacy Acronyms - a reference guide for the rest of us

2011-09-13T23:46:00.010-04:00

Bike and pedestrian advocacy acronyms got you down? Here is a quick and easy "cheat sheet" of the most popular terms used on Bike Delaware News!

AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

ADA: American Disabilities Act
ADT: Average Daily Traffic

ARRA: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

ARSI: Arterial Road Signalized Intersection
CMAQ: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

CMS: Congestion Management System

CTP: Capital Transportation Program
DNREC: Delaware Department of Natural Resources

DOT: Department Of Transportation

FHWA: Federal Highway Administration

HAWK: High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk

LAB: League of American Bicyclists

LOS: Level-of-Service

MPO: Metropolitan Planning Organization

MUP: Multi-Use Path

MUTCD: Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

NACTO: National Association of City Transportation Officials

NCC: New Castle County

NMWG: Non-Motorized Working Group
PAC: Public Advisory Committee (of an MPO)
ROW: Right Of Way

RTC: Rails to Trails Conservancy
RTOL: Right Turn-Only Lane

RTP: Long Range Transportation Plan

SAFETEA-LU: Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act

SHA: State Highway Administration (i.e. Maryland)

Sharrow: Shared Lane Marking

SHSP: State Strategic Highway Safety Plan
SOV: Single Occupancy Vehicle

SRTS: Safe Routes To School

STIP: State Transportation Improvement Program

TAC: Technical Advisory Committee (of an MPO)
TE: Transportation Enhancements

TIP: Transportation Improvement Program
TMA: Transportation Management Association

VMT: Vehicle Miles Traveled

WCBC: White Clay Bicycle Club

WILMAPCO: Wilmington Area Planning Council

And last, but not least ....

SALMON: Contraflow bicyclist (illegally opposing traffic), or?

It's Good to Have Friends When the You Know What Hits the Fan

2011-09-13T15:38:00.019-04:00

Senator Tom Coburn, (R) of Oklahoma, is planning to ask Congress to eliminate the federal Transportation Enhancements program – the primary source for nearly all dedicated federal bike and pedestrian funding. His proposal will likely come up for a vote in a matter of days.

This Amendment would strip Enhancements from SAFETEA-LU, and might affect Delaware's chance at fully leveraging the $5M that was recently set aside in the bond bill. At a 4:1 match, this amounts to $20M that could be made available to us on top of the $5M, unless Mr Coburn has his way. That could be enough to build a safe and secure bikeway network throughout Delaware!

This program has funded 20 years of sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and trails. Eliminating it is dangerously out of step with the facts: 14 percent of all traffic fatalities are people on foot or bike, and 12 percent of all trips are taken on foot or bike. In Delaware, we are now just beginning to reverse the trend of being among the highest nationally in bike/ped fatalities - and we need this program in order to continue in the right direction, yet Mr Coburn sees fit to make it a priority for elimination.

Bike Delaware has been in contact with Delaware's entire congressional delegation. They are aware of how valuable these federal programs are to Delaware. We are extremely fortunate that both of our Senators and one Representative are staunch supporters of multi-modalism and safety.

Our representatives are fighting for us. But, like everyone else, they appreciate being thanked for their hard work on our behalf.

Contact Tom Carper | Contact Chris Coons

You may copy/paste directly from this blog post if necessary (and/or include the link). Or, Use T4A's on-line action alert to send a pre-written letter HERE.

Watch for further alerts as the next several days unfold.

Wilmington to Newark "Off-Alignment" Multi-Use Path

2011-09-13T08:26:00.006-04:00

In May the General Assembly passed a Resolution – with a little help from Bike Delaware, Nemours and others - directing DelDOT to build “multi-use paths for pedestrian and bicycle user travel within and between cities and towns in Delaware on independent right-of-way outside of the right-of-way of existing roadways.” Combined with the recent vote of the General Assembly last month allocating $5,000,000 for state bike routes, Bike Delaware has helped to create an opportunity that would have been unthinkable just 1 year ago:

We have the opportunity – now - to advocate that some of the state bike route money that we worked so very hard to secure be used to begin planning for an “off-alignment” Wilmington-to-Newark multi-use path. Connecting Delaware’s largest city and 3rd largest (and only “bike friendly”) city along independent right-of-way (i.e. not next to roads), and passing through areas that comprise a significant percentage of the state’s population, it is difficult to overstate the impact that a Wilmington-to-Newark “off-alignment” Bikeway would have for Delaware.

Want to learn more, and throw your support behind this project? Come out and join both the Newark Bicycle Committee and the Wilmington Bicycle Advisory Committee as they participate in their very first joint meeting. The two will spend ample time going over the details, including maps of the different alignment options. In short, they are planning to lay the beginning foundation of what amounts to a socioeconomic windfall.

Date and Time: Wednesday, September 28, at 4pm.

Location: WILMAPCO office, 850 Library Avenue, Suite 100 in Newark (map).

Questions? Email: wbd@bikede.org for more information.

The Tour De Cure Committee 2012 Kickoff Event

2011-09-12T18:48:00.003-04:00

Join the American Diabetes Association in honoring last years Tour De Cure committee, key sponsors, and volunteers. They will present awards mementos, and offer an overview of their 2011-2012 committee work. Those interested in joining can learn about open positions. The program will feature food, words from their youth ambassadors and families as well as an overview of the Tour DeCure event slates for May 12th 2012.

September 21, 2011, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Location: Firestone Roasting House located at The Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware (map). Must RSVP via email HERE.

WNJ letter: Vehicles should pay fair share before bikes taxed

2011-09-12T08:48:00.001-04:00

What a great letter to the editor in Saturday's Wilmington News Journal!

WNJ, Sept. 10, 2011 -- To argue that bicyclists should pay "their fair share" of infrastructure costs, be licensed and ride in perfect compliance with motor vehicle laws (that are designed to protect drivers from themselves that most routinely break) is to live in an alternate universe.

Half of all road costs are paid from general taxes. Vehicles inflict wear and tear at a ratio in proportion to the fourth power of their weight. In addition, gasoline is subsidized by the general taxpayer via ethanol and oil company subsidies. Add to that the cost of wars to maintain U.S. access to Mideast oil ($2.51 for every gallon of gas consumed in the U.S.). Add my inflated health care insurance premiums that subsidize treatment of asthma due to high levels of particulate matter in the air and treatment for the obesity and diabetes epidemic in the US resulting from bad diets and sedentary lifestyles.

As a healthy person who walks or rides a bike for most of my trips, I am woefully subsidizing every gallon of gas and every vehicle mile traveled in the U.S. In fact, I could argue that at least a quarter of all my taxes directly or indirectly go toward subsidizing other people's driving habits. [continue reading ...]

Bicyclists mob Amish Tour, demolish prior attendance record

2011-09-11T22:06:00.008-04:00

A brief recap of the Amish Country Tour on Saturday Sept. 10

Not even a 50% chances of rain (NOAA) was going to get in the way of this one. A record 1,700+ riders participated in the Amish Country Tour on September 10, shattering last year's number by over 400. On hand for the first time were several large teams, including "Team DelDOT" led by Shailen Bhatt, Transportation Secretary, and his wife Neelam who completed the 25 mile loop.

An unexpected late surge by day of event registrants pushed the start time closer to 8:30am, but it was worth the wait to ensure everyone had the chance for a mass start. Once off, it was as though a gigantic cycling amoeba overtook the City of Dover and beyond. It was a steady stream up every road for as far as the eye could see.

A noted change in this year's event was the lack of "goody bags" at registration. Promotional items, usually making up most of the contents, were placed in large bins and were optional for the taking. This eliminated the customary finding someplace to put it, usually a second trip to the car for most folks. The organizers were extremely helpful in accepting Bike Delaware tabling materials (banner, brochures, etc) at the start and setting them up in the publicity area after the registration crush was over.

Below are some photos taken on the day. A big tip of the helmet to Kent County Convention and Visitor's Bureau for stepping up to the challenge, and providing a great day out for everyone. Be sure to sign up asap for next year, as they attempt to break the 2,000 mark!

DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt and his wife Neelam proudly display their new DelDOT cycling jerseys as they roll out of town.

Another view, this time from the side, of Secretary Bhatt and his wife, Neelam.

A front view of the "peloton" (as some might refer to it), as they headed out beyond the Dover city limits.

Anthony Aglio, DelDOT's Bicycle Coordinator, and his daughter Maci enjoying what turned out to be a dry day throughout. No rain was going to spoil this parade!

Dan LaCombe, DelDOT Planner and assistant to Anthony (and a terrific help where state bike matters are concerned!), shows off his team's 3rd place trophy for highest number of participants.

Shifting Up

2011-09-11T19:24:00.001-04:00

By Drew Knox, President, Bike Delaware

In the first article in this series, I discussed a tremendous step forward for Delaware, and for bicycling in our state, when the General Assembly allocated in June $5,000,000 for state bike routes in the 2012 state budget. I described that as a home run as that was an order of magnitude more than was ever allocated in the past. It could be a grand slam if we receive a 4x match from the federal government as expected. We rightly gave much of the credit for that success to Governor Markell and to Senator Venables. Modestly, we believe that Bike Delaware also played a key role by meeting with senators and pressing them to pass a resolution to seek additional funding for bikeways, which opened the door for Markell.

In cycling terms, if our effort in 2010 represented our getting clipped in and coming out of the gate, this year we’re now well down the road and gaining momentum. Since my last writing, we’ve added two new key board members: Bill Osborne and Doug Tynan. Bill is COO of Springside Plaza and principal of William Osborne, Inc, an organization that provides consulting services for startups and not-for-profit organizations. Doug is a Senior Fellow at Jefferson School of Population Health and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Jefferson Medical College. In addition, we have filled two key committee chairs with Bob Ruddy taking on duties as Webmaster and Angela Cunneely guiding Membership. This additional leadership is essential to sustain and build on our early success.

There’s more big news. In August, Advocacy Advance selected Bike Delaware as one of four grant recipients from more than 60 applications. We were awarded a Capacity Building Grant of $10,000 to “help Bike Delaware create a national model to increase state bicycle and pedestrian funding.”

The grant from Advocacy Advance is intended to supplement but not replace other fund-raising efforts. It is a matching grant, which means we need to raise an equivalent amount of funds to get the full disbursement. We’ve come a long way in a short amount of time but we still have a long way to go to both match the grant and to become sustainable with a full-time staff. White Clay has provided a funding toe-hold for starting up, which the board has virtually matched out of pocket, but now more than ever we need your individual support to match the Advocacy Advance grant and to have similar success in 2012.

