tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32199591686059176842024-02-19T00:59:28.117-05:001st State BIKESA balanced approach to bicycle advocacy, from Greater NewarkFrank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.comBlogger503125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-32427694903007458632023-11-01T18:45:00.001-04:002023-11-01T18:45:26.151-04:00U-Dud: Who is driving UD's anti-bicycling sentiment?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0A9OxVQMnPbuSiU_rNje92AbvDRpyFnawBRHlCRWAiGxuW7qQSHJP5uISsgRku2QKB0LEFE43KHYfWpzCyHXTWCIZFt3FaZp9P2tcTRejrKSq0uqsDQT_Ba5FQRJXrEGVY04ZfYZwVY1LKzG_mGlgzolNbBvMnwPw_zYJ0kLnAsghN6Jx2eLC76idL7B/s1023/WMain_sharrow1.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0A9OxVQMnPbuSiU_rNje92AbvDRpyFnawBRHlCRWAiGxuW7qQSHJP5uISsgRku2QKB0LEFE43KHYfWpzCyHXTWCIZFt3FaZp9P2tcTRejrKSq0uqsDQT_Ba5FQRJXrEGVY04ZfYZwVY1LKzG_mGlgzolNbBvMnwPw_zYJ0kLnAsghN6Jx2eLC76idL7B/s320/WMain_sharrow1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From the <a href="https://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/newark-launches-effort-to-update-2014-bicycle-plan/article_f35c9486-5040-11ee-9b5e-a77ad77c0ade.html" target="_blank">Newark Post article</a>:<i><br /><br />"[McBride] added that another key component to improving cycling in Newark is working with the University of Delaware, which he said has fallen behind competitors like Penn State and the University of Maryland as it relates to cycling infrastructure. McBride said UD “hasn’t been all that interested in helping us,” noting that UD’s interest in cycling waned after a student was fatally struck by a bike outside the Trabant University Center in 2015."</i><p></p><p><b>It is no secret</b> that <a href="https://ce.udel.edu/people/faculty-profile/?id=29" target="_blank">Earl "Rusty" Lee</a> of the University of Delaware's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2014/05/shared-right-turn-only-lane-update.html" target="_blank">is anti-bicycling</a>. We have heard it from past students and overheard U.D. alumni saying as much. It was objectively obvious during the <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/11/shared-right-turn-only-lane-hit-at.html" target="_blank">Shared Right Turn-Only Lane</a> project 12 years ago. DelDOT tasked U.D. with conducting field and human factors testing and providing the data necessary to have this vital modification added to the <a href="https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/de_mutcd/index.shtml" target="_blank">Delaware MUTCD</a>.<br /><br />Surely, we cannot prove Mr Lee's complicity in UD's attitude in the Post article above. But their unwillingness to help Newark move toward a green sustainable transportation future is repugnant at best. Apparently, it is based this on a single <a href="https://www1.udel.edu/udaily/2016/mar/InMemoriamRosin032316.html" target="_blank">bike-ped accident</a> at Trabant Student Center that resulted in a fatality.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuoKtJgpXpGT3DlCHBD3p0HKnl3SYLo4DQ1YX2ZOUVCROJwyIQKFJ3gpAUsn7T9YxfoEVeF-Qg1P8DisgKom4FLZB0isCmT6mRqDlUKCTbHrKWa-FdpAsFYnHrRrnBoi3QWUeWOpj8digbtE4G6qJYJttza4rYdTjS5R0f77xj5fJRnl3UmXAtJcHJ9TS/s681/traffic_ills.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="681" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuoKtJgpXpGT3DlCHBD3p0HKnl3SYLo4DQ1YX2ZOUVCROJwyIQKFJ3gpAUsn7T9YxfoEVeF-Qg1P8DisgKom4FLZB0isCmT6mRqDlUKCTbHrKWa-FdpAsFYnHrRrnBoi3QWUeWOpj8digbtE4G6qJYJttza4rYdTjS5R0f77xj5fJRnl3UmXAtJcHJ9TS/s320/traffic_ills.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The University and Mr Lee should be reminded that bike collisions with pedestrians (resulting in death or serious injury) are exceptionally rare compared to cars. People dependent on cars result in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/statecosts/index.html" target="_blank">38,000 road deaths per year</a> in the U.S. (this includes in Newark) and costs everyone many billions of dollars in medical services and property damage. There are also the health implications of driving costing 10s of thousands of lives every year. These include respiratory illness, noise anxiety/stress, obesity etc. Instead of holding a grudge, U.D. should be at the forefront getting people out of cars and into active <a href="http://www.wilmapco.org/Active2010/Case%20Statement%20for%20the%20Wilmington%20Metropolitan%20Region.pdf" target="_blank">(pdf)</a> modes like bicycling. They should also provide a <a href="https://www.enterprisecarshare.com/us/en/programs/university.html" target="_blank">car-share system</a> instead of minimum parking requirements for students.<br /><br /><b>The revolution</b> in e-Bike and scooter technology alone all but mandates U.D. to act, as hundreds if not thousands of their students depend on these modes to get to class. Needless to say, oil-dependent transportation accounts for the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/fast-facts-transportation-greenhouse-gas-emissions" target="_blank">largest share</a> of heat trapping emissions, ultimately dooming our planet. U.D. should also provide multi-modal education and provide a monthly stipend to the Newark Bike Project. NBP is a huge asset, helping their students fix and maintain their bikes while teaching them self-reliance in this manner.<br /><br /><i>Shame on the University of Delaware</i> for waving the environmental baton while jamming it in the spokes of people on bikes, those trying to be "one less car".Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-75685640790154367162023-10-18T19:03:00.000-04:002023-10-18T19:03:03.645-04:00DelDOT's Ignorance of AASHTO Bicycle Facility Guidance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-AWx42ss_BcQnovWj9bnHVEzCz4tWrk3vfiVV9LPyMbq24yJ8WieloN7fqrmBDV8RrIZvkAGcciAMuz7SBGdqv28Ql4_j2ntMuC575UQ9jTrc3TskWkENHVUlQMgR6QVrs309GZ0cEhiTXHDFcyYknwoz04nvsgVwJ3QKsHnzgfDlo2LZxGtzu_EIXcl/s1600/20230811_142518.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-AWx42ss_BcQnovWj9bnHVEzCz4tWrk3vfiVV9LPyMbq24yJ8WieloN7fqrmBDV8RrIZvkAGcciAMuz7SBGdqv28Ql4_j2ntMuC575UQ9jTrc3TskWkENHVUlQMgR6QVrs309GZ0cEhiTXHDFcyYknwoz04nvsgVwJ3QKsHnzgfDlo2LZxGtzu_EIXcl/w400-h300/20230811_142518.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The typical DelDOT "shared use" curb cut, in clear violation of AASHTO guidance</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2012 AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities <a href="https://njdotlocalaidrc.com/perch/resources/aashto-gbf-4-2012-bicycle.pdf" target="_blank">(pdf)</a></span></div><br />5.3.5 Other Intersection Treatments: Curb Ramps and Aprons<br /><i>The opening of a shared use path at the roadway should be at least the same width as the shared use path itself. If a curb ramp is provided, the ramp should be the full width of the path, not including any side flares if utilized. The approach should provide a smooth and accessible transition between the path and the roadway.</i><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvnf3LeyHaGskV_qnfF_LJOKZeUQa3DlAn0eNawRPKzJkRQzjbnZLB2uWwYKgcVcYMqv811BAe3uJdpky-0Y3FUJXnzJ30Oz-KnSmHxnP_dt0F0xweWpOC1QLzPpyM3nE5hQAh9kg7Ubtv7Xe5lakHew60z03QoIFqLJ7lAPNSt0nRVhht1MqqNXhmQZL/s1200/IMG_7508.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvnf3LeyHaGskV_qnfF_LJOKZeUQa3DlAn0eNawRPKzJkRQzjbnZLB2uWwYKgcVcYMqv811BAe3uJdpky-0Y3FUJXnzJ30Oz-KnSmHxnP_dt0F0xweWpOC1QLzPpyM3nE5hQAh9kg7Ubtv7Xe5lakHew60z03QoIFqLJ7lAPNSt0nRVhht1MqqNXhmQZL/s320/IMG_7508.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AASHTO No-No: Sidewalks as "Bikeways", signed as such</td></tr></tbody></table><br />DelDOT's Pavement & Rehabilitation section routinely installs as little as 4' wide ramps and island cut-throughs on bi-directional shared-use pathway (SUP) facilities. According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Association_of_State_Highway_and_Transportation_Officials" target="_blank">AASHTO</a> guidance, this practice relegates these facilities to sidewalks. Perhaps nobody even notices this, after all, "why build good bike facilities, when nobody rides because of the lack of good facilities?" <i>~Barry Childress (Chair, Baltimore Spokes).</i><br /><br />According to unnamed experts in the field, DelDOT's ignorance of AASHTO makes them responsible in the advent of an accident or crash. Further, the installation of signs indicating these are bikeways, when in fact bicycle equity and safety is gravely compromised should be an embarrassment to the Department. It also indicates just how involved the various advocacy orgs (DE Bicycle Council, DE Greenways, Bike DE, etc) are in <a href="https://www.bikede.org/about-us/mission-and-vision/#page-content" target="_blank">"connecting everyone with a bicycle-friendly transportation network"</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://delawaregreenways.org/delaware-awarded-raise-grant/" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://delawaregreenways.org/delaware-awarded-raise-grant/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHC1mq7EXZlHtoxlBVoWKuVV7dxtync7tQs33rPbr3DhUCTh1NTd0hXos_yqfEwysi10j2yRJltgV3R07ETiRQm6z2-nFA0E8jI2p9ukBIS2O41InT6596QoQYLec0Ul-0jLga3mxp50PMHw9txPyLPGDc_5UVAuyO1LrBjB28S7Q46Y8SBN-XF4fi7jQ/s1200/IMG_7431.