Please go to the donate section on our website or send a check to Bike Delaware c/o Gail E. Robillard, treasurer, at PO Box 9456, Wilmington, DE 19809. Please note “Bike Delaware Advocacy Advance Match” on your gift so we can double the value with funds from the grant.

Bicycle Visionary

2011-09-11T07:46:00.003-04:00

Janette Sadik-Khan

By Frank Bruni

September 10, 2011

Published in the New York Times

SOMETHING lovely and all too rare happened to Janette Sadik-Khan, New York City’s frequently demonized transportation commissioner, as she and I rode our bikes down Park Avenue South one morning last month: Sadik-Khan got unsolicited, unfettered praise.

It came from a young cyclist who happened to pull up beside us, glanced over at her and suddenly beamed.

Read article in New York Times>>

1st Ever CMAQ-Funded Bike Project in Delaware History

2011-09-11T07:00:00.003-04:00

New DelDOT Secretary Breaks 20 Year CMAQ Drought

The WILMAPCO Council has approved DelDOTs request for $480,000 in federal CMAQ ("Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality") transportation funds for the final phase of the Wilmington-to-New Castle Industrial Track for fiscal year 2012.

Every year the U.S. government sends approximately $12 million in CMAQ dollars to Delaware. But in the 20 year history of the CMAQ program, not one dime has ever been used for bicycling, greenways or trails in Delaware. Until now. We have broken a 20 year drought and also set an immensely hopeful precedent for the future:

Eight civic and business groups wrote the WILMAPCO Council in July urging this use of CMAQ funds to complete the Industrial Track. And many of these same groups also spoke to the WILMAPCO Technical Advisory Committee last month on the same issue.

Phase 1 of the Wilmington-to-New Castle Industrial Track

The CMAQ program was established by Congress in 1991 in order to encourage transportation investments that would mitigate congestion and improve air quality. Bike projects are eligible for CMAQ funds, but in 20 years DelDOT has never before used them for that purpose. Although he has only been on the job for 68 days, Shailen Bhatt is already changing how DelDOT - and Delaware - does business.

Camp Arrowhead's 1st Annual Bike to the Bitter End

2011-09-10T23:16:00.001-04:00

Camp Arrowhead's 1st Annual Bike to the Bitter End will be held Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9am to 5pm.

Proudly Sponsored by Lewes Cycle Sport, Dos Locos, & the Camp Arrowhead Alumni Association. All Proceeds benefit Camp Arrowhead.

We're offering Three Loops:

35 Miles: Start at Camp Arrowhead, travel on back roads to St. John’s Milton then back by way of St. George’s Chapel to camp. Map 1

20 Miles: Camp Arrowhead, turns at Conely’s Chapel through Beaver Dam to St. Georges Chapel and back to camp. Map 2

5 miles: Starts at Camp Arrowhead, takes Angola Road to 24, down to Peddler's Village and back to camp. Map 3

All riders must ride with a helmet. Children under 17 must ride with adult supervision. Children under 6 ride free. Event happens rain or shine!

Riders 18 and older can register for $35, riders ages 7-17 can register for $20, non-riders can register for $15.

Optional Saturday night cabin rental fee: $25.00 – Cabins sleep 10 and fit two families comfortably. They are first come/first served and are limited in number.

After the ride, participants will be served lunch and allowed to use the pool, climbing wall, ropes course. We will also have an afternoon DJ! Non riders are also invited to participate.

Obtain a registration form by following this link: http://camparrowhead.net/forms/bikeReg11.pdf

Contact Nancy Lafontaine for further information: seabreezelady2@aol.com

NY Times: GPS data can fill in crash details

2011-09-10T22:26:00.001-04:00

NY Times -- After racing and biking back roads on the San Francisco Peninsula for almost half a century without serious incident, on July 3 I crashed while riding downhill at more than 30 miles an hour. I knocked myself out, broke my nose and was left with lots of road rash and stitches on my face, as well as a deep gash above my knee that went all the way to the patella.

But when the paramedics picked me up and sent me to the hospital, I found that the worst thing I had sustained was a hole in my memory, lasting about 20 minutes. I had been riding by myself, and I had no idea what led me to crash.

I might have hit a pothole and been thrown off my bike. Worse, I might have passed out before crashing, a possible sign of a serious underlying condition.

What I do remember is this: Riding back from the Pacific Ocean after a long climb on a hot day, I started downhill. Some time later, I recall coming to, staring up at redwoods. [Read on...]

Cecil County MD Bicycle Plan Advisory Committee to meet on 9/12

2011-09-09T18:12:00.002-04:00

WILMAPCO, in coordination with Cecil County, Maryland departments (MDOT, SHA, MDP), municipalities, cyclists and other stakeholders will develop a Cecil County Bicycle Plan to establish recommendations for improved access and comfort of bicycling. The Plan will map proposed bicycle facilities, include an update of Cecil County recommendations outlined in the 2002 Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master Plan, identify where further bicycle investments should be made, and present actions for implementation. It will promote safe and enjoyable bicycling opportunities for commute, recreation, and fitness, and will link to other modes of transportation throughout Cecil County. This Plan will also improve Maryland’s Bicycle Friendly State ranking from the League of American Bicyclists by having county-level bicycle plans.

The development of this Plan will be guided under the direction of an Advisory Committee that will represent a variety of stakeholders and agencies needed to implement the Plan, such as county and state officials, municipalities, community groups, businesses, and citizens.

Plan Objectives

Identify best practices for bicycle transportation and their possible use in Cecil County
Evaluate existing bicycle conditions and identify gaps in the network
Identify links to other modes of transportation, including bus and rail, pedestrian connections and park and rides
Propose policies, programs and projects for achieving the plan goals
Develop an action-oriented implementation plan, including funding sources and partnerships

Meeting time and location: 3p.m. in the Perryville Conference Room of the Cecil County Administration Bldg in Elkton, MD, 200 Chesapeake Blvd
Elkton, MD 21921 (410) 996-5203

View Larger Map

Download the Cecil County Bike Plan Scope of Work

View the meeting agenda in pdf. Elkton Bicycle Plan HERE (unrelated).

A Blog Post Full of Government Gibberish or, In Praise of Bureaucrats

2011-09-09T14:26:00.006-04:00

(Poster's note: The decision last July by DelDOT to protect federal CMAQ program money from recission appears even more notable in the wake of the later decision to use federal CMAQ funds for the first time for a bike project in Delaware.)

Bike-Eligible Federal Program Money Protected By DelDOT

CMAQ. STP. FHWA. Rescission.

Still reading?

OK, if you can tolerate the mysterious government acronyms, this story is the government equivalent of one of those heartwarming Reader's Digest stories. It's a story about folks in Delaware state government doing their jobs well and protecting the public interest.

Back on July 1, the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking and Walking both sent out one of those depressingly frequent Calls For Action! that seem never ending:

League: "Raining on Everyone's Parade"

Alliance: "Urgent Action Needed: $2.5 Billion Rescission by July 8"

As the Alliance noted

"Yesterday [June 30], the Federal Highway Administration informed state Departments of Transportation of another rescission of funds, this time totaling $2.5 billion...States are given maximum flexibility about the source of the funds that are rescinded – from the following programs: Interstate Maintenance, National Highway System, Highway Bridge, Transportation Enhancements, Surface Transportation Program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement, Recreational Trails, Metropolitan Planning, State Planning and Research, and Equity Bonus...States have to respond by July 8. Yes, that’s right: one week from today...By now you all know the drill. Transportation Enhancement and Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds have consistently been inequitably targeted for rescissions in most states..."

These "rescission" (take back) demands come every year from the federal government but this year was different. Why? Because the day before the FHWA made its demand, the 146th Delaware General Assembly did something it had never done before. It voted a completely unprecedented $5,000,000 for state bike routes. With $5,000,000 in state money for bicycling, suddenly Delaware was in a position to access federal funds from two bike-eligible federal programs, CMAQ and STP.

In the first week of July, Bike Delaware made the argument to state decisionmakers that the action of the General Assembly had altered the landscape in Delaware and that CMAQ and STP should be protected from disproportionate recissions. In fact, we argued, these programs should be protected from recissions completely, so that those federal program dollars would be available to leverage the state bike route money voted by the General Assembly.

Last week, the FHWA released the state-by-state recission numbers. Result?

Delaware 2011 Rescission of federal CMAQ dollars: $0

Delaware 2011 Rescission of federal STP dollars: $0

"Bureaucrat" is the word people often choose when they want to imply something negative about either the motives or competence (or both) of people who work in government. This week, however, we rise to salute those Delaware "bureaucrats" who, responding to the will of the General Assembly, moved quickly to protect bike-eligible federal funds last month. We're not completely certain who they are, but they showed quick thinking and good judgement. We are lucky to have them in Delaware.

Team DelDOT to ride in the Amish Country Tour

2011-09-09T08:33:00.001-04:00

Newly appointed Secretary of Transportation, Shailen Bhatt, has assembled a team of approximately 24 DelDOT employees - including himself - to ride together in the upcoming Amish Country Tour. A record turnout for the event is expected this year. If you are participating, please be sure to say hello to members of Team DelDOT, as they wear their brand new, bright orange colored jerseys!

Of the 24, a few are friends or family members but nearly all are employees. Public Relations is in charge of purchasing the jerseys, so they should be plenty bright and very attractive. In addition to Secretary Bhatt and Anthony Aglio (Bicycle Coordinator), they also have a few bridge engineers, a design research engineer, design quality control engineer, subdivision project manager, real estate representative, administrative assistant, environmental scientist, a bridge inspector, and other planners to round out the group. DelDOT photographers will also be on hand to take photos at the event, so make sure to position yourself near the team.

Much of the progress made in Delaware, including a high Bicycle Friendly States ranking and Bronze award, is owed to their dedication, hard work, and willingness to work alongside the bicycle/pedestrian community. So again, please be sure to say hello and thank these folks for a job well done!

L-R: Amy Wilburn of the Delaware Bicycle Council, along with Dan LaCombe and Anthony Aglio of DelDOT lead the way during the 2010 Delaware Bike Summit rolling press conference.

WILMAPCO Amends TIP to Include Industrial Track

2011-09-08T22:19:00.013-04:00

The WILMAPCO Council voted this evening to amend the Transportation Improvement Program to include funding for design and engineering of the final phase of the Wilmington-to-New Castle Industrial Track.

This is Delaware's first ever "CMAQ"-funded bike project.

Last call for Governor Jack's Tour of Delaware

2011-09-08T17:35:00.001-04:00

By Kirsten Louis

Hello Tour de Delaware Riders!