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHC1mq7EXZlHtoxlBVoWKuVV7dxtync7tQs33rPbr3DhUCTh1NTd0hXos_yqfEwysi10j2yRJltgV3R07ETiRQm6z2-nFA0E8jI2p9ukBIS2O41InT6596QoQYLec0Ul-0jLga3mxp50PMHw9txPyLPGDc_5UVAuyO1LrBjB28S7Q46Y8SBN-XF4fi7jQ/w200-h150/IMG_7431.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>All of the $44M in <a href="https://delawaregreenways.org/delaware-awarded-raise-grant/" target="_blank">RAISE funds</a> granted to DE are going into two high profile projects that will fix none of the problems with Delaware's current bicycling infrastructure. Most of what we see now is in a state of disconnect and ruin, and will stay that way thanks to the above parties. Instead of developing design guidance for SUP width and alignment through <a href="https://youtu.be/ORzNZUeUHAM?si=9qj0L9ZJS6omO1ft" target="_blank">stroad</a> intersections, for example, and turning the countless <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2013/11/a-shared-goal-for-delaware-bicycle.html" target="_blank">"goat paths"</a> in New Castle County into AASHTO-compliant pathways, every dollar goes to benefit a tiny minority.<br /><br />The installation of grossly inadequate "multi-modal" infrastructure continues unabated in Delaware, and will guarantee that we remain a whopping ~0.02% bicycling modeshare. The State will continue as <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/these-are-the-most-dangerous-states-for-cyclists" target="_blank">most dangerous</a> in the U.S. for bicyclists and 2nd most deadly behind Florida. Oil-based transportation is the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions" target="_blank">#1 source</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas_emissions" target="_blank">AGW emissions</a>, as our "leaders" in govt agencies and non-profits (most of whom never actually bike, or even walk apparently) make the decisions that seal this fate. Shame on all of them.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH2CnWPb-ZxYxAUFVhKz5P894ip6kjBYplJUhcrA3xZnLlIQridefY9auBq3e4pN268axQIHROgYUvFNMGvQrQ6aQxt_qmpELgYp0dqjJJLLhfVN-7gJDt0-1-FDaJJgMPxNJP0LXnKnGwjHL98xVa3K8pvG1JHmuCtq15p3fMJU5J4xq5ui9cdpl_a8N/s1200/IMG_7493.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH2CnWPb-ZxYxAUFVhKz5P894ip6kjBYplJUhcrA3xZnLlIQridefY9auBq3e4pN268axQIHROgYUvFNMGvQrQ6aQxt_qmpELgYp0dqjJJLLhfVN-7gJDt0-1-FDaJJgMPxNJP0LXnKnGwjHL98xVa3K8pvG1JHmuCtq15p3fMJU5J4xq5ui9cdpl_a8N/s320/IMG_7493.JPG" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10' wide is reduced to 5' on the Linden Hill shared use pathway <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/HQQ3LcunRumDoRn36" target="_blank">at Skyline Drive</a> in Pike Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-16101200987140045152023-10-14T16:08:00.002-04:002023-10-14T16:08:12.691-04:00Greed, Moral Bankruptcy, and the "WaWa Effect"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAiCRE7CLvWRaGiClmW6DYGvaGhdZrbfwdoaH0U65WEEbvw1iMk5SSPnG60J6RuTVqfP9DssLMZ6EJPvStwZsc-v4gcO2zTa4WxOaxsredv8fBj_xjDeeSi_nRUFg_blft9OUtuPqiV-VWcc2zYPSBqhiGNg8mm-n-ndm5_vZPfH5M2IVtken0fTVeVT-/s1201/wawa_pumps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAiCRE7CLvWRaGiClmW6DYGvaGhdZrbfwdoaH0U65WEEbvw1iMk5SSPnG60J6RuTVqfP9DssLMZ6EJPvStwZsc-v4gcO2zTa4WxOaxsredv8fBj_xjDeeSi_nRUFg_blft9OUtuPqiV-VWcc2zYPSBqhiGNg8mm-n-ndm5_vZPfH5M2IVtken0fTVeVT-/s320/wawa_pumps.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><p><b>The massive growth</b> of "convenience" superstores, and their vast array of mega-gas pumps and car-infested parking lots is fast destroying any notion of a bikeable greater Newark. In the past, residents from within City limits have been able to <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/search?q=WaWa" target="_blank">defeat the plans</a> of these greedy corporations and their billionaire CEOs and investors -- particularly along Elkton Rd/new S. Main Street. Such spotty success, however, sends the message that bicycling for transportation is unique to select small areas, like college towns. Yet the vast majority of car trips made in the U.S. are generated in suburbs and are <a href="https://bikeleague.org/national-household-travel-survey-short-trips-analysis/" target="_blank">less than a mile long</a>. This is a distance easily biked or walked by at least 2/3 of Americans, but our so-called leaders in local and State govt and their supporting organizations <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/ogletown-road-and-folly-of-bike-delaware.html" target="_blank">aren't interested</a> in that.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3219959168605917684/1610120098714004515#" target="_blank">First of two Wawas proposed for South College Avenue advances</a></span></p><p>Key Excerpts:<br /><i>Commissioner Christopher Williamson expressed dismay that Wawa is seeking to come to an area already crowded with gas stations. Wawa would be the fifth gas station in the 1-mile stretch of South College Avenue leading up to the I-95 interchange. A sixth gas station, a Dash In, is proposed for across the street at the site of the Rodeway Inn.</i><br /><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoueqxZ9E5ZAoRj7Xb85OdQySljeWOwXXUDX_0qdj8FpD1t9hcYQn2qW46FXDH_H4LrRzXIV2q_F3k26Re523FozTsQWnqPho8F54aAR0GQTk3KlpaPDo34hJlAonksVXE4Tf5PGHhDd79Aqmk6CKavW6aOf5gjtH7AM9Nu-H7Er_LdSrSh6nWSNaqNTC5/s1024/wally_gas.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoueqxZ9E5ZAoRj7Xb85OdQySljeWOwXXUDX_0qdj8FpD1t9hcYQn2qW46FXDH_H4LrRzXIV2q_F3k26Re523FozTsQWnqPho8F54aAR0GQTk3KlpaPDo34hJlAonksVXE4Tf5PGHhDd79Aqmk6CKavW6aOf5gjtH7AM9Nu-H7Er_LdSrSh6nWSNaqNTC5/s320/wally_gas.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><i>“Talk about a bleak landscape between West Chestnut Hill Road and the freeway. It’s disappointing it’s turned out this way. I know it meets code, I know that it’s economics that drives what you can put there,” Williamson said. “That one little shopping center and Jersey Mike’s, there’s hardly a blade of green grass in there. It’s pretty bleak looking. I just wish the city could have gotten ahead of it, but it’s too late, the train is out of the station.”</i><br /><br /><i>Despite expressing concerns about the project, the planning commission voted 6-0 to recommend city council approve a minor subdivision and special-use permit for the Wawa. A date for council consideration has not yet been scheduled.</i><br /><br /><i>The Wawa proposal voted on Tuesday is one [FOUR MORE] being proposed in and around Newark </i><a href="https://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/first-of-two-wawas-proposed-for-south-college-avenue-advances/article_1633f62c-627d-11ee-9000-434a16eaed91.html" target="_blank">[Full article . . .]</a><br /><br />Newark is even on board for <a href="https://www.wdel.com/news/newark-annexes-elkton-road-property-paving-way-for-citys-potential-second-wawa/article_4f4e441a-4111-11ec-837c-cfadb1e89ae8.html" target="_blank">annexing the necessary land</a> to encourage WaWa's gross expansion. As such, the promotion and approval of these cancerous blights will be the City leader's 'legacy'. Instead of planting trees, in their minds, it is more important to destroy the environment, lock in car-dependency, and ruin any sense of <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">placemaking</a>. They, and their New Castle County cohorts in "Planning" and Land Use are the antithesis of One Less Car and are equally to blame for this disaster. Shame on everyone involved.<br /><br /><i><u>Related:</u></i><br /><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2013/07/no-to-super-wawa-at-apple-and-elkton.html" target="_blank">NO to Super WaWa at Apple and Elkton Roads in Newark</a><br /><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/where-is-bike-delaware-on-projects-that.html" target="_blank">Is this what we really want for South Main Street?<br />Where is Bike Delaware on projects that really matter?</a><br /><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2014/08/mayor-wawa-out-of-picture-for-park-n.html" target="_blank">Mayor: WaWa out of the picture for Park n' Shop</a><p></p>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-58747390014467322122023-09-19T17:20:00.009-04:002023-09-26T14:18:50.814-04:00Celebration of the Life of Angela Connolly-Cunneely<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1357037725219675" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="934" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t3uVWRsJT8SE-HwEcYlyBzE2t82Ta29GY4qw7vKoKqe60RjK-ebYkRZU84bIthvynAUaa2umedYl7L6dZ9EVGFcoGYT1hx2982T141-15D3vC4rr4jstnyXWxIIoTf2zL30aJfnYrAhrD6bCQSPpulxhAZCqmzbCX2zLzBrEfYT2MglOTuO9Ao-YXeRN/s320/ACC%20Event%20Title.