Once again it is time to gear up to ride with our Governor on the 6th Annual Tour de Delaware! Jack will join with friends old and new, as we ride through our beautiful state of Delaware. The plan is to leave Newark at 9:00am, Friday, Sept. 23 and arrive at Woodburn, the Governor’s House in Dover at 3:30pm.

Details of the plan are as follows:

8:30am - Riders assemble
Newark – University of Delaware

9:00am - Riders depart Trabant University Center
University of Delaware (Intersection of South College Avenue (Rt.896) and Main Street, Newark Delaware

10:20am - Delaware City (mile 19) - (Snack stop)
Town Hall, 407 Clinton Street, Delaware City

12:45-1:45pm - Smyrna (mile 45) (Lunch)
Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC), 4876 Hay Point Landing Road (Rt.9), Smyrna, Delaware

3:15pm - Dover–Woodburn (mile 59)
The Governor's House, 151 King's Highway, Dover

To view the route, please visit HERE.

At the conclusion of the ride, riders and their families are invited to join Jack for a BBQ in the Gardens and on the porches of Woodburn. Transportation will be provided back to Newark after the reception. We sincerely hope you can join us for our 6th Tour de Delaware (and Jack’s 3rd as Delaware’s Governor)!

If you are interested in participating in this year’s ride please call or email Kirsten Louis ASAP so we can make sure to have PLENTY of Gatorade, granola bars, water bottles, healthy snacks, etc.

--
Kirsten Louis, Markell for Delaware
office: (302) 322-8800, cell: (302) 650-8777

Good Government

2011-09-08T09:38:00.007-04:00

The WILMAPCO Council will vote TODAY (Newark, 6:30PM) to approve the FY2012 "TIP" (Transportation Improvement Program) for New Castle County. Among the TIP amendments will be $600,000 for the final phase of the Wilmington-to-New Castle Industrial Track. $480,000 of that $600,000 will be Delaware's first ever use of federal "CMAQ" funds for a bicycle project.

How often do we have a chance to thank our government officials for doing a great job? Many of them not only work hard, but also bring dedication and idealism to their work. But they more often hear anger than thanks from the public that they serve. So here's a chance to praise instead of criticize.

Plus, maybe they'll like the praise so much that they'll want to do more great things for bicycling next year! That's what's called a "win-win."

Reminder: Smart Cycling Traffic Skills 101 Course

2011-09-07T20:37:00.001-04:00

By Heather Dunigan

Reminder that the LAB Smart Cycling: Traffic Skills 101 class will be taught by Paul Hess of White Clay Bike Club here at WILMAPCO (map). Space is still available for a few more students, so please contact Paul to sign up or share this with others who may be interested.

Smart Cycling: Traffic Skills 101

Offered by WCBC League Cycling Instructors Tom & Cindy Mannis, Paul Hess, John & Ceci McCormick. This nine hour League of American Bicyclists (LAB) Program will be held on Friday, September 16^th from 6-9:00 PM and on Saturday, September 17^th, from 1-7:00 PM, at the WILMAPCO Building in Newark. Participants will receive the LAB TS101 text and classroom/road instruction including: bicycle selection and fit, bicycle maintenance, clothing & equipment, bicycle drills (emergency maneuvers), lane position, and principles of traffic law. The cost is $30.00 for WCBC Members and $50.00 for non-members.

Checks should be made out to White Clay Bicycle Club and sent to: Paul Hess, 280 W. Chestnut Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19713. The attached form should be completed and accompany your check.

Additional Questions should be directed to Paul at pehess@comcast.net or Paul’s cell: 302-897-7311.

The class may be capped at 25 students so please respond promptly.

League Applauds Delaware

2011-09-07T06:36:00.007-04:00

The League of American Bicyclists is congratulating Delaware for it's recent breakthrough. League Policy Analyst Darren Flusche writes:

"Accessing federal funds can be a daunting task, even for experienced transportation officials, but it’s one with potentially game-changing pay-off.

"Over the past twenty years, most bicycle projects have been funded out of a few dedicated programs. But bicycle projects are eligible for several other, larger pots of money for purposes such as safety, congestion reduction, and general surface transportation....By tapping into Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) improvement funds for bicycling projects – the first time ever in Delaware – Bike Delaware has opened the door for the future funding of bicycling projects that give people options to substitute their cars trips with enjoyable, healthy, non-polluting, non-traffic-clogging bike trips.

"Bike Delaware has shown impressive leadership and vision in doggedly pursuing CMAQ funds for bicycling, despite no precedent in the state."

Delaware Byways Program registration cutoff on 9/7

2011-09-05T23:56:00.003-04:00

Delaware Technical and Community College

Terry Campus - Dover (map/directions)

8AM - 5PM

This conference is open to DelDOT Personnel, Communities, Consultants and Organizations involved in the Delaware Byways Program. Register HERE to attend this free conference.

Go to FHWA's CSS Calendar HERE. See the full event program in pdf HERE.

Don't let the Rt.141 corridor become a Concord Pike

2011-09-05T20:09:00.001-04:00

By Chris Mc Evilly

ACTION ALERT – The 141 corridor could become a 202 or Kirkwood Hwy stop/start congested shopping corridor

If you use the SR 141 corridor for commuting and access to other bike routes, conditions could change drastically to the detriment of bicyclists if the Stoltz Organization gets it way at two upcoming County Land Use meetings. Stoltz wants to introduce Commercial Neighborhood zoning at 100 and 141 and Commercial Regional Zoning at Barley Mill Plaza. Please mark the following two dates on your calendar:

SEPTEMBER 6 at 7 p.m. – NCC Planning Board Meeting
Stoltz introduces its request to rezone 2 acres at the 20 Montchanin site (former MBNA and Columbia Gas) across from St. Joseph’s Church, where it requests Commercial Neighborhood Zoning (site is Office today) to construct a 6000 s.f. building with drive through. Stoltz says it will be a bank, but there is no guarantee. It could be a CVS or a strip center, and the rest of the site could eventually be rezoned. This rezoning would set a precedent for introducing retail on the 5-mile stretch of 141 that today has NO retail, making it attractive as a popular biking route. The 20 Montchanin site is on the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway. Takes place at the Gilliam Bldg, 77 Read’s Way (Map/directions)

OCTOBER 11 at 7 p.m. – NCC Council Meeting

Stoltz introduces its request to rezone 37 acres (40% of site) to Commercial Regional so it can build:

454,000 s.f. regional shopping center (1/2 size of Christiana Mall
8 high traffic turnover PAD sites along 141 and 48
4-story hotel
1.2 million s.f. of offices
multiple multi-story parking garages

Total square footage larger than Christiana Mall! Takes place at the City-County Building (Map/directions)

TAKE ACTION TODAY ON THE 20 MONTCHANIN SITE! SAY ‘NO’ TO THE REZONING. LET THE PLANNING BOARD KNOW WHY IT SHOULD REMAIN A DESIRABLE BIKE ROUTE. Email the Planning Board at LandUse@nccde.org.

If at all possible, please attend and speak at the above meetings.

A view of Route 273 from Hares Corner. A prelude of what's to come in Greenville, and throughout Delaware for that matter? Act now before some of our most desirable biking roads become off limits to bicycling and walking.

C&D Canal Recreation Trail gets the green light

2011-09-03T17:07:00.001-04:00

Article and photos by Carol Ireland, White Clay Bicycle Club President

A "full house" of Delaware elected officials was present on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 1) to announce $4.2 million in federal and state funding to begin construction of the recreational trail along the C&D Canal. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, Representative John Carney, Governor Jack Markell, Secretary Collin 0'Mara (DNREC) and Secretary Shailen Bhatt (DelDOT) as well as former Delaware Congressman Mike Castle, Colonel Secrist (Army Corp of Engineers) and a representative of the Federal Highway Administration were all on hand to celebrate. It looks like this valuable facility for Delaware bicyclists and pedestrians as well as visitors to the state is going to become a reality, many years after Mike Castle started promoting the project. Construction will begin in the spring of 2012, along the north side of the canal, starting at Delaware City. The map of the entire 14 mile trail can be viewed/downloaded HERE.

Additional reports, photos and videos:

DFM News | WHYY newsworks | Wilmington News Journal

Flashback: The Pomeroy and Newark Railroad

2011-09-02T11:52:00.000-04:00

by Debbie Paruszewski Keese

In today's world we have so much on our minds that we tend to forget the importance and the historic fascination humans have with trains. After all, trains still figure largely in the transport of goods in our country, and they still carry coal to power plants that generate electricity. In researching the historic record for descriptive images of life in the White Clay Creek Valley, I caught a little bit of the excitement and reverence felt by our earlier residents when the train came through. As I stood below the concrete supports of a long-gone railroad trestle over White Clay Creek, I found myself thinking about that train and asking, "Where did it come from? Where was it going? What exciting adventures did it hold?"

The trestle once supported the traffic of a railroad line that was referred to as the "railroad that should never have been built." It was known locally as the Pomeroy and Newark Railroad. The passenger car of that line was fondly called the "Pumpsie Doodle" or the "Pommy Diddle." It ran between the towns of Pomeroy, Pa., and Newark, Del., for a 26-mile length, and on to Delaware City, Del., a total of 39 miles.

Why should it never have been built? Budget constraints in building the road dictated that the bed follow the flattest grade possible, which meant that it followed the banks of the White Clay Creek, crossing and re-crossing the stream and surrounding wetlands. In its 26-mile run, there were 65 wooden bridges that were hard to maintain and very expensive to replace. When you follow the actual course of the railroad, it is mind-boggling to imagine how difficult a job it was to build this line. Building up ballast for the bed, traversing swampy areas, cutting through rock outcrops, and getting wet in the creek during winter months must have tested the endurance of the work gangs. [Continue reading...]

Construction Begins on Pomeroy and Newark Trail

2011-09-01T12:17:00.000-04:00

Newark, DE (September 1, 2011) – The City of Newark announces that construction of the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail began on Wednesday, August 31. Newark’s City Council recently awarded the contract to construct the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail to Merit Construction Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $2.15 million. Construction is expected to be completed in 2012. Funding for the project was provided to Newark through the Federal Highway Administration’s SAFETEA-LU Program administered by the State of Delaware’s Department of Transportation. Merit also constructed the James F. Hall Trail which opened in 2003.

The two (2) mile long Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail will connect to the James F. Hall Trail (a National Recreation Trail) just south of Wyoming Road and continue north, following the old rail line into the White Clay Creek State Park. The trail will feature an 8’ wide hard surface, lights for 24-hour use, emergency call boxes, bike racks, benches, information kiosks and maps as well as direct access to the DART Transit Hub, Main Street, Newark Shopping Center, a vast network of trails at the White Clay Creek State Park, the University of Delaware’s Laird Campus and other points of interest and destinations.

Dana Johnston | Community Affairs Officer
City of Newark | 220 Elkton Road | Newark, DE 19711
tel 302 366 7020 | fax 302 366 7035

For the most up-to-date City information visit www.cityofnewarkde.us.

Wider. Straighter. Smoother. Faster.

2011-08-31T20:22:00.007-04:00

Level-of-Service

OK, here at Bike Delaware World Headquarters, we love jargon. And one of our favorite pieces of jargon is "level-of-service" (LOS) which refers to the typical delays experienced by cars at a particular place. For example, the mecca of traffic engineering, level-of-service A:

(Wikipedia): Level-of-Service A describes free-flow operations. Traffic flows at or above the posted speed limit and all motorists have complete mobility between lanes. The average spacing between vehicles is about 550 ft(167m) or 27 car lengths. Motorists have a high level of physical and psychological comfort. The effects of accidents or breakdowns are easily absorbed. An example of LOS A occurs late at night in urban areas, frequently in rural areas, and generally in car advertisements.

There are also definitions of Level-of-Service B, C, D, E and, finally, the dreaded, horrible, level-of-service F:

(Wikipedia): Level-of-Service F describes a breakdown in vehicular flow. Flow is forced; every vehicle moves in lockstep with the vehicle in front of it, with frequent slowing required. Technically, a road in a constant traffic jam would be at LOS F. This is because LOS does not describe an instant state, but rather an average or typical service. For example, a highway might operate at LOS D for the AM peak hour, but have traffic consistent with LOS C some days, LOS E or F others, and come to a halt once every few weeks. However, LOS F describes a road for which the travel time cannot be predicted. Facilities operating at LOS F generally have more demand than capacity.

Nobody - with the exception of a few urbanists and urban planners here and there - likes congestion and level-of-service "failure". Judging by the effectiveness of automobile advertisements, we all want level-of-service A: empty roads all to our selves. But it's worth noting the consequences of constantly and repeatedly trying to spend and engineer our way out of level-of-service failures:

Whenever you increase level-of-service, you make it possible for people to drive farther in less time. That makes it practical for more people to live further from their jobs, send their children to more distant schools and shop at increasingly distant locations. Average vehicle miles increase and, as more vehicles travel longer distances, level-of-service decreases again, which leads to further road "improvements", which leads to an increase in vehicle miles traveled, which leads to...you get the idea.

And yet, this is where we are, even in 2011. The exact same feedback loop that drove transportation investments in 1961 is just as strong 50 years later. In fact, as self-defeating as it is, we have actually written minimum level-of-service requirements into law.

We all know how pedestrians and bicyclists have been practically extinguished in our suburbs as our public ways have been continuously widened, straightened and smoothed and traffic engineers seek a continuously receding holy grail of road engineering perfection. The "capacity", "efficiency" and level-of-service have been improved over and over again, and the result isn't even auto-utopia. Our roads are still often congested.

Is there any way to break this feedback loop? Well, one question that might be worth asking is, are there any circumstances under which we are prepared to accept level-of-service "failure"? Or, to think even more outside of the box, maybe even embrace it?

Bethany Beach police chief seriously injured in bike accident

2011-08-31T20:05:00.000-04:00

The Wilmington News Journal -- The Bethany Beach police chief was seriously injured Tuesday night when he collided with another bicyclist.

Chief Mike Redmon was listed in serious condition today in Christiana Hospital. He was treated at the scene for muscle and scalp injuries, said Sussex County paramedic spokesman Eric Hurvianen.

Redmon was flown to Christiana Hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said. [Continued...]

Poster's note: Bike Delaware wishes Chief Redmon a speedy recovery, and a return to full duty as one of Delaware's finest.

Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath Ravaged - Again

2011-08-30T23:31:00.000-04:00

Cross-posted from WalkBikeJersey Blog

Record setting flooding of the Raritan and Millstone Rivers in NJ has undoubtedly left 20 miles of the D&R Canal impassible from Landing Lane in New Brunswick to Rt 27 in Kingston. Be prepared to use on-road alternatives until further notice, even after the flooding recedes, as damage to the unpaved trail is likely to be extensive. You can check out the East Coast Greenway Alliance Facebook page for updates.

Also, the canal towpath along the feeder canal that runs along the Delaware River from Trenton to Millford is also likely underwater in places. Luckily, it seems that the flooding on the Delaware was not as bad as forecast by the USGS. Visit the WalkBikeJersey Blog for more HERE.

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Poster's note: The Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath is a popular destination for Delaware bicyclists and pedestrians, in about an hour's drive from northern NCC. Quite possibly, this could be the end of the facility as we know it, given the millions in FEMA funds already spent on earlier storm damage. Below are pictures taken during a WCBC sanctioned ride on the towpath in 2002.

Shared Right Turn-Only Lanes: Update

2011-08-30T18:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mark Luszcz of DelDOT Traffic, the official schematic drawings for the final right turn-only lane (RTOL) treatment designs are complete. Next step is to submit them to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to ensure they are compliant with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). From there, Mark (lead engineer on the project) will ask the University of Delaware to begin developing a research proposal.

Three drawings that include bicycle pavement markings are shown below:

That is all we have at this time, and will report further progress as it unfolds. You can review all previous blog posts on this project HERE, including SB120, a bill to amend the traffic code reflecting legal usage of RTOLs as shoulders.

We encourage our readers to thank Mark Luszcz, P.E. of DelDOT Traffic at: Mark.Luszcz@state.de.us

TIP Workshop rescheduled for Thursday, 9/1

2011-08-29T10:13:00.021-04:00

Repeating on Thursday, 9/1 due to the aftermath of Hurricane Irene

Support Hard Work by Castle, Coons, Carper, Venables, Markell and O'Mara

If you have any plans to be in Newark this Thursday (between 4PM and 7PM) - and if you have 10 minutes to spare - be sure to drop by the Workshop (WILMAPCO, 850 Library Avenue in Newark) to show your support for the bicycling projects in the TIP. Sign in and fill out a comment form at the Workshop on the proposed amendments to this year's TIP ("Transportation Improvement Program"), which are the most pro-bicycling in quite a while because of a lot of effort by a lot of people:

Castle, Coons and Item 56:

Item 56, otherwise known as the C&D Canal Trail

Click to expand (+):

is the result by a lot of effort by former Congressman Mike Castle and, more recently, Senator Chris Coons. Congressman Castle secured the federal earmarks that will allow this project - a path along the C&D Canal between Delaware City and Chesapeake City - to advance.

Carper and Item 85

Item 85, otherwise known as the Pomeroy Trail, will be an off-alignment bikeway extending north in Newark from the Hall Trail to White Clay Creek State Park. We owe this TIP amendment to a federal earmark secured by Senator Tom Carper, and to the WILMAPCO Council, which identified the Pomeroy Trail as one of its top priorities back in 2005. (The remarkable thing about this project is that the federal earmark to fund it is from 2005! It's taken 6 years to actually get it started. But construction finally began last week.)

Venables, Markell, O'Mara and Item 84

Items 56 and 85 are in the TIP because of federal earmarks. But Item 84 is different. It is the result of a state initiative called Walkable, Bikeable Delaware. Item 84, also known as the final phase of the Wilmington-to-New Castle Industrial Track - a six mile off-alignment bikeway between Wilmington and New Castle - is the first (but not the last) project that will benefit from this state program. Senator Bob Venables (D-Laurel), Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary O'Mara all share the credit for this proposed TIP amendment.

Click to expand (+):

In N.Y. Apartment Buildings, Bicycles Muscle In

2011-08-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

NY Times -- BRIAN WHITELEY loves his bicycle, a black fixed-gear Schwinn that he rides around New York City almost every day. His landlord, however, does not share this affection, fearing scuffed floors and chipped paint. And that has become a problem.

Mr. Whiteley, an artist, and his wife, Mar Granados, an architect, are not permitted to take their bikes inside the Carroll Gardens brownstone where they live. So they lock them to a railing outside, battling rust with a plastic tarp and regular applications of WD-40. In the year and a half since the couple moved in, they have spent close to $1,000 replacing stolen parts, and once, an entire bicycle.

Now, they are hoping to buy a place of their own. And as they zip from appointment to appointment on their bicycles, scouting one-bedrooms in Brooklyn and Manhattan with their broker, Kris Sylvester of Halstead Property, bike storage is a must. [Continue reading...]

Announcement for funding and plans for the C&D Canal Trail

2011-08-27T10:53:00.000-04:00

The public is invited to Delaware’s Congressional Delegation’s announcement for funding and plans for C&D Canal Trail. We have few details at this time, however, it is expected that several financial hurtles have finally been cleared and the project is ready to move forward. Details as follows:

Thursday, September 1, 2011
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Under the St. Georges Bridge,
Along the north side of the C&D Canal:

View Larger Map

IF RAIN:
Will be held at the Grass Dale Conference Center in Delaware City:
Take I-95 south to exit 4A for Rt. 1(SR-1) south. Stay straight on SR-1 for about 7.1 miles. Take US-13 S/SR-72 exit, EXIT 152, toward Delaware City/St Georges 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Wrangle Hill Rd/S Dupont Hwy/US-13/SR-72. Stay straight on Rt.72/Wrangle Hill Rd for approx 5 miles toward Delaware City. Just after you go across the Branch Canal bridge and before you enter the ramp to the Reedy Point Bridge, bear to your right on Polktown Road. This road runs parallel to Rt. 9 and the Reedy Point Bridge. Follow road toward the canal and Grass Dale Conference Center is on your right just before the canal.

T4A: Photos of dangerous roads have been streaming in

2011-08-27T10:13:00.006-04:00

Red Mill Road at Rt.273 (Ogletown Rd), east of Newark, is a frequently used crossing where bikes and peds must take their life in their hands.

By Stephen Lee Davis

After putting out the call far and wide for pictures of roads designed for speeding traffic at the expense of safe travel by people on foot or bike, we’ve been getting some great - and by great, we mean frightening and terrible - photos of inconvenient, poorly-planned, dangerous and downright hostile conditions for pedestrians.

Here is a sampling of some of what they’ve received so far. [Continued...]

Irene extinguishes the Shore Fire

2011-08-26T20:10:00.007-04:00

By Carol Ireland, WCBC President

The Shore Fire Century is canceled as a result of the Governor's declared State of Emergency which affects part of the bike route. Those who pre-registered for the ride will receive additional information within the week.

Many thanks to all who have worked to prepare for the ride (e.g. marking the route and checking the route), and who volunteered to help with registration, rest stops, SAGs, etc. Particular thanks to Cindy and Tom Mannis for all their planning over the last few months.

We discussed options such as running a reduced Shore Fire, or rescheduling, but none seemed feasible. See you at the Savage Century (October 15) or at next year's major rides!

Frank Warnock pedaled and previewed the Shore Fire Century route on Friday, Aug. 26, only to find out later it had to be cancelled for Saturday. Above is his GPS track as seen on Google Earth. For those who regret missing this year's event, download the Qsheet in pdf or the GPS file in gdb (Right click, save link as...)

Public Prefers Rail-With-Trail for Lewes-Georgetown Route at DelDOT Workshop

2011-08-26T06:23:00.012-04:00

Despite at least a 30% greater construction cost and the likelihood of impacting adjacent properties along the route, participants in a DelDOT sponsored Public Workshop in Lewes on Monday, spoke in favor of retaining the current rail line alongside a new 10 feet wide multi-use path that will be built between Lewes and Georgetown. The new Trail was enthusiastically endorsed by all the Workshop participants, but comments indicated a strong interest in future economic development possibilities that might develop if the rail line is kept.

Senator Gary Simpson, Lewes Mayor Jim Ford and Delaware Transit Corporation Development Director Ken Potts all attended and spoke at the Workshop.

Mike Rothenheber, Senior Vice President of JMT, presented the results of JMT's study of the route. The estimated price for removing the current rail line and building a multi-use path between Lewes and Cool Springs in its place was $10M. The rail-with-trail option was estimated to cost $13M, not including possible additional cost for some right-of-way acquisition in places.

The Lewes-to-Georgetown path will be one of the first two big Walkable, Bikeable Delaware projects statewide to benefit from the unprecedented state bike route money voted by the General Assembly on June 30. The other big project poised to benefit immediately is the New Castle Industrial Track.

You don't need fancy pants to ride a bicycle

2011-08-25T11:34:00.006-04:00

Compliments of the Portland Mercury

On the one hand, it's good that biking is becoming so mainstream that you can now buy a pair of All-American bikey Levi's. On the other hand, the one thing biking doesn't need is more expensive, specialized clothing that makes the mode of transportation seem like a hip clique. Especially when the pants only come in cuts for men. The nervousness about not riding a bike correctly—not even, "Am I in the right lane?" but, "Am I cool enough for this? Do I look ridiculous?"—keeps some people from getting on a bike at all.

[More ...]

Poster's note: In the interest of safety, I encourage helmet use at all times, but it is a rider's discretion whether or not to wear one.

The Amazingly Awesome Problem of Bicycle Congestion

2011-08-24T21:32:00.001-04:00

Urban Bike Project update

2011-08-24T19:26:00.007-04:00

Inaugural Bike BLOW-OUT!

For those wanting to take to the roads this fall, come in to purchase a new set of [gently used] wheels! If you know someone in the market for a mode of transportation or recreation, spread the word! Sunday, August 28th, 9am-12noon @ 1908 N Market Street - Road Bikes, Cruisers & Mountain Bikes, we've got 'em all! All bikes are sold as-is, cash & carry. Proceeds from these sales go directly to UBP's operational costs and toward the development and delivery of our Youth & Adult Free Bike programs.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

OPEN SHOP every Thursday & Saturday

Bike Mechanics Needed

This Saturday, August 27th, 1-4pm UBP is DESPERATE for Volunteers to assist our customers with their repair and maintenance needs as Head Mechanics & Youth Mechanics.

Help with Bike Sales

Have a special flair for sales & customer service? Sunday, August 28th, UBP will be OPEN for BIKE SALES ONLY. Join us in assisting others find a cost-efficient and convenient mode of transportation. Volunteers are needed from 8am-1pm. Doors will be Open to the public 9am-noon.

Volunteer Orientation

Next Volunteer Orientation, Wednesday, September 7th, 7:00pm @ UBP! Tell a Friend!

Volunteer Only Nights

UBP will once again be offering a Volunteer Only Night. This is an opportunity for our volunteers to maintain and repair their own bikes for FREE! Beginning in September, every FIRST WEDNESDAY of the Month, UBP will open its door to our loyal supporters from 6:30-9:00pm for a chance to BYOB...bring your own bike!

KIDS' ONLY BIKE SALE, Saturday, September 10,

All Kids Bikes on Sale for $5-25!!! Volunteers needed from 8am-1pm. Doors Open to Public from 9am-12noon

LAST MECHANICS CLASS OF THE YEAR

Looking to learn a new skill? Need a little refresher? Join us Every Monday, September 12 thru October 3, 7pm-9pm. Cost is $35.00 Per Person. Space is LIMITED!

RSVP to laura@urbanbikeproject.org to reserve your space today.

A simple solution for Newark's bike parking woes

2011-08-24T10:29:00.002-04:00

Debate continues about how we can best accommodate bike parking in Newark's downtown, especially along Main Street. As of the last Newark Bicycle Committee meeting, the following is known:

The City would like to enact ordinances prohibiting the use of trees, but has held off due to the existing lack of bike parking. Trees are dying as a result.
A recent attempt to install bike parking within bulb-out areas at pedestrian crosswalks failed after motorists ran over and destroyed all but one rack.
City planners are working with Main Street establishments to gain favor for bike parking in select sidewalk areas. Results are mixed. Adjacent property owners hold major sway, with aesthetics at issue for some.
The City's parking committee is opposed to locking bikes on parking meters.
Bicycle usage in Newark will only increase, with an upcoming inter-modal transportation plan, ever increasing gas prices, and an overall greater concern for the environment and sustainability. At last check, modeshare stood at 4.7%, among the highest in the nation.

It goes without saying that sidewalk space is at a premium on Main Street. And removal of car parking space at regular intervals - in favor of protected bike parking "corrals" - stands about as much chance as building a cycletrack. Add everything up, and what's left?

The answer may be a simple retrofit of existing infrastructure, in this case parking meters. They're already being used by bicyclists with Krypton U locks (or a lock that can't be slipped up and over the meter head) as seen in the picture above. Selling points as follows:

Makes use of existing infrastructure
Very easy to install
Requires no additional sidewalk space
Installs parking in front of virtually every storefront
Bikes will be spaced evenly between cars, away from opening doors
Helps ensure bikes will not touch/scratch the meter
Reduces temptation to lock to trees or other city furniture

A few examples of what is on the market now, from mundane to ornate. The Advocate Meter rack, to the above right was inspired by the Bike Federation’s logo. Multiple other designs are also available around the web.

A simple steel retrofit using a welded on loop. This idea, likely the least expensive, puts less between the bike and the meter pole, but is very effective nonetheless.

We remain hopeful that the City of Newark will take decisive action to maximize bike parking on Main Street. Not only to accommodate those already riding, but to further encourage bicycling to the downtown as a means of transportation. Those who choose to bike are doing the city a tremendous service by improving health and reducing congestion, noise, and all the ills associated with auto-dependence, and should be welcomed. We believe this offers a simple, attractive, low cost solution.

2012-2015 TIP Public Workshop on Aug. 29

2011-08-24T10:07:00.009-04:00

The public is invited to attend a workshop on August 29, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. hosted by Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to give comments on the proposed amendments for the FY 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and provide information about major projects and funding in the region. The workshop will be held at WILMAPCO offices (map to location).

If you're a spreadsheet kind of person, here is the FY2012-2015 TIP

TIP Comparison spreadsheet

Of interest to bicyclists are items 55, 56, 84 and 85:

Item 55: C&D Canal Promenade, Delaware City

Item 56: C&D Canal Trail

Item 84: New Castle Industrial Track Greenway, Phase III

Item 85: Pomeroy Trail

Item 84, the Industrial Track between Wilmington and New Castle, is the first bicycle project to benefit from the $5M in state bike route money voted by the General Assembly on June 30. Bike Delaware has been fighting hard to get it in the TIP. PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENT IN SUPPORT!!

How to comment:

Email comments to WILMAPCO

Mail to WILMAPCO at 850 Library Ave, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19711

Attend Workshop on August 29 and fill out a comment form.

Visit the TIP webpage HERE to learn more, which includes a link to the entire document.

One billion cars now clog traffic worldwide

2011-08-23T10:01:00.000-04:00

Cross-posted from Grist

Driven by demand from countries like China, India, and Brazil, the global market for automobiles is accelerating faster than ever. According to an analysis from the auto trade journal Ward's, there are now over one billion cars, light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks on roads around the world, up from 980 million at the end of 2009.

In just half a year, the global auto fleet expanded by around 35 million vehicles. That's the second-biggest increase ever.

The U.S. is still has the biggest population of cars and trucks -- one for every 1.3 people in the country. But the American fleet is not growing much, only about 1 percent a year. The explosion in automobile deployments is coming from China, where registrations grew by 27.5 percent, bringing the country's vehicle population to 78 million. That increase was more than half of the total global expansion, according to Ward's. [Continue reading...]

One idea for dealing with China's millions of newly abandoned bicycles. Millions of Chinese are trading in this personal freedom in favor of automobiles, and the death and destruction that accompanies them.

Barnes and Noble in Newark gets bike parking

2011-08-22T20:43:00.001-04:00

A tip of the melon cover goes to Barnes & Noble, at their new location on Academy Street in Newark. Not only did they install bike parking, but they chose the two touch-point standalone design that holds a bike steady, as seen pictured below. It remains to be seen, however, if this is enough once school is back in session.

Do you have a favorite establishment in need of bike parking? Contact a Bike Delaware Agent of Change for details on how you can make the difference. Email today: parking@bikede.org

Bicyclists mob TAC meeting, win key support for rail trail

2011-08-19T18:07:00.007-04:00

By Carol Ireland, President, White Clay Bicycle Club

Supporters of the bicycling community (meant in the broadest sense) showed up in force at the August 18 WILMAPCO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting. They expressed strong support for the Committee to add the Phase 3 project to complete the New Castle-to-Wilmington Industrial Track to the 2012-2015 TIP (Transportation Improvement Program). This project involves building a bridge across the Christina River, to complete the connection between these two important urban areas in New Castle County. The TAC voted unanimously to include this project in the TIP with $480,000 in federal matching funds to go along with $120,000 from the state (part of the $5 million included in the Bond Bill for DNREC to oversee building bike routes across Delaware)." This is also a great precedent for leveraging the next $4,880,000 in state bike route funds.

Among those who attended the meeting were: Angela Cunneely, Darryl Flaherty, Karl Hassler, Bill Osborne and Andrea Trabelsi from Bike Delaware; Carol Ireland from White Clay Bicycle Club (and Bike Delaware); Laura Saperstein of the Urban Bike Project; Jonathan Kirch of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association; Esther Lovlie, the President of the Historic New Castle Alliance; Sarah Willoughby, the Executive Director of the Greater Wilmington and Convention and Visitors Bureau; and representatives from Delaware Greenways.

This fabulous turnout really underlines the value of bicyclists aligning with other folks who have overlapping goals, and we thank everyone who participated.

July 14th, 2010 blog post HERE, showing the phase 3 alignment.

Above: Industrial Track Rail Trail Phase 1 ends just north of Boulden Blvd, just south of the I295/Rt.13 interchange. Phase 2, set to begin later this year, will continue from here to the south bank of the Christina River. Phase 3 makes the final connection from the Christina to the Wilmington Riverfront.

Breathtaking Bike Infrastructure: Minnesota’s Martin Olav Sabo Bridge

2011-08-19T07:55:00.003-04:00

The first cable-stayed bridge of any kind in the state, the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge in Minneapolis is breathtaking, even to the people who have been riding it for years. It provides a safe, continuous crossing and offers up a glorious view of the downtown skyline. The sleek Hiawatha light rail line runs beneath it, and there are benches to sit on and take everything in. Check out this film:

Delaware Ave bike lane restored - thank you DelDOT

2011-08-19T00:53:00.000-04:00

Back in January, we reported on the gradual disappearance of bike lanes on Delaware Avenue in Newark. Our proposal (written by Trevor Booz) to restore this important facility - a major east-west bicycle route - was granted as of today.

A tip of the helmet to DelDOT engineer Mark Luszcz, and anyone else involved with their Traffic Division who made this possible.

Re-established bike lane passing the new pedestrian refuge island at Chapel Street. It was feared that the island (aka "pork chop") would encroach on any available ROW, but the min. 4' width was indeed met.

Michigan Puts Road Engineers on Bikes

2011-08-18T13:47:00.002-04:00

Michigan Department of Transportation has been putting engineers on bikes since 2005. Will we convince DelDOT to do the same someday? Photo: MDOT

Cross-posted from Streetsblog Capitol Hill

Do you ever feel like traffic engineers just don’t get it? That there is a hopeless disconnect between the world of sustainable transportation and the world of “level of service” and “vehicle throughput?”

Well, the Michigan Department of Transportation has a remedy for that. They call it “Training Wheels.”

Since 2005, MDOT has been putting traffic engineers, planners and public officials behind the handlebars for a view from the other side of the windshield. Hundreds of transportation officials and decision makers have received training in bike planning, but perhaps more importantly, experienced the streets from a cyclist’s perspective.

Demand for Training Wheels has been growing in the Wolverine State, as more and more communities see the benefits of encouraging cycling. As a result, MDOT doubled its offerings in 2008. They now offer four to eight voluntary trainings a year for local officials at field offices across the state, said Josh Debruyn, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for MDOT.

“There’s a knowledge gap between what is taught at the university level and what people are being asked to design,” said DeBruyn. [Continue reading ...]

Poster's note: We do know a number of DelDOT folks ride, including (at least) one top level engineer in the Traffic Department. "Complete Streets Training for DOT Engineers" is included in Bike Delaware's list of future goals.

Eight civic and business groups call for completion of Industrial Track

2011-08-18T07:07:00.003-04:00

Stephen Kingsberry,

Chair
WILMAPCO Council
900 Public Safety Boulevard
Dover, Delaware 19901

July 14, 2011

Dear Chairman Kingsberry,

In the wake of the vote of the Delaware General Assembly on June 30 for new state funds for bike routes, we request that the WILMAPCO Council program $480,000 of congestion mitigation/air quality (CMAQ) federal funds in FY2012 for the final phase of the New Castle Industrial Track. The Council voted last year on July 15, 2010 to rank this project as the Council’s #1 priority in the TIP Bike/Ped category. As the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is willing to provide the required local match, we request that the Council include this project in the program going out for public comment and consider advancing it to design and engineering by programming FY2012 CMAQ funds for it.

As you know, after years of planning, effort and investment, this six-mile long off-road route and greenway between Wilmington and New Castle is nearly complete. Only a one-mile gap remains to be funded. By closing this small remaining gap, Delaware would complete a safe, direct, paved non-motorized travel route between the Wilmington Riverfront (and the Wilmington train station) and New Castle. Completing the route would dramatically increase opportunities to replace car trips with non-polluting bicycling trips and reduce congestion on two high speed, high volume arterial roads, Rt. 9 (4 travel lanes) and Rt. 13 (8 travel lanes). This non-motorized “bicycle highway” would increase opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle commuting to the many business located along the route, serving several thousand employees. The completed trail would provide rail passengers with non-motorized access to the Wilmington Amtrak station, potentially replacing long distance car trips with bike-to-rail trips. The trail would also increase safety. Between 2000 and 2008, these roadways had 98 pedestrian crashes, including 8 fatality crashes and 69 injury crashes.

On top of the substantial congestion and air quality benefits, the project is also attractive from economic development, recreation and tourism points of view. When complete the project will... [Cont. (pdf)]

NCC Land Use, Planning Board reject Stopyra re-zoning

2011-08-17T14:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Citizen Advocacy Possum Park Area (CAPPA Inc.)

(For background, see Bike Delaware's first blog post on this issue HERE)

The NCCo Planning Board held its Business Meeting on August 16th. The following resulted:

1) The NCCo Department of Land Use presented a thorough review of the Stopyra Tract "Newark Town Center" rezoning request. Their finding was that the rezoning request did not meet the requirements of the NCCo Unified Development Code (UDC) with regard to Sec. 40.31.410 Standards for Zoning Map Amendment. This section of the UDC specifies several factors that must be considered including, but not limited to, consistency with the character of the neighborhood, consistency with zoning and use of nearby properties, suitability of the property for the uses for which it has been proposed and affect on nearby properties. As a result the Dept. of Land Use will make a negative recommendation to County Council on this rezoning request.

2) Following this presentation and recommendation, the NCCo nine-member Planning Board introduced a motion that also made a negative recommendation on the rezoning request. After a brief debate of issues including several of the above as well as traffic impact, the Planning Board voted 7-0-1-1 (For/Against/Abstain/Absent) to make a similar negative recommendation. As a result the Planning Board will make a negative recommendation to County Council on this rezoning request.

These two negative recommendations to County Council ensure that a "supermajority" vote of Council (9/13) will be required for passage of the Stopyra rezoning request (rather than a simple majority vote (7/13). While this is unlikely, stranger things have happened, and we will continue to monitor progress and keep you informed. Then it reaches County Council we hope to see you there!

Although these are welcome victories, this is not yet the end of the road. The developer still has the right to have this proposal debated and voted on by New Castle County Council. The date for that is uncertain at this point but would probably be late October.

You can donate and become a member of CAPPA today. Email: admin@cappade.org for details.

Great Riders: Albert Holcomb

2011-08-16T22:15:00.004-04:00

Albert Holcomb, age 96, out for evening ride in Centreville.

Rides every evening, and during the day to his job at Centreville Cafe.

Some people get all excited about Lance Armstrong. We get excited about Al Holcomb.

19th century cyclists paved the way for modern motorists' roads

2011-08-16T22:05:00.000-04:00

Cross posted from The Guardian

Car drivers assume the roads were built for them, but it was cyclists who first lobbied for flat roads more than 100 years ago

Wooden hobbyhorses evolved into velocipedes; velocipedes evolved into safety bicycles; safety bicycles evolved into automobiles.

It's well known that the automotive industry grew from seeds planted in the fertile soil that was the late 19th century bicycle market. And to many motorists it's back in the 19th century that bicycles belong. Cars are deemed to be modern; bicycles are Victorian.

Many motorists also assume that roads were built for them. In fact, cars are the johnny-come-latelies of highways.

The hard, flat road surfaces we take for granted are relatively new. Asphalt surfaces weren't widespread until the 1930s. So, are motorists to thank for this smoothness? No. The improvement of roads was first lobbied for – and paid for – by cycling organisations. In the UK and the US, cyclists lobbied for better road surfaces for a full 30 years before motoring organisations did the same. Cyclists were ahead of their time.

When railways took off from the 1840s, the coaching trade died, leaving roads almost unused and in poor condition. Cyclists were the first vehicle operators in a generation to go on long journeys, town to town. Cyclists helped save many roads from being grubbed up.

Roads in towns were sometimes well surfaced. Poor areas were cobbled; upmarket areas were covered in granite setts (what many localities call cobbles). Pretty much every other road was left unsurfaced and would be the colour of the local stone. Many 19th century authors waxed lyrical about the varied and beautiful colours of British roads.

Cyclists' organisations, such as Cyclists' Touring Club in the UK and League of American Wheelmen (LAW) in the US, lobbied county surveyors and politicians to build better roads. The US Good Roads movement, set up by LAW, was highly influential. LAW once had the then US president turn up at its annual general meeting. [Continue reading ...]

DelDOT Public Workshop: Georgetown to Lewes Rail Trail

2011-08-16T12:31:00.006-04:00

City of Lewes Public Library
114 E. Third Street, Lewes

Monday, August 22, 2011
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The Delaware Department of Transportation is holding a Public Workshop to obtain opinions and insight from residents and visitors for the proposed development of the Georgetown to Lewes Rail/Trail Study. This workshop will focus primarily on the trail concept developed along the State-owned Delaware Coast Line Railroad as it runs between Cool Springs Road and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Lewes.

Could recession tip U.S. oil use into permanent decline?

2011-08-16T10:20:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - As a U.S. economic rebound stalls and threatens to spiral into recession, oil demand in the world's top consumer may be slipping into an irreversible decline.

Last year's fledgling recovery in U.S. oil usage -- when demand rose 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) -- made up for only a part of the 1 million bpd demand drop during a year of economic turmoil that began in August 2008.

Until recently, most analysts believed a healthier economy would push U.S. oil use higher this year and next, before tighter environmental regulations, increased use of biofuels, and tougher fuel-efficiency standards kick in later this decade to lower demand permanently.

Instead, a sour economy may turn last year's demand growth into a one-off. With U.S. manufacturing and service sectors slowing, a recent S&P downgrade on U.S. debt, and a series of stock market falls that have rattled consumer confidence, the odds are tilting toward short-term declines as well.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy lowered its forecast for U.S. oil demand from growth to decline in 2011. It also cut its forecasts for growth in global oil demand, as did the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the International Energy Agency.

"We see U.S. oil demand falling this year and, later, settling into steady declines after 2015," said Rick Mueller of Boston-based consultant Energy Security Analysis Inc.

"It's all about the transportation sector, and the trends point to lower oil use." [Continue reading ...]

Wally Hertler, White Clay Bicycle Club tour leader of over 30 years, fills up before the Hershey Chocolate World Tour in May.

Registration now open for the 2011 Delaware Bike Summit

2011-08-15T20:45:00.000-04:00

By Randi Novakoff -- All are invited to the 2011 Delaware Bike Summit. The Bike Summit will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011, at the Virden Center in Lewes.

This year's summit will focus on the communities and towns in Delaware and how they can overcome obstacles to becoming more bicycle friendly. The Summit will address the benefits that bicycling brings to Delaware's communities and will provide guidance on how to create more bike friendly communities.

Space is limited so be sure to register early!

For complete information, please visit http://www.wilmapco.org/bikesummit.

Carpooling or biking to the event is encouraged. If you can offer a ride, or would like to find a ride, please email rnovakoff@wilmapco.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the Summit!

Randi Novakoff
WILMAPCO
rnovakoff@wilmapco.org
302-737-6205 ext. 111

2011 Shore Fire Century - register today!

2011-08-15T12:46:00.005-04:00

Don't forget to register for this year's Shore Fire Century, the White Clay Bicycle Club's premier event!

Ride beautiful, scenic routes (35, 65, and 100 miles) taking you through flat to gently rolling farmland in central Delaware. All routes will be marked with support (until 5:00 p.m.). A wide array of bicycle friendly food will be available at rest stops at regular intervals (five on the century).

Century riders will enjoy a new route this year, heading up the east side of Routes 1 & 13. And, road conditions and markings will be verified on Friday 8/26 to help ensure a wonderful day out for everyone.

Visit the event webpage for full details, including on-line registration information.

News Journal: Protect, Don't Prosecute, Pedestrians

2011-08-15T07:02:00.004-04:00

by David Goldberg

Communications Director

Transportation for America

August 5, 2011

People across the country were shocked last week to learn that a Georgia pedestrian who did not even own a car could be convicted of vehicular homicide in the death of her 4-year-old son, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Her crime? After a long bus trip with her three young children in April 2010, Raquel Nelson did what other bus passengers did that day, and had done so many days before: She attempted to cross the road from the bus stop, which is directly opposite her apartment complex, rather than walk a third of a mile to a traffic light, cross five lanes and walk a third of a mile back, lugging tired children and groceries.

Read entire article HERE.

Increased demand: Acme on N. DuPont to install bike parking

2011-08-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

By Nicole Duffy
Bike Delaware Parking Coordinator

Bike DE/WBAC is actively working with Store Director Glenn Thompson to install bicycle parking at the ACME Market on N. Dupont Street in the Trolley Square neighborhood of Wilmington. This market receives a great deal of bicycle traffic and currently lacks sufficient parking for bicycles. Although the project is still in the planning stage, the parking will tentatively be located adjacent to the cart return at the front entrance of the building and easily accessible from the street.

The current scene out front. Bicycles are regularly seen locked to the entrance rails. A tip of the helmet to Mr Thompson for hearing our concerns.

Amish Country Tour early bird deadline fast approaching

2011-08-14T16:34:00.002-04:00

Save $15 -- Register by 8/26 for the Amish Country Bike Tour set for 9/10/11!

If you've already registered, thank you -- we'll see you on September 10. If not, here's a reminder that the early bird deadline to register for the Amish Country Bike Tour is Friday, August 26, 2011.

By August 26: $35 per adult
After August 26: $50 per adult

Teams (of at least 10), by August 26: $30 per adults

For more information about the bike tour, click here.

To register now, click here. You may also register by mail. To download a form, click here.

You may also purchase extra meal tickets for friends and family, t-shirts at $15-$17 (if any stock is left), and raffle tickets on a Fugi bike online now or day of at headquarters on Legislative Mall.

If you need more information, call us toll free at 800-233-5368 or email: csmall@visitdover.com.

Wilmington to New Castle Route

2011-08-13T07:56:00.002-04:00

Also Overdue

Originally posted: June 15, 2011

Shane Hoffman, Wilmington: "As a resident of Wilmington who works in New Castle, the creation of a Wilmington-to-New Castle bicycle highway would improve my quality of life tremendously. I have attempted to commute to work by bicycle, but the only routes available to me feel much too dangerous, especially during rush-hour traffic. If a safe route becomes available, it will allow me to realize my goal of leaving the car at home and bicycling to work to improve both my health and my personal budget. Additionally, I would welcome the ability to bicycle with my wife and children from Wilmington to New Castle for weekend outings. This project would be an enormous leap forward for New Castle County."

Rebecca and Todd Keyser, Wilmington: "Completion of the New Castle Industrial Track Greenway will provide safe, non-motorized passage in these areas. It will allow safe, direct access between areas where people work, shop, and live. There is a need for a safe crossing over the Christina River traveling both north and south, the arching railroad overpass on South Market Street, and the I-295 interchange with Route 9. The completion of the NCITG will provide these facilities, and connect existing islands of non-motorized infrastructure in Wilmington and New Castle. It will allow us to safely commute by bicycle on more days, regardless of weather, roadwork, or accidents, and further reduce our carbon footprint. Furthermore, the elimination of real and perceived barriers will encourage less-experienced cyclists to commute by bicycle.

"We urge our state, county, and local officials to support funding for and construction of this project. Please provide this desperately needed connection for non-motorized transportation for the benefit of Delaware’s environmental and public health."

Esther Lovlie, President, Historic New Castle Alliance: "A six-mile transportation and recreation corridor between the Wilmington Riverfront and old New Castle will bring new visitors and energy (but no new automotive traffic!) to New Castle and will be an important part of the commercial renaissance of the city."

Sarah Willoughby, Executive Director, Greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau: "Based on various research from other states, the economic impact and the number of jobs created by tourists traveling and staying overnight strongly supports the great need for Delaware to have the Wilmington to New Castle Greenway completed. In addition, with the National Park proposal, it is safe to bet that we will all see an increase of tourism in and around New Castle County.

"Our Visitor Center provides current biking information and we are always asked to recommend longer rides."

Read more about the Wilmington-to-New Castle Bicycle Highway HERE.

News Journal: Auto repairs eating a bigger chunk of Americans' budgets

2011-08-12T10:36:00.004-04:00

AAA Warns of Danger of Rising Costs of Automobile Ownership

By Mike Chalmers
The News Journal

For the past four months, Margaret McCormick's 2001 Toyota Celica has been sitting in the parking lot of her condo complex, with one flat tire and a broken transmission.

"To fix it, I need $1,000, but I just don't have it," said McCormick, who has been out of work for two years.

The New Castle woman is not alone. Job loss, furloughs, cutbacks and gas at just under $4 a gallon are taking huge bites out of Americans' wallets, and their cars are among their most expensive necessities, a new AAA survey shows.

"Many Americans rely on their cars for their livelihood and losing access to them could be financially devastating during an already troubling economic time," said Jim Lardear, director of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Read entire article HERE.

How to convert a wheel bender into a real bike rack

2011-08-11T13:49:00.003-04:00

A "Grid" or "Schoolyard" rack as they're commonly known. This model, as seen in front of Starbucks on Route 40 in Glasgow, holds the bike upright using only the front or rear wheel (rear better). Should the bike be knocked over, this design can easily bend the rim, possibly destroying it.

The same rack at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostic, albeit older, with added cross-members. The author teamed with several other bike commuters, and created a work order asking site electricians to perform the modification using standard 2" conduit.

A closer look shows the simple hardware involved, including 2 T clamps for each cross-member. The conduit can be purchased and shaped to spec at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. Note the Kryptonite "U" lock placed snugly through the wheel and seat stay, and around the added cross-member. Not only is there an additional touch point to lean on, but this locking method won't allow the bike to topple in the other direction either.

Bike Delaware encourages everyone to steer clear of the grid or school yard rack design, unless it comes with (or someone is planning to install) the above modification.

Bike Delaware Wins $10,000 Capacity Building Grant!

2011-08-10T22:31:00.002-04:00

Advocacy Advance Awards $100,000 in Grants

Aug. 10, 2011 -- In line with a goal to double federal funding for biking and walking, Advocacy Advance is awarding $100,000 in direct grants to four advocacy organizations.

Using the grants to tap into federal funding streams and build their political influence, recipients will work to triple bicycle mode share in Atlanta, Ga., dramatically improve infrastructure in Pittsburgh, Pa., empower Latino cyclists in Los Angeles, Calif., and create a new model to win state dollars in Delaware.

Since 2009, Advocacy Advance -- a partnership of the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the League of American Bicyclists -- has awarded more than $500,000 in direct grants to 25 state and local advocacy organizations. This year, more than 60 applications with proposals totaling more than $1.3 million were received in the two grant categories: Model Grants and Capacity Building Grants.

2011 Capacity Building Grants

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) will receive a $15,000 matching grant to hire a dedicated bilingual education/outreach staff member to empower Spanish-speaking residents who lack access to bike safety and advocacy tools, and build political power for improved bicycling in L.A. by better including populations of color.

Bike Delaware

Bike Delaware advocates recently won $5 million in new dedicated funding for bicycling in Delaware in 2012 - more money than the state has ever allocated in the past. A $10,000 matching grant will help Bike Delaware create a national model to increase state bicycle and pedestrian funding by creating an action plan for state bicyclists, advocating legislation, monitoring and communicating with DelDOT, and tracking progress.

Read the full press release HERE.

Investment in Healthier Residents May Reduce Costs

2011-08-09T21:04:00.002-04:00

In photo, from left: State Rep. Dave Wilson (R-Cedar Creek Hundred); Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic; and State Rep. Harvey Kenton (R-Milford) chat briefly following a recent press event in Georgetown to promote efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles among Delawareans.

* * * Cross-posted from the Delaware House of Representatives' e-Newsletter * * *

Officials are loosening the state's purse strings so more Delawareans can tighten their belts, literally.

Included in this year's Bond Bill is $7 million to create new biking and walking paths in Delaware, $2 million of which is earmarked for state parks.

The effort is part of a larger campaign by a bipartisan group of elected leaders, the Nemours Health and Prevention Services, and numerous other individuals and groups to encourage healthier lifestyles in The First State.

At a recent press conference to discuss some of these efforts, Gov. Jack Markell said the need for many Delawareans to improve their level of physical fitness is a matter of economic necessity. Citing the unsustainable upward spiral of healthcare costs, the governor said a significant portion of this spending "could be avoided if people would take better care of themselves."

That opinion is backed by some sobering statistics. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 37-percent of Delaware children are overweight. For adults, nearly two-thirds weigh more than they should.

Charles A. Salkin, Director of the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, said the average American child spends more than 40 hours in front of a TV or computer screen each week, while only experiencing four minutes of structured play.

State Rep. Harvey Kenton (R-Milford), a past vice-president of the Milford Boys and Girls Club, said encouraging kids to make better choices now will pay dividends for taxpayers later as those children grow into healthier, more active adults. Commenting on one of the state's healthy living initiatives, "No Child Left Inside," Rep. Kenton said: "I think we need to expand that to 'No Adult Left Inside.'"

Earlier this year, the General Assembly adopted legislation asking the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to expand its efforts to create networks of walkways and bikeways. State Rep. Dave Wilson (R-Cedar Creek Hundred), who was a prime sponsor of the resolution, said he believes the measure is a step in the right direction.

Key to making the new system of trails and paths successful, once it's created, will be its promotion. Dave Raymond, the man best-known as the original Phillie Phanatic (1978 to 1993), and a childhood friend of Gov. Markell, is already looking at that challenge.

Now the head of Newark-based Raymond Entertainment, a company that makes character-branded programs (mascots), Mr. Raymond said his organization has been tapped to design a plan to drive traffic to the paths. Noting the example of the Phillie Phanatic, Mr. Raymond said the character has become "a living, breathing brand extension" that has brought families to the ballpark.

"A visual reference, a graphics design reference, a spokes-character for the trail systems in Sussex and lower Delaware is ultimately what we think will be the biggest success," Mr. Raymond said. "There is no time frame, but we are starting now to get the ideas on paper."

State Rep. Dan Short (R-Seaford), a member of the Sussex Child Health Promotion Coalition, says he's hopeful one of the new trails will be developed in Seaford, building off of the existing habits and routines of local residents.

"There is a two-mile path that dozens of people already use that loops the city-owned golf course and surrounding neighborhoods," Rep. Short said. "I've been talking to Chas Salkin, at the Division of Parks and Recreation, to design a defined trail that will be integrated into the community and include benches and other accessories that will make it more inviting and user-friendly."

On the distant horizon, some supporters say they would like to develop a hiking and biking trail linking Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes with Trap Pond State Park east of Laurel.

In the near future, these issues will get further attention during the Sussex Outdoor Summit at the Trap Pond Nature Center to be held October 13th.

Upcoming Events and Rides

2011-08-08T23:59:00.008-04:00

Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011
Intro to Mountain Biking
The TrailSpinners' next 'Intro To Mountainbiking' session will be Sunday, August 14th, 1pm at White Clay Creek State Park's Nine Ft Road area and sponsored by Henry's Bike Shop. We'll work on some basic skills in a friendly environment (on grass!) then head out to ride some of the sweetest trails in the Mid-Atlantic area. If you're new to trail riding, want to brush up on some skills, or just want a guided trail ride, we'd love to have you join us. To help us plan, please register via email to: karllehman@verizon.net.

Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011

Take Action! Wilmington to New Castle Bikeway

Our major opportunity to show our support for completing the Wilmington-to-New Castle bikeway (aka the Industrial Track) to public officials and decision makers from all over New Castle County and from the state is the WILMAPCO Technical Advisory Committee meeting on August 18 at 10AM in Newark. This meeting will take place during a weekday morning, so the presence of bicyclists – taking off work to be present and all wearing bicycle pins (or something suggestive of bicycling) – will send an enormously powerful message to the WILMAPCO Council and other decision makers. Email to confirm: wbd@bikede.org

Friday, Sept. 16, 2011
Smart Cycling Courses
Many of us have questions about cycling and a lot of "how to's". WCBC is sponsoring a League of American Bicycling basic skills course taught by our newly minted League Cycling Instructors: Cindy & Tom Mannis, John and Ceci McCormick. and Paul Hess. The course will cover everything (bike fit, what to wear, how to brake, how to ride, traffic skills, avoidance techniques, and emergency techniques, etc). [full details...]

Saturday, Sept 17, 2011
Conference Workshop on Biking in Newark
Two 45-min workshops that begin with a Bicycling 101 (i.e. rules of the road, safety, etc.) and followed up with a basic maintenance tutorial (i.e. brakes, fit, changing flat, etc.). Participants can get more out of all the workshops and not have to choose only one workshop in order to attend. Townsend Hall (South Campus). Session 1: 9:45-10:30am, Session 2: 10:45-11:30am. Email Chris Richard for details: crichard@UDel.Edu

Friday, Sept. 23, 2011

Register early for Governor Jack's Tour of Delaware!
Gov. Jack Markell will be holding his annual bike tour on Friday, September 23rd. Cyclists from across the state are welcome to ride with the governor. The tour will be starting somewhere in northern NCC and ending up in Dover. The route is being determined now and will be confirmed in late August. To participate in the ride, please contact Kirsten Louis by email or phone: kirsten.louis1@gmail.com office: (302) 322-8800, cell: (302) 650-8777

Smart Cycling: Traffic Skills 101 course offered in Newark

2011-08-08T21:44:00.000-04:00

Offered by WCBC League Cycling Instructors Tom and Cindy Mannis, Paul Hess, and John and Ceci McCormick. This nine hour League of American Bicyclists (LAB) Program will be held on Friday, September 16th from 6-9:00 PM and on Saturday, September 17th, from 1-7:00 PM, at the WILMAPCO Building in Newark (map).

Participants will receive the LAB TS101 text and classroom/road instruction including: bicycle selection and fit, bicycle maintenance, clothing & equipment, bicycle drills (emergency maneuvers), lane position, and principles of traffic law. The cost is $30.00 for WCBC Members and $50.00 for non-members.

Checks should be made out to White Clay Bicycle Club and sent to: Paul Hess, 280 W. Chestnut Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19713. Fill out this enrollment form (pdf) and include with your payment. Additional Questions should be directed to Paul at pehess@comcast.net or Paul’s cell: 302-897-7311.

The class may be capped at 25 students so please respond promptly.

Register early for Governor Jack's Tour of Delaware!

2011-08-07T11:57:00.001-04:00

By Kirsten Louis

Markell for Delaware

Gov. Jack Markell will be holding his annual bike tour on Friday, September 23rd. Cyclists from across the state are welcome to ride with the governor. The tour will be starting somewhere in northern NCC and ending up in Dover. The route is being determined now and will be confirmed in late August. To participate in the ride, please contact Kirsten Louis by email or phone:

kirsten.louis1@gmail.com

office: (302) 322-8800

cell: (302) 650-8777

Motorist Education

2011-08-07T11:47:00.004-04:00

Delaware On-Line: Surgeon's passion for life recalled

2011-08-05T11:34:00.000-04:00

WNJ, August 4, 2011 -- Dr. Bruce A. Fellows was determined not to let a tragic accident six years ago change his zest for life.

The gifted vascular surgeon whom patients credited with saving their limbs and their lives was paralyzed from the neck down after a May 2005 cycling accident near his former Sussex County beach house. His traumatic spinal-cord injury was similar to that of the late actor Christopher Reeve.

Fellows told The News Journal in October 2006 that he had his daily frustrations adapting to life as a quadriplegic permanently dependent on a ventilator that helped him breathe, but there was no wallowing in sorrow.

"I haven't curled up in a ball. It's my nature to accept what is there and make the best of it," said Fellows, crediting his upbringing as the son of missionaries as well as a 27-year career as a surgeon with fostering his acceptance and resolve. "I approach life in a practical way. You can go on and have a determined attitude."

The 63-year-old died Saturday at his Greenville home. His daughter Meghan Fellows said Wednesday that her father maintained his independence to the end of his life and had recently started consulting work. But health issues, including bed sores and pneumonia in the last few months, left him weakened.

[Continue Reading]

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Poster's note: Dr Fellows was struck by a vehicle that turned right immediately after overtaking him, aka the "Right Hook". Further details, including what charges (if any) where brought against the driver are not known. Read "Still Playing to Win".

How to enforce illegal parking in bike lanes

2011-08-05T11:04:00.000-04:00

Given the flurry of emails with this YouTube video floating around the advocacy waves, it must be destined for Bike Delaware News.

On a more local level, the problem of cars parked in bike lanes is quite evident on Academy Street in Newark during the school year. It is rumored that University in Delaware wants to permanently close this road to traffic, and "pedestrianise" it. If this ends up the case, there won't even be any cars to squash in the first place! Read all about it HERE.

White Clay Creek Trail Plan - final comments needed

2011-08-04T11:24:00.006-04:00

By Jim Ireland

President, Delaware Trail Spinners

The final draft of the White ClayTrail Plan is now up for review.

Please look over the plan and send me your comments with supportive arguments before August 10, 2011. Today, on August 4, 2011 the Parks and Recreation Council are reviewing the plan and submitting their own comments. Then, on August 10, 2011 the Greenways and Trails Council will review the plan and submit comments (I’m an appointed member on this council). After comments are heard, the Division Director will either ask for modifications or sign-off the new trail plan. Once signed, projects in White Clay will start to be planned. ~Jim (jim.ireland[at]verizon.net)

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Poster's note: These are very exciting times for off-road biking in Delaware. A number of these trails may have transportation significance as well. Please take a few minutes and participate in this process. Strong involvement by the bicycling community is what keeps trails open, accessible, and maintained for our use.

So much for cell phone, texting laws

2011-08-04T07:15:00.001-04:00

ABC News -- Despite nationwide initiatives to curb cell phone use while driving, there is no evidence indicating that the bans are effective, according to a report out today.

Nevertheless, the 40-page document urged states to enact cell phone and texting bans, even as it declared that there is "no solid evidence that any [ban] is effective in reducing crashes, injuries, or fatalities."

The report, "Distracted Driving: What Research Shows and What States Can Do," developed by a host of transportation safety officials, also called on employers, the automobile industry and the federal government to continue to develop tests and implement measures to combat all forms of distracted driving.

The report summarized all research on distracted drivers available as of January 2011 and focused its attention on distractions caused by cell phones and text messaging. One recent study said that about two-thirds of all drivers reported using a cell phone while driving.

The new document found that there was no conclusive evidence that hands-free cell phone use is less risky than hand-held use.

[Continue Reading ...]

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Poster's note: On my daily commute, I have seen little to no discernible difference from the time the bill was passed until now. One thing is for certain; until this reckless behavior is treated as DUI, lax enforcement and weak penalties will continue to render this law virtually meaningless.