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><br /><i>From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1357037725219675" target="_blank">event site</a></i> | Please join us in a Celebration Of Life for Angela Connolly Cunneely, who took her leave of this earthly realm on August 4th 2023. Obituary <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/angela-cunneely-obituary?id=53190576" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><br /></div><div>Angela fought a valiant 2 year battle with Cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer of the bile duct, which ended in the way that Angela always knew it would - in a draw. She always knew that her cancer would ultimately take her, but she took solace in the fact that her end would also mean the demise of her cancer.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/give-back-to-a-giver-remembering-angie" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="771" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24JCxKfAJ2qCBYyuafXxHiCcPAcv39mTCzge5GVBIoAqMy2NKpTMf34LsuB12wOdv5zyt1asoJ5D3CU2YBKLz7Gzy6oKQi5lFdHvZqV4SnbeNCuasb4xN0ngX_hdUsfNRT2jxmojB-4Q87A_MSBjQwqC2FsiLUej_dwWMtHfLR6VPiZ8Qb4KvTYx2usyD/s320/Fundraiser.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In keeping with the spirit of Angela’s love of and connection to nature and the great outdoors, we will be gathering on Oct 8 at 2pm in Lums Pond State Park, Pavilion #3. Please dress comfortably and respectfully.<br /><br /></div><div>One of Angela’s favorite movie lines and frequently used quotes was “I don’t mind going if a luncheon is provided” from A Christmas Carol ❤️, and as such food and drink will of course be provided by the family, and any <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/give-back-to-a-giver-remembering-angie" target="_blank">additional contributions</a> are most welcome.</div></div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-78410474053440321332023-09-06T21:27:00.000-04:002023-09-06T21:27:40.502-04:00The Safety Of Cycling On Salem Church Road<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yuIGGO5qVnFycFPtQznjf0JrRzPvh7zJIwA0f3Q79Jyo3qOQb30y1o9IfmNqH7-sp26jF3sEdemCC04ljc1Zld3dvglk9-rwAtpi7nW-roTtvg9RJcymrHvNZyvZAesPcHlLGGHQhed3EldspJ_fu4ISWIS90kMPbeLGEb5mfRI8_s1pAAB4rxIuO-rc/s614/Map1.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yuIGGO5qVnFycFPtQznjf0JrRzPvh7zJIwA0f3Q79Jyo3qOQb30y1o9IfmNqH7-sp26jF3sEdemCC04ljc1Zld3dvglk9-rwAtpi7nW-roTtvg9RJcymrHvNZyvZAesPcHlLGGHQhed3EldspJ_fu4ISWIS90kMPbeLGEb5mfRI8_s1pAAB4rxIuO-rc/s320/Map1.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><i>Big shout out to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MarioNappa/videos" target="_blank">BFF Productions</a> for making this possible!</i><br /><br /><b>This video</b> is a collaboration of Frank Warnock of 1st State Bikes and Mario Nappa. With Mario hosting, Frank Warnock answers questions about the hazards of riding on a 1/2-mile stretch of Salem Church Road between the I95 overpass on the north end to Old Baltimore Pike on the southern end.<br /><br />At the end of the video we give you contact information so you can connect with your state representative to encourage that bike lanes are added along this section for the safety of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.<br /><br />Thank you for watching and for your help in making Bike Route One a safer place to ride.<br /><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HVx7kCtyrQw?si=61VPjW8rQek1DpW0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-36319440379702945072023-09-05T21:25:00.004-04:002023-09-26T14:15:01.498-04:00Angela Connolly-Cunneely, 1959-2023<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/angela-cunneely-obituary?id=53190576">Legacy.com</a></span></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>ngela Connolly Cunneely, 64, passed away at home on August 4 after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and virulent cancer of the bile duct. Angie was born on June 22, 1959 in the Bronx, New York City, to the late Margaret (Jantek) and Edward Connolly. She married her high school sweetheart Martin when he joined the Navy, and together they lived in Tennessee, California, and Washington state before settling back in the Bronx. There, Angie was active in the PTA when her children were in school, then studied ESL at Lehman College where she helped many adult students learn English.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>After the family moved to Delaware in 1989, Angie earned her Certification as a Medical Assistant and worked for many years in women's health, where she was known for her competent and compassionate care for her many patients. She became active in her new community as well, volunteering with both Bike Delaware and the Newark Bike Project. She also fought tirelessly for the preservation of the former Orphanage property on Chestnut Hill Road.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>In addition to her advocacy, Angie's interests included caring for her lush garden, flying in small planes, and traveling to the Dominican Republic and throughout Europe.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Angie was predeceased by her parents and brother Edward. She is survived by her husband Martin, her son Martin Jr. (Shelley), daughter Melissa Schweitzer (Rob), grandchildren Connor, Tyler, Lilah, Jake, Eva, and Ella, and her two sisters Mary-Catherine Connolly and Marguerite Cain (Dave), as well as many nieces and nephews and her little dog Midnight.</i> | (see it on <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/angela-cunneely-obituary?id=53190576">legacy.com</a>)</div></div><div><br /><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnBLMIdyVPIwaSquUQh-1vd2qEX_UkgqdpLLIkvUG-HHe4xsUDhnBfD17Iqfzdx8kfenOMAR221Y6mse3YF2rN-WL0wgFyQ_xkTZplhoXWEmsuHHJk70ce0Qx-VfgyJBNMMfrrjhRd_1WT5yYIB_mDZbjuArY-ERz8WhOOI7QUXjgpDMgl2gSClr9MGYR/s560/021812%20016.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="560" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnBLMIdyVPIwaSquUQh-1vd2qEX_UkgqdpLLIkvUG-HHe4xsUDhnBfD17Iqfzdx8kfenOMAR221Y6mse3YF2rN-WL0wgFyQ_xkTZplhoXWEmsuHHJk70ce0Qx-VfgyJBNMMfrrjhRd_1WT5yYIB_mDZbjuArY-ERz8WhOOI7QUXjgpDMgl2gSClr9MGYR/w200-h171/021812%20016.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><div>Editor's note: Angela was a superb advocate and activist for walking, bicycling and environmental causes in Delaware. She volunteered and served on the boards of multiple organizations that included Newark Bike Project and Bike Delaware in their early inception. Angela co-founded <a href="https://youtu.be/sH2fvNmVTJQ?si=z4zVkPK5Ohj2ocFY" target="_blank">Save The Orphanage Property</a> (STOP), a coalition of citizens and organizations that <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">attempted</a> to save green space and bring a regional park to Ogletown-S. Newark. She co-wrote and edited for several advocacy blogs that included 1st State Bikes and Ogletown Resilience. Her beautiful personality, lively enthusiasm, and embrace of the greater good will be sorely missed.</div><br /><div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1dAHBrz5HY?si=c0VI4eIAxJ59rA9m" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p></div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-41973790445174869592023-04-07T14:02:00.002-04:002023-04-07T14:02:43.524-04:00One Dozen Safety Suggestions For Wilmapco and NCC<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.communityremarks.com/wilmapco/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="1197" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDZduF1wWe8dHPu7tuxfa_xQbxGlxTbGVcfInsgOZTSJmvEYA8fkYi3LMVQQvUiElmmBGCSlANakGChdrUqjiN3Twqm2bmJVqeDBLoB0354BwjCDquFo9ssvIMTQhelJqM7zZtt_sdSP20zzc575yHiltCvfGSN_ijml3J0Gj83NgnTWvBUrf4jYTHg/s320/SSFA%20Banner.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>WILMAPCO</b> is<a href="https://www.communityremarks.com/wilmapco/" target="_blank"> appealing for feedback</a> to reverse the "1st" that Delaware asked for over many decades time with poor land-use and infrastructure planning. Kudos to <a href="http://www.wilmapco.org/" target="_blank">them</a> for making this big step. But if our State is really serious about reducing injuries and fatals, it is going to take more than infra improvements on gov-owned roads and other public rights of way (ROW). In no particular order, here is our top 12 recommendations that SSFA (Safe Streets for All) must consider and implement to be effective:<br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Reform the vehicle code for pedestrians. DE's code now ranks among the most inadequate and dangerous in the country. <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/12/is-bike-delaware-tool-of-developer.html" target="_blank">Bike Delaware</a> <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/search?q=Pedestrian+Bill" target="_blank">fought and defeated</a> past attempts at bringing said code in line <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1brMJVsCYRf6HhNDKHthG3RG8vycSgHMT/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">(pdf)</a> with other truly progressive States.</li><li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rPSZzZIERTWc8pOALis0gWAUjDYhLORkkEXcT2zJXLEmlxsIzgpA2FnWbF_PE561Hg0CFqH0l2o4S9u4U8tW7YY2KjI08gqCgZ1ps9Zhw2c2a6cya5Uw7IQQpp62HYT4NCGyZhzeHSFyhRqGEOsMNaWs6npL_M8IEN1peK6kPIJgbeFkgISfMxjhLw/s1200/070411%20001.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rPSZzZIERTWc8pOALis0gWAUjDYhLORkkEXcT2zJXLEmlxsIzgpA2FnWbF_PE561Hg0CFqH0l2o4S9u4U8tW7YY2KjI08gqCgZ1ps9Zhw2c2a6cya5Uw7IQQpp62HYT4NCGyZhzeHSFyhRqGEOsMNaWs6npL_M8IEN1peK6kPIJgbeFkgISfMxjhLw/w200-h150/070411%20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical goat path from SR4 in S. Newark</td></tr></tbody></table>A holistic approach to infra that includes non-state lands and properties, e.g. <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/search?q=Abandoned+Roads" target="_blank">abaondoned roads</a>, "goat paths" and/or other potential buy or easement possibilities. These make critical connections e.g. <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2013/11/a-shared-goal-for-delaware-bicycle.html" target="_blank">Cavaliers to Christiana Mall</a>, yet are actually discouraged! Shared-use pathways are paved parallel to shopping centers or strip commerce, but the only "connections" are goat paths traversing high curbs or over high fences. Ditto with neighborhoods and other vital destinations. This is grossly unacceptable and any safety campaign must address this issue. That said, the NCC "Safe Streets for All" <a href="https://www.communityremarks.com/wilmapco/" target="_blank">interactive mapping tool</a> is a great start; please participate.</li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IGGtG3cdptBMqxia5ELh9epdsL6XdE9g9f_OCgCXge4OtKnp9liBMT169gL84HZ38YzWAEwNc4MBJVQlolUe-GYpEhwJRg0bLwULO8c7xjAGpUSFvIlULPBGk2iqnsnHI_PGFll4pxcX9lHH2QJSX7J4eq1MglGS-abxhZEXOKL0mXtVgzrGpVhOfg/s1031/twentys-plenty.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="713" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IGGtG3cdptBMqxia5ELh9epdsL6XdE9g9f_OCgCXge4OtKnp9liBMT169gL84HZ38YzWAEwNc4MBJVQlolUe-GYpEhwJRg0bLwULO8c7xjAGpUSFvIlULPBGk2iqnsnHI_PGFll4pxcX9lHH2QJSX7J4eq1MglGS-abxhZEXOKL0mXtVgzrGpVhOfg/w138-h200/twentys-plenty.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><a href="https://www.20splenty.org/briefings" target="_blank">"20 is Plenty"</a> (or similar) for neighborhoods and side streets, including replacement of all 25<br /> mph speed limit signs (Sen John Walsh performed a <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/senator-jack-walsh-obtains-quotes-for.html" target="_blank">cost analysis</a>), accompanied by an awareness campaign. This has had <a href="https://www.20splenty.org/big_speed_reductions" target="_blank">demonstrable results</a> elsewhere in western society (i.e. Europe).</li><li>Restrict use of radial turns and slip lanes to high speed roads only; these should <a href="https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2019/11/5/slip-lanes-would-never-exist-if-we-prioritized-safety-over-speed" target="_blank">never be used</a> on streets at human scale, which DelDOT continues to do. Roads should have limited access via frontal streets only; Streets require crossroads to be safe. There is a <a href="https://youtu.be/ORzNZUeUHAM" target="_blank">big difference</a>.</li><li>Lower speed limits on arterial roads that have frequent red lights, <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2014/05/why-crosswalks-are-so-dangerous-in.html" target="_blank">crosswalks</a>, bike lanes, shopping centers, schools etc. SR4 (E. Chestnut Hill Rd) thru Ogletown-S.Newark is posted at 50 mph, which is recklessly dangerous. <i>Average</i> speeds approach 60 mph, even through intersections where the East Coast Greenway <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/yjf84aibF4VumH9e7" target="_blank">parallels a deaf-blind</a> and elementary school according to one speed study. <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2017/08/11/the-85th-percentile-rule-is-killing-us/" target="_blank">Eliminate the 85th Percentile</a> as exclusive guidance when setting speed limits.</li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RlcSWg_w6M85kni8cThomXmRmfmo22bBYSthwBMLxifg6LCsvDfnzGiTNfkC7gtL5WySNIDQqmZqypCBPlwPxB9ye_JfvoG9AYtjqbwZgMIWsF4UJ6HlPuoTxmrwOs1fMG1Gx5Txoju6zNWySjDND_p2nDWjQf1UTvSpNKo_u7lJ6F4KsvK5AYU3xA/s619/Charger1.JPG" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="619" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RlcSWg_w6M85kni8cThomXmRmfmo22bBYSthwBMLxifg6LCsvDfnzGiTNfkC7gtL5WySNIDQqmZqypCBPlwPxB9ye_JfvoG9AYtjqbwZgMIWsF4UJ6HlPuoTxmrwOs1fMG1Gx5Txoju6zNWySjDND_p2nDWjQf1UTvSpNKo_u7lJ6F4KsvK5AYU3xA/w200-h146/Charger1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carth Vader</td></tr></tbody></table><li>Robust laws aimed at curbing drag racing and aftermarket and modified exhaust systems. Such vehicle terrorism discourages anyone from venturing near DE's arterial roads and streets unless forced. And we all have connections that can only be made via arterial roads. Sen Walsh/Rep Williams already passed <a href="https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/79191" target="_blank">HB328</a> for the former, and <a href="https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=129902" target="_blank">HB35</a> is in process for the latter. PD and/or NCC follow-up to citizen complaints is key to enforcement. Kudos to the legislators involved.</li><li>Redundant DMV driver training. Even a simple periodic quiz would help, perhaps with renewals. License and registration as a "right" has to end, replaced with the privilege to drive AND re-earning it from time to time.</li><li>A gas tax to fund improvements across all vulnerable user types, given the <a href="https://time.com/6160256/gas-prices-climate-cost/" target="_blank">unspeakable damage</a> caused by people driving cars and burning fossil fuels vs non-motorists.</li><li>Bike parking with ALL new commercial establishments (NCC), including refurbs -- not just ground-up construction. Find a way to incentivize existing services and establishments. <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/09/without-new-castle-county-forget.html" target="_blank">Reform the land-use code</a> in this manner.</li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2014/09/nccs-choice-of-gates-over-bollards-is.html" target="_blank">Stop using cement barriers and hanging cables</a> instead of bollard(s) where bike/ped but not cars are permitted. This is lacking of common sense and results in tripping or crash hazards.</li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRCk3DC_3qZCLAnDr3sDJYk79lNwPdf5Xt6eUzsqXEzFZTr0LtVmPci2u0OI_YXmJJ3iFH6ksIIZJvuzMAvQnh3K8pyDVuFlNlcjLGjrJEJHnemyKibNhP2Szo9wzNKY4aquPnrLKv7OBzs-EkzvqDIUfKxPSXkTwjpsLqZIQg9OjS3xE47qFaSgNrg/s233/Shared%20Zone.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="222" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRCk3DC_3qZCLAnDr3sDJYk79lNwPdf5Xt6eUzsqXEzFZTr0LtVmPci2u0OI_YXmJJ3iFH6ksIIZJvuzMAvQnh3K8pyDVuFlNlcjLGjrJEJHnemyKibNhP2Szo9wzNKY4aquPnrLKv7OBzs-EkzvqDIUfKxPSXkTwjpsLqZIQg9OjS3xE47qFaSgNrg/w191-h200/Shared%20Zone.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Design, test and implement a Delaware MUTCD-specific Shared Zone signage, for use in mixed zones where speeding is notable. Examples include <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2023/02/deldot-no-to-shared-zone-signage-on.html" target="_blank">Creek Road</a> north of Newark.</li><li>Car-free and car-lite housing incentives at Delaware's schools, colleges and universities. This includes reducing student car parking and replacing it with<a href="https://www.enterprisecarshare.com/us/en/programs/university.html" target="_blank"> car-sharing services</a> instead.</li></ol><div>Is there a #13 and beyond? Where is Bike Delaware and Delaware Greenways on any of these issues? Let us know in the comments section below if you have anything to add. Beyond that, this post marks the end of what we can do to help Delaware move forward in multi-modal safety and quality of life issues. Now on to populating the <a href="https://www.communityremarks.com/wilmapco/" target="_blank">SSFA map</a>.<br /><br /><i><b>Related:</b> </i><br /><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/where-is-bike-delaware-on-these-top-5.html" target="_blank">Where is Bike Delaware on these top 5 action items?</a></div><div><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2023/02/deldot-no-to-shared-zone-signage-on.html" target="_blank">DelDOT: NO to Shared Zone signage on Creek Road</a><br /><a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2022/03/safety-fail-lack-of-zebra-crossings-on.html" target="_blank">Safety Fail: Lack of Zebra Crossings on ECG in Ogletown</a><br /><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2021/08/our-comments-on-churchmans-crossing-plan.html" target="_blank">Our Comments on the Churchmans Crossing Plan</a></div><p></p>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-75835052411529092532023-02-28T21:45:00.003-05:002023-03-03T12:05:13.589-05:00DelDOT: NO to Shared Zone signage on Creek Road<p></p><div class="separator" div="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-weight: bold;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz0GYH858Bp8E24GVsBdYxj6G4Yz7b5dR_zBnR-Ok3Q3QD5ozFFaVj9-h4sYqDSEhSRWG9GE51JYHRZ0PjW98IQhR3l6uZMUtei9HMkoVqkjqt2zya0cxng4eV4ugbtbjDUes96kthEZyllWvPpa4YrHx6IFCVT-FUlMEUx05foQDe_9eXNSPaw03pA/s1024/IMG_7378.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz0GYH858Bp8E24GVsBdYxj6G4Yz7b5dR_zBnR-Ok3Q3QD5ozFFaVj9-h4sYqDSEhSRWG9GE51JYHRZ0PjW98IQhR3l6uZMUtei9HMkoVqkjqt2zya0cxng4eV4ugbtbjDUes96kthEZyllWvPpa4YrHx6IFCVT-FUlMEUx05foQDe_9eXNSPaw03pA/s320/IMG_7378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">Creek Road on a recent winter's day</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Sadly,</b><b> </b>DelDOT has denied Advocate's pleas for Shared Zone signage on Creek Road. Creek Road is a historic, narrow, 2-lane, unimproved rural route that extends from Newark through the White Clay Creek Valley. It is especially rich with pedestrian and bicycling activity just north of Newark, given University of Delaware's vast student population. It was abandoned for auto use starting about 0.8 miles south of Wedgewood Road, as much of the asphalt collapsed into the White Clay Creek, but enough width remains for dedicated trail use.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Creek Road is not actually a road; though rural, it qualifies as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street" target="_blank">Street</a> and shared-use path <a href="https://www.americantrails.org/resources/pomeroy-and-newark-rail-trail" target="_blank">(Pomeroy Trail)</a> system. Upon our initial ask, Delaware State Parks eagerly embraced the idea and installed Shared Zone signs on DSP-managed roads open to automobiles. However, despite Creek Road having the highest mode-share by far, DelDOT wouldn't allow it. In a response from a DelDOT spokesperson:</div><p></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw6xYRqqZV0cLluEjDtVLYYqXG2F2nCFA-6AvfE-6gXdrqUEEvHt96S67U7_oUBFpZEae6hfXEwFQlHscuTEs7SRQk0p0IoCivHO506sVoiGNjx4zS_NWShCLRFNJP8FFzbkn5AlKeS2okqRKmlyfgtQKDRD8ZVQzb1W0rWCAHoqaJiHwqDu-FCjEDg/s1024/IMG_7387.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw6xYRqqZV0cLluEjDtVLYYqXG2F2nCFA-6AvfE-6gXdrqUEEvHt96S67U7_oUBFpZEae6hfXEwFQlHscuTEs7SRQk0p0IoCivHO506sVoiGNjx4zS_NWShCLRFNJP8FFzbkn5AlKeS2okqRKmlyfgtQKDRD8ZVQzb1W0rWCAHoqaJiHwqDu-FCjEDg/w200-h150/IMG_7387.JPG" width="200" /></a></i></div><i><div style="text-align: left;"><i>DelDOT has implemented the low stress bikeway practices and designs. The Newark Bikeways signs was collaboration between Bike Newark, Wilmapco, Delaware Greenways, City of Newark and DelDOT. Traffic’s view is that this portion of Creek Rd is dedicated to highlight the low stress Newark Bikeway as far as signage is concerned. We don’t recommend any additional signage at this
time. We can engage the City of Newark to see if they would like to
include any in their limits along Creek Rd.<br /><br />Traffic Studies also worked with Captain McDerby and Park Superintendent Lee with the posting of additional 25 mph speed limit signs. They stated it is a huge help with providing pedestrian, bike safety on this road for visitors entering White Clay Creek State Park. </i></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5k5KpVQPi_mPVdcuz5H8ets8FfWpgWLFp3-eplMlnCFtq-RI97iuSyHUQe4hh0uBx5Z-8NMCukJkZu4U0PbID-5FLarZChBAd-9uPcOCTwNm_StftdxpOjTV5trr16AFkt_4dbX6KITQ8XLE4ZLPOdkhcuZk1tUHVKL65HBgYnppkj91iWz9i-Qkgg/s1201/creek2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1201" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5k5KpVQPi_mPVdcuz5H8ets8FfWpgWLFp3-eplMlnCFtq-RI97iuSyHUQe4hh0uBx5Z-8NMCukJkZu4U0PbID-5FLarZChBAd-9uPcOCTwNm_StftdxpOjTV5trr16AFkt_4dbX6KITQ8XLE4ZLPOdkhcuZk1tUHVKL65HBgYnppkj91iWz9i-Qkgg/w320-h240/creek2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sure, speed limit signs where before there were none helps. But DelDOT is citing the small, brown, relatively inconspicuous <a href="https://bikenewark.org/tag/low-stress/" target="_blank">"Low Stress Bikeway" sign</a> as adequate. We disagree, especially since bikes are the minority of non-motorized users, and cars -- many speeding -- are expected to mix with majority walkers, hikers, runners etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Delaware</b> is ranked the <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/these-are-the-most-dangerous-states-for-cyclists" target="_blank">most dangerous State to bike in</a>, and consistently ranks <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2019-01-23/these-are-the-most-dangerous-states-for-pedestrians" target="_blank">top 3 in pedestrian fatalities</a>. As of March 1, <a href="https://ohs.delaware.gov/fatal_crash_index.shtml" target="_blank">4 bicyclists have already been killed</a> in Delaware. At this rate it'll be 24 for the year -- annihilating past (annual per-capita) totals of any State. To make matters worse, Delaware has no Statewide advocacy organization <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/where-is-bike-delaware-on-these-top-5.html" target="_blank">fighting in the interests</a> of bike/ped safety.</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj313BEhgotbPnC5BN99wm4uRqzw7hAKgczAUuQ1D4ki2q64nL3_svAcIlWx_l7zgVBkixhUA_GEcamQWPQ7_sakEPijE5zM43iUVjyuHWZdDDiq8LANDI7MmMGiyX1Tr1_WriTklyUOb4fltVQznHft2JzeFsJFH3oQeyb4t_Ihwte06K4zBYiG735mg/s637/02182022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="637" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj313BEhgotbPnC5BN99wm4uRqzw7hAKgczAUuQ1D4ki2q64nL3_svAcIlWx_l7zgVBkixhUA_GEcamQWPQ7_sakEPijE5zM43iUVjyuHWZdDDiq8LANDI7MmMGiyX1Tr1_WriTklyUOb4fltVQznHft2JzeFsJFH3oQeyb4t_Ihwte06K4zBYiG735mg/w200-h196/02182022.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />If DelDOT is so mired in regulations that they cannot make this simple improvement, then they must develop, test and approve a similar custom sign for Delaware's MUTCD (traffic devices manual <a href="https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/de_mutcd/pdfs/DELAWARE-SIGN-BOOK-2018-EDITION.pdf" target="_blank">pdf</a>). Advocates have offered to help, similar to the <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2015/03/pick-your-favorite-candidates-for.html" target="_blank">W11-1-DE project</a>, but DelDOT has declined to answer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When common sense is defied in such a manner, we cannot help but question the State's sincerity in terms of non-motorized encouragement and safety, climate mitigation and the greater good. Let's hope things change, and that DelDOT engineers and planners are given more autonomy to create <a href="https://youtu.be/bAxRYrpbnuA" target="_blank">safe streets</a> environments.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnfvGiN-2HkUnye8HlN3RAgJGa49tIHOSmukiYoWB6C_CARiimuMaz-umNsgv3MyNhNn53GV9FDifrEI_e2fzIRWrJTowvu31BZ2CmkekG56wsg-hQWHvIsz2AK3XXmSGMv0xHhADRNH2hw9aTKUjMUdP97ighr87qSaXoWM3mzk7z0gMwsH_cZoisA/s1024/IMG_7391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnfvGiN-2HkUnye8HlN3RAgJGa49tIHOSmukiYoWB6C_CARiimuMaz-umNsgv3MyNhNn53GV9FDifrEI_e2fzIRWrJTowvu31BZ2CmkekG56wsg-hQWHvIsz2AK3XXmSGMv0xHhADRNH2hw9aTKUjMUdP97ighr87qSaXoWM3mzk7z0gMwsH_cZoisA/s320/IMG_7391.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shared Zone implemented throughout White Clay Creek State Park -- except on Creek Road where it's needed most.</span></div><p></p></div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-12157115587563337902022-03-29T18:23:00.002-04:002022-03-29T18:25:07.275-04:00Safety Fail: Lack of Zebra Crossings on ECG in Ogletown<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElt1HoHxeIkyg_VuD-vdIxgasYYVq1F8Yy-1nl5_hzWau--8IVzcV9lMcadaCvrn-P0aR584_hFlgYifrBoP-qRHsRYy6wEfZU_EqGq6OPslIfgjTGZ0K1h_cbY93kh0L1nXP-HtKw1hFxeAURhM44UW5KkcizE51SVmU4bfSJP3-Dqp_Z8d2_HfV/s1024/IMG_7295.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElt1HoHxeIkyg_VuD-vdIxgasYYVq1F8Yy-1nl5_hzWau--8IVzcV9lMcadaCvrn-P0aR584_hFlgYifrBoP-qRHsRYy6wEfZU_EqGq6OPslIfgjTGZ0K1h_cbY93kh0L1nXP-HtKw1hFxeAURhM44UW5KkcizE51SVmU4bfSJP3-Dqp_Z8d2_HfV/w200-h150/IMG_7295.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously eroded ECG used for car parking</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Cross-posted from <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2022/03/safety-fail-lack-of-zebra-crossings-on.html" target="_blank">Ogletown Resilience</a></i><br /><br /><b>With the approval</b> of a Historical Marker commemorating <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogletown,_Delaware" target="_blank">Ogletown</a>, and a quarter millennia since the passing of its founder, the time has come to improve multi-modal access to this historic site. Regional legislators, including Senator Jack Walsh, have already agreed on action to address the failed infrastructure surrounding Thomas Ogle's tomb and green space. This includes the <a href="https://www.greenway.org/states/delaware" target="_blank">East Coast Greenway</a> (ECG) west from SR273, and two connectors: one to Prides Crossing and the other to Chestnut Hill Estates via Old Ogletown Rd.<br /><br /><b>More recently</b>, we discovered the gross lack of zebra striping of the ECG <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/MPKKTVxjrzXRQz9F7" target="_blank">(streetview)</a> through Chestnut Hill Plaza, a Meineke repair shop, and a Liberty gas station. Meinekie has even adopted the ROW as defacto car parking. This facility was originally paved at the width (8') required for bidirectional bike-ped traffic, and is eroded and narrowing in many sections. It rises up and back down through driveways, when the opposite <a href="https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/intersection-design-elements/crosswalks-and-crossings/" target="_blank">is required</a> for traffic calming and multi-modal awareness. Adding zebra crossings won't fix the problem of high speed entrances from SR4, but will bring awareness (and thus some added safety) for ECG users and Ogletown destination-making.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kUEXSAQUaqVeCu-ALU2jm7HuD0q1ByPkSgjG9RtG1NijLMj-GzSkZoXxxWjlSgivDV-Y1wX7XNPiDS046OGQsGSqd9bqJeukL5_Jju3MI-9s2_VHeYUGDm7QLLzK7dkRCQRmmNS_rSkretsPP9b8NDHMITYp1sFUeX8hjnuzEYXmimFUD6Ey_xz8/s800/DSD_Rt4%20005.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kUEXSAQUaqVeCu-ALU2jm7HuD0q1ByPkSgjG9RtG1NijLMj-GzSkZoXxxWjlSgivDV-Y1wX7XNPiDS046OGQsGSqd9bqJeukL5_Jju3MI-9s2_VHeYUGDm7QLLzK7dkRCQRmmNS_rSkretsPP9b8NDHMITYp1sFUeX8hjnuzEYXmimFUD6Ey_xz8/w200-h150/DSD_Rt4%20005.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ECG just west of Augusta Drive</td></tr></tbody></table><b>We were rebuffed </b>in <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2020/10/another-fail-east-coast-greenway-in.html" target="_blank">an effort</a> to improve the Augusta Drive intersection further west. Instead, ECG continuity was broken, with a new, cars-only signal upgrade. Further west, driveways at the DE School for the Deaf (DSD) are properly aligned and zebra striped, as seen in the photo right. It would appear that <a href="https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/planning/complete-streets/" target="_blank">Complete Streets</a> is being applied sporadically, or by socio-economic status, with consequences that could take decades to fix.<br /><br /><b>The long range goal</b> for the ECG is a continuous facility brought up to modern design standards, some of which can be found further to the east. Recent setbacks like Augusta, however, only cement Ogletown among the <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2020/03/land-preservation-task-force-insult-to.html" target="_blank">disenfranchised</a>. When asked, there are few to no answers from several oversight orgs. In contrast, Advocates should be pouncing on each and every opportunity to improve the ECG -- even with basic highway maintenance projects as called for in DelDOT's <a href="https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/planning/complete-streets/" target="_blank">Complete Streets</a> policy.<b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="366" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1648317254120!6m8!1m7!1sHQNy3h8VbJPIiOjKeSJHEQ!2m2!1d39.67732118554395!2d-75.69890601614391!3f251.69705003681094!4f-2.57945835320848!5f3.325193203789971" style="border: 0;" width="488"></iframe></b></div><br />This proposal</b> to enhance placemaking in Ogletown would bring some consolation -- not just for Thomas Ogle but also the <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">loss of the Orphanage Property</a> as a regional park -- the chance of which will never come again.<p></p>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-21011668846001284272022-03-03T11:51:00.009-05:002022-03-26T18:55:54.093-04:00Delaware on track to smash 2021 crash fatals<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ohs.delaware.gov/fatal_crash_index.shtml" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="769" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1CWYbSq66L3HaH6U5KUwuVPCx-x2iAoxI4dG_Oi_nPDDp4W6YNug-ZgRKXnJeHPggdKK_k9tAOQZ0yuURULI2ettu2k38l72H15Z3V9y_6D8pDeV1gjfSSKHRFIT6EsMinlbX5hPJfo4yu6StGTGpRXg86uFJNAVtin_e6hMka8Fi-JpdXyDl06ll4A=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">First 2 months of 2022. Multi-year sampling periods confirm the</div><div style="text-align: left;">trend we are on. Click on image above for the <a href="https://ohs.delaware.gov/fatal_crash_index.shtml" target="_blank">latest numbers</a>.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><a href="https://ohs.delaware.gov/fatal_crash_index.shtml" target="_blank">Statistically</a>, <b>Delaware</b> is heading for a road safety disaster in 2022 - in particular New Castle County. Speeding, aggressive and distracted driving is rampant, with per-capita injuries and fatalities on pace to surpass <a href="https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state" target="_blank">even Florida</a>. Despite <a href="https://delcode.delaware.gov/title7/c071/sc02/index.html" target="_blank">strict laws</a> to the contrary, many (if not most) offenders have a State-approved aftermarket and/or modified exhaust system. These behaviors account for why virtually nobody rides a bicycle for transportation or recreation -- even after 10 years of <a href="https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/planning/complete-streets/" target="_blank">Complete Streets</a> policy implementations.<br /><br />There is virtually no pro-active law enforcement, particularly within Delaware's vast unincorporated zones. Police are few and far between, and spend most of their time answering 911 calls. An active and growing minority of drivers know this, as evidenced by the many vehicles now sporting fully tinted windows (also illegal). Even the City of <a href="https://noisefree.org/newark-delaware-police-department-failing-to-enforce-the-states-muffler-law/" target="_blank">Newark won't enforce</a> the most deafening and disturbing of "loud mufflers". The lack of such basic government services has Delaware ranking criminally awful <a href="https://publicintegrity.org/politics/state-politics/state-integrity-investigation/how-does-your-state-rank-for-integrity/" target="_blank">(CFPI)</a>, especially in matters of transparency. It is a top-5 worst State to live on several key socio-economic fronts, and consistently ranks as most dangerous <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/08/10/24-7-wall-st-danger-to-pedestrians/13693795/" target="_blank">to walk</a> or <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2021/08/us-news-world-report-delaware-1.html" target="_blank">ride a bicycle</a> .<div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM-A5fR9N5NPcnOzX-y5cs3KB_CA60wBizDhb0Vog7l2jz88Lc4iES83PSR3lpieuYe0h9Axias9yX_lsT_oCHQExus_sLnDI6qvyNUwOpGxHYMmvNjkII6COTL5mWaJYXTdvNyYPoGvZ3MxD-GvM8mxYAOAuYyi8d4sGT6cGfihS7Eq2G3i70FKjqfg=s619" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="619" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM-A5fR9N5NPcnOzX-y5cs3KB_CA60wBizDhb0Vog7l2jz88Lc4iES83PSR3lpieuYe0h9Axias9yX_lsT_oCHQExus_sLnDI6qvyNUwOpGxHYMmvNjkII6COTL5mWaJYXTdvNyYPoGvZ3MxD-GvM8mxYAOAuYyi8d4sGT6cGfihS7Eq2G3i70FKjqfg=w200-h146" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.vox.com/22675358/us-car-deaths-year-traffic-covid-pandemic" target="_blank">Mean Streets</a>: designing cars like Dearth Vader</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Our safety</b> and quality of life is being destroyed right in front of our eyes; <a href="https://6abc.com/kirkwood-car-cruise-newark-delaware-event-illegal-drag-racing-resident-concerns/10957586/" target="_blank">vehicle assault</a> and violence is <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2021/04/zero-enforcement-delaware-rounds-out.html" target="_blank">deafening our ears</a> and <a href="https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/diet-and-lifestyle/2018/noise-pollution-isnt-just-annoying-its-bad-for-your-health-062718" target="_blank">ruining our health</a>. County and State legislators offer token support, sometimes introducing bills that build on existing laws -- but these come up woefully short on enforcement. Organizations that claim to advocate for bicycling and connectivity have either <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/09/frederick-casualty-signifies.html" target="_blank">given up</a> on road safety or <a href="http://www.1stbikes.org/2017/12/is-bike-delaware-tool-of-developer.html" target="_blank">appear to be co-opted</a>.<br /><br />Minus a paradigm shift, and a mass conscience re-awakening toward the common good, things are only going to get worse. The suburbs, which comprises the vast majority of Delaware's built environment, are <a href="https://youtu.be/Gz7oJjWg8_Y" target="_blank">"entropy made visible"</a>, and will not be rescued unless we collectively change our thinking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJa_Ueq9wMa1jeoNdah3raFNTSRsPQhHmsCWGHkzF67-P_6SknHTnvYz2GTTedEYl2tcZn9Q0lmY1y2LNHy50qDPKdYfZS89Yx682kbFKSJAM4-ZhrxtiRaPY2JyhkQQ0y1baKFMop7gwpfV_OqgACmOWBPDQ8SrcvLo60ip4PP8yO8Cno7hxDWxW4Ig=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJa_Ueq9wMa1jeoNdah3raFNTSRsPQhHmsCWGHkzF67-P_6SknHTnvYz2GTTedEYl2tcZn9Q0lmY1y2LNHy50qDPKdYfZS89Yx682kbFKSJAM4-ZhrxtiRaPY2JyhkQQ0y1baKFMop7gwpfV_OqgACmOWBPDQ8SrcvLo60ip4PP8yO8Cno7hxDWxW4Ig=s320" width="488" /></a></div><p>The above assaults are becoming more and more prevalent, even on Delaware's "quieter" neighborhood streets. We are trying to obtain 911 call data, that shows that this is among the most frequent emergency call types in New Castle County (stay tuned).<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQy9EpEN9bd2GSBQhO5_wQchLxd149ouPOYVgTRCGDGP5GYRfhiRXIo2KgCR4fzxJHIb7w-xvI6WYElfJeFl1zIfgzwalNOw198V-_ocWznpQ6jEJVNQqCoEXWDoMseEB85B0w5UFfptScZbInOpiWtTH87iLAkIjOLBkhcpW1dJBT5XsgCOPINZBb0A=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQy9EpEN9bd2GSBQhO5_wQchLxd149ouPOYVgTRCGDGP5GYRfhiRXIo2KgCR4fzxJHIb7w-xvI6WYElfJeFl1zIfgzwalNOw198V-_ocWznpQ6jEJVNQqCoEXWDoMseEB85B0w5UFfptScZbInOpiWtTH87iLAkIjOLBkhcpW1dJBT5XsgCOPINZBb0A=s320" width="488" /></a></div><br /><i>Above: </i>"Bike Lane" on Red Mill Road in Ogletown. Authorities often question as to why so few people ride in Delaware, yet the answer is laid in rubber for all to see.</div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-49298299116788113822022-01-26T13:39:00.007-05:002022-01-27T00:38:47.354-05:00DelDOT: W11-1-DE Signs Restored on Paper Mill Rd<div class="separator"><b>The W11-1-DE signs</b> were removed from Paper Mill Rd at the White Clay Creek road bridge in Newark, upon <a href="https://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/bike-bridge-over-white-clay-creek-is-now-open/article_bbc32f79-a239-5109-8b25-4dba23d8556a.html" target="_blank">the installation</a> of a new pedestrian bridge. This sent the wrong message to car drivers that bicyclists are required to use this new bridge to circumvent the road bridge. We requested that the W11-1-DE signs be re-installed since bicyclists are legally permitted and will continue to use the road and its bike lanes. Failure to do so will result in drivers harassing bicyclists, given the new bridge is in plain sight.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF8HT9ONM6uLzocbMbyKZ-wkBMGCLLh_pmV_EVnYssxrBCFv-gUikGWNWavbIlW2PeyK-U8L2SWNHUIJT0iWZCJr3zKPAEuT6c4Aqx8hZkjFG3qY6gpKfvepwSOG-F6KpwjOBuv1J-o5IqpNMyyfE2LSOGjBGoWt9eUm_JF6zeLRAa3njvjPkQgaksqw=s1128" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1128" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF8HT9ONM6uLzocbMbyKZ-wkBMGCLLh_pmV_EVnYssxrBCFv-gUikGWNWavbIlW2PeyK-U8L2SWNHUIJT0iWZCJr3zKPAEuT6c4Aqx8hZkjFG3qY6gpKfvepwSOG-F6KpwjOBuv1J-o5IqpNMyyfE2LSOGjBGoWt9eUm_JF6zeLRAa3njvjPkQgaksqw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of the <a href="https://newarkde.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12210/White-Clay-Creek-Bridge-workshop-displays" target="_blank">Public Workshop</a></td></tr></tbody></table>While this new bridge is a valuable amenity, the apparent switch to mandatory-use for bicyclists is problematic for 2 reasons:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It requires two crossings of 2 lanes of high <a href="https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/vehicle-miles-traveled" target="_blank">VMT</a> traffic in the northbound direction of Paper Mill Rd, which is statistically more dangerous, and more time consuming, and</li><li>Much of the pathway between the new bridge and Curtis Mill Park is 5' wide and not the min. 8' required to be safe. Therefore, it does not qualify as a bi-directional facility (this alone makes it ped-only) according to <a href="https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/pedestrianAccessibility/pdfs/2018/PedestrianAccessibilityStandardsFinal-2018-02-19.pdf" target="_blank">DelDOT's manual (pdf)</a>. </li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: left;">In this current config</b><span style="text-align: left;">, the new bridge and its connecting pathways and crosswalks are not a suitable replacement for experienced bicyclists. DelDOT immediately responded, and re-installed the W11-1-DE signs on Mon Jan 24, and for that we are grateful.</span></div><br />Given how many people (esp students) ride the sidewalk now, it would certainly help if there was the required 8' asphalt SUP connected from the Old Paper Mill Rd crosswalk to the Pomeroy Trail. Regardless, we should never remove bicycling safety infra (in this case signage and sharrows) from the road. You can still see the signs in Streetview <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/WpD3GdXv9P4fwiUG9" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbg0iS8eeZ55CjYK_Bfs_yKZ1SzTEuU8TyPddE_YI3Jc8mjhc1h66VaSlt4DAiFZySNxPsUewF7ECZQEeExbhrJCRbGL3i4BkLC5rpyVriqaaAmPEV0Xs7KOGnwFpKfboY8Q-7KieCbOkCZ21nX2xF6BKW5yBPO1EPPQXowLC50WmSqJy4a9Wwd3vJRg=s1007" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1007" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbg0iS8eeZ55CjYK_Bfs_yKZ1SzTEuU8TyPddE_YI3Jc8mjhc1h66VaSlt4DAiFZySNxPsUewF7ECZQEeExbhrJCRbGL3i4BkLC5rpyVriqaaAmPEV0Xs7KOGnwFpKfboY8Q-7KieCbOkCZ21nX2xF6BKW5yBPO1EPPQXowLC50WmSqJy4a9Wwd3vJRg=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original W11-1-DE sign at Paper Mill Rd bridge southbound</td></tr></tbody></table></div>With us backing him, Mark Luszcz (DelDOT Chief Traffic P.E. at the time) did <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2015/03/pick-your-favorite-candidates-for.html" target="_blank">a lot of work</a> to get these signs approved and out there. This resulted in the removal of hundreds of "Share the Road" signs, replacing a mere fraction with W11-1-DE in strategic locations. This includes pinch points like the Paper Mill Rd road bridge. It was a big contribution in the reduction of sign clutter. It was also -- tho' not officially -- a compromise with P.E.s who don't like "Bicycles May Use Full Lane", because that sign <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycles_May_Use_Full_Lane" target="_blank">(R4-11)</a> preceded this one at this bridge and it was switched out unannounced.<br /><br />Even if there is a project someday to connect 8' of asphalt between the Curtis Mill Park and the Pomeroy Trail, there are still bike lanes on Paper Mill Rd, so the signs should remain -- now more than ever actually. Kudos to DelDOT for listening, and answering the call of safety.</div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-18526049771565567032022-01-05T16:24:00.001-05:002022-01-06T16:07:56.451-05:00The Failure of Newark's South Main Street<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGur_j8e9L7Jwx5ISmX88Adk7AjLl42DMpZy1NI0IwV2TL1B4u3liL8VC6I-GCy5AxE1MjsYQiCQ-5xiH4BgE9g_nQVrRmXRc4-Z3N1I3jVCwRcu3wVqrvX2ZYLTF0HQhCR-xhtwqOwxv9qgjc1w-f3BUDq1gDn407xvuCrCNSmrplrtngGA3PVeFP=s1024" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGur_j8e9L7Jwx5ISmX88Adk7AjLl42DMpZy1NI0IwV2TL1B4u3liL8VC6I-GCy5AxE1MjsYQiCQ-5xiH4BgE9g_nQVrRmXRc4-Z3N1I3jVCwRcu3wVqrvX2ZYLTF0HQhCR-xhtwqOwxv9qgjc1w-f3BUDq1gDn407xvuCrCNSmrplrtngGA3PVeFP=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S. Main Street facing South, median section</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><b></b></p><b>Why</b> has Newark's "New" South Main Street failed to capture the cultural and historic richness that every U.S. Main Street should enjoy? Why hasn't it lived up to the civic and place-making ambiance (albeit eroded) of the City's East Main Street?<br /><br />Writer and journalist <a href="https://kunstler.com/" target="_blank">James Howard Kunstler</a> demonstrates the failure of modern U.S. architecture and civic design in this <a href="https://youtu.be/Gz7oJjWg8_Y" target="_blank">19 minute TED Talk</a>. The failure of South Main Street begins at 9:22, or <a href="https://youtu.be/Gz7oJjWg8_Y?t=562" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and could not be more apparent.<p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="366" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gz7oJjWg8_Y" title="YouTube video player" width="488"></iframe></div><br /><b>Unfortunately,</b> such reckless design continues in development and "revitalization" projects today. It remains to be seen if, for example, College Square is truly walkable & bikeable. Odds are, it will be the usual hellscape designed to encourage everyone to drive, and to park as many cars as possible. Place-making and multi-modal provisions, if included, are an afterthought at best. But maybe we'll be lucky, and College Square will be an improvement. You can read about it <a href="https://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/college-square-shopping-center-getting-a-new-name-as-redevelopment-project-progresses/article_aaf4a57b-389d-5de9-be38-0e0ee4ed7d0b.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMc3RWB6MmzDF7V8WESat0r-SV88rnmqfvKKaxObRw7ix0wB6mVQAoyC42qUcRxJklDotB3ZGVvsjqwv4lAKT6L-xpzs57BKclVT_4_WC5NICFHhkIb_pu8WXRt8Aj2TfYBfhLbx9zqdDfD1j6-bqkRMhjvnR6mPU-ZqDtSd9zoBvGelFQz-rwSt1w=s1024" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMc3RWB6MmzDF7V8WESat0r-SV88rnmqfvKKaxObRw7ix0wB6mVQAoyC42qUcRxJklDotB3ZGVvsjqwv4lAKT6L-xpzs57BKclVT_4_WC5NICFHhkIb_pu8WXRt8Aj2TfYBfhLbx9zqdDfD1j6-bqkRMhjvnR6mPU-ZqDtSd9zoBvGelFQz-rwSt1w=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Architecture is but one component failure of South Main Street. This "street" was designed with a mix of highway (12'+ wide) car lanes, numerous high speed slip (turn-only lanes) and even a 18' center turn lane for a portion of it. Traffic calming is all but absent except in the area of Amstel Ave, for the sake of University of Delaware foot traffic. Beyond that, induced motorist speed is much higher than the posted 30 mph, which in a true Main Street environment would be 25 mph or less. Sadly, South Main Street is little more than a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-01-07/defining-the-worst-type-of-street-design" target="_blank">"Stroad"</a>. Stephen Lee Davis points out the failure of this design in his brilliant piece <a href="https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2019/11/5/slip-lanes-would-never-exist-if-we-prioritized-safety-over-speed" target="_blank">HERE</a>:<br /><br /><i>Slip lanes on roads and streets are emblematic of what it looks like in practice to sacrifice safety on the altar of speed, where this underlying goal of “keep cars moving fast at all times” runs counter to the goal of “keep everyone safe while moving from A to B”—even if you say that safety is important. If we truly prioritize safety, as T4America is suggesting in our second principle, we would never build a slip lane on a local street again.</i><br /><br /><b>Conclusion:</b> S. Main Street planners ignored good civic design by combining separated and/or raised retail frontage with speed-inducing highway design. They hoped it would appeal at the human scale, but even in the early planning phase of this project 15 years ago, this was a known fail (note: JHK's TED Talk is from 2004). Marginal sidewalks and bike lanes alone cannot replace traffic calming and facilitate a return to the public realm. Because of this, foot traffic on South Main Street is a fraction of East Main Street, and many (if not most) storefronts remain vacant for years, some occupied by UD or the developers themselves. Unfortunately, this built environment is built and baked in for many years to come.<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEr3wZPWWE4Cn_D9HU04uGg3Q29iCgl0OpRVY48Ljv994jbSm5HXwXpmzNwMQIHBPWy_DXPfxoxkM5emP7Ae5jY2OoZgUxRN8ggfQWPntXFptOr7BH5XKzsa7JcJl_q_yV-n4Twsh5j73zG_Z3POFVvA-YtADRDAm9BxpzfFoB-xaMA_-wI01cjFSDGw=s1024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEr3wZPWWE4Cn_D9HU04uGg3Q29iCgl0OpRVY48Ljv994jbSm5HXwXpmzNwMQIHBPWy_DXPfxoxkM5emP7Ae5jY2OoZgUxRN8ggfQWPntXFptOr7BH5XKzsa7JcJl_q_yV-n4Twsh5j73zG_Z3POFVvA-YtADRDAm9BxpzfFoB-xaMA_-wI01cjFSDGw=s320" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Divorce complete:</i> The relationship between retail, the sidewalk and street is destroyed upon separation.</td></tr></tbody></table><div></div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-54538411536948672722022-01-04T18:25:00.004-05:002022-01-04T18:25:52.656-05:00Abandoned Roads in NCC: Old Harmony<p><b>Old Harmony Road</b> was replaced by Harmony Road, a 2-lane arterial with wide shoulders. Fragments of Old Harmony can still be found, including the original bridge over the White Clay Creek. For those with a keen eye, this historic structure is still visible from "New" Harmony Road.<br /><br />The below stretch between Brookhaven, Green Valley and Richardson's Garden Center serves today as a defacto linear park and non-motorized travel connector. There are no apparent plans to improve upon this wonderful place-making opportunity. It is quite likely that DelDOT owns the property, and that someday the bridge will be demolished. Worse yet, the corridor will be developed or reclaimed as a bypass road. Let's hope that is not the case, and that the community or a non-profit advocacy org will fight for its protection for future generations to enjoy.<br /><br />Photos below are from June of 2018; it remains virtually unchanged today. At bottom is Google Streetview, to the best location to walk, bike or park your car to begin this trip back in time.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJZrAyXBNETXL1SKBrrNGQjVkko0R4t47CWb0JKDUCWzAEkXlheSiXw4eBpLREKsd-RWybro_saoHqWbq4YiWn6BdCVs1fhNxuYPSj-Bzc-c4MMmtqf-xUnWXdS7OBiI9yiUk9yYUqVY6urr8W_Y4bf-YIoZPFJ5I2KrPwt850XOPMxDyC1Y2J0BO3nA=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJZrAyXBNETXL1SKBrrNGQjVkko0R4t47CWb0JKDUCWzAEkXlheSiXw4eBpLREKsd-RWybro_saoHqWbq4YiWn6BdCVs1fhNxuYPSj-Bzc-c4MMmtqf-xUnWXdS7OBiI9yiUk9yYUqVY6urr8W_Y4bf-YIoZPFJ5I2KrPwt850XOPMxDyC1Y2J0BO3nA=s320" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC52npNyrR2gYFqUB_B-ERLja7g94PNV3WkaKUyjx6-_wTqQkt9UvfXbkmb0mcqf5v6BxlAqjZk9-KUpTVdjEBl0E3ahjUwYCH95uHeWuyEiwgWO_c2_HzPK2K4SSh3ISREVVFuRCZQEM3I9AoeFpmZ3GDZTokpF4gFktL_rnRyxucTKiQTSTMestAnQ=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC52npNyrR2gYFqUB_B-ERLja7g94PNV3WkaKUyjx6-_wTqQkt9UvfXbkmb0mcqf5v6BxlAqjZk9-KUpTVdjEBl0E3ahjUwYCH95uHeWuyEiwgWO_c2_HzPK2K4SSh3ISREVVFuRCZQEM3I9AoeFpmZ3GDZTokpF4gFktL_rnRyxucTKiQTSTMestAnQ=s320" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7SomXnaL2A2vfqPKca5Vo5t-zpCbETyz631ALvjEWh8VfPx_7f8RAa91IPZ93YcWNiG2zjdxS9Xp0_fo2W8p27Vwl2pi3cc4gysJoQtrwYMdic7PprfZM6rOL6CdUBLlImjUVOz6melvhsQn57t1HMBa5qp9nvlfyFK3saedQA2arbvRLA6dS_qCbhw=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7SomXnaL2A2vfqPKca5Vo5t-zpCbETyz631ALvjEWh8VfPx_7f8RAa91IPZ93YcWNiG2zjdxS9Xp0_fo2W8p27Vwl2pi3cc4gysJoQtrwYMdic7PprfZM6rOL6CdUBLlImjUVOz6melvhsQn57t1HMBa5qp9nvlfyFK3saedQA2arbvRLA6dS_qCbhw=s320" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHv1c3Liu5WAudBYnfTbfz9b5uW8I5SDGgd3b9EZkDkbDWGiybXZmwH7FZv1IxT6QYNOShSkb6wA1uoT2Src_YDueSuGHGDPho8DfoF6qNdU7Esskm_JQ1A3KShG5TLWiwQZ_IqOLCN-eeJtsttIbpGx2WvWhGr-o6Jg4LCICrmmbuqriR2DMmdrrsOA=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHv1c3Liu5WAudBYnfTbfz9b5uW8I5SDGgd3b9EZkDkbDWGiybXZmwH7FZv1IxT6QYNOShSkb6wA1uoT2Src_YDueSuGHGDPho8DfoF6qNdU7Esskm_JQ1A3KShG5TLWiwQZ_IqOLCN-eeJtsttIbpGx2WvWhGr-o6Jg4LCICrmmbuqriR2DMmdrrsOA=s320" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="366" loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1640723735128!6m8!1m7!1sB3T_xxfjgic5qtwK25iyuQ!2m2!1d39.69766970943683!2d-75.69458266047654!3f345.8010474108573!4f-3.814186444347712!5f2.700869943878591" style="border: 0;" width="488"></iframe></div><br />See our entire series on abandoned roads and railroads, in Delaware and beyond, <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/search?q=Abandoned" target="_blank">HERE</a>.Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-57992543107947637002021-10-12T19:30:00.000-04:002021-10-12T19:30:12.801-04:00Application for Historical Marker, ECG Rehab and Spur Trail in Ogletown<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAjeVyckMWbWj3Akn2ytbIs2Hs3prJsrEebkrOYwQ79_PqgjecW0dgzGsvlur7qPrg6-j8bIfkpVFn56xv_PPhTdVMb0fk2QknC4nWq9mbEMu1I48cIx2tPKiYOOubxASek6iS2H9Esw/s1024/Ogle+Tomb+012.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAjeVyckMWbWj3Akn2ytbIs2Hs3prJsrEebkrOYwQ79_PqgjecW0dgzGsvlur7qPrg6-j8bIfkpVFn56xv_PPhTdVMb0fk2QknC4nWq9mbEMu1I48cIx2tPKiYOOubxASek6iS2H9Esw/w200-h150/Ogle+Tomb+012.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Ogle's Tomb, as of Aug 21, 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Cross-posted from <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2021/10/application-for-thomas-ogle-grave-site.html" target="_blank">Ogletown Resilience</a></i><br /><br />The following has been submitted with an application for a Historical Marker at the grave site of Thomas Ogle, who will have died 250 years ago as of Dec 23, 2021.<br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Background:</b></div>In 1955, when DelDOT first widened State Road (SR) 4 at Salem Church Road, the Thomas Ogle House stood in the way. The State purchased the land containing the house, which included his grave site. Delaware donated the historic house to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which agreed to relocate it. Unfortunately, the DAR’s plans fell through and the historic house was razed.<br /><br />The original gravesite, a flat stone slab inscribed with the epitaph of Thomas Ogle, was placed over a slightly raised base. It split into sixteen pieces (large and small) that were removed in the late 1980s during an expansion of SR4. The broken sections, some with illegible or missing words, are being preserved at the University of Delaware’s Center for Archaeological Research. During the period the gravesite became overgrown and unsightly.<br /><br />While building the new SR4/SR273/Salem Church Road interchange, DelDOT took historic and cultural responsibility for the gravesite. It avoided the grave area by shifting the ramp away. Using proven archaeological techniques, DelDOT expertly and respectfully confirmed that Thomas Ogle’s remains were still at the original location. Without disturbing the remains, DelDOT prepared new concrete footings on which a new brick mausoleum/base was constructed to support a restored capstone. The red brick wall is backed with solid blocks to establish a masonry wall of 6’ 6” long by 3’ 6” wide by 20” high.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0icUtttCen_9vtpJSIFxGU9j6xTaHTw3UIHT54GNFFsXpjYiYrTWKWmp7npRNdJPZxXlZXYp6dVAyDPy0T3pnxD5cYWbgdMI-j1GJ9gOZjeHnFUe9I0CKaEMe1kNpWhLDaALAgaY98c/s1024/indus_track10.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0icUtttCen_9vtpJSIFxGU9j6xTaHTw3UIHT54GNFFsXpjYiYrTWKWmp7npRNdJPZxXlZXYp6dVAyDPy0T3pnxD5cYWbgdMI-j1GJ9gOZjeHnFUe9I0CKaEMe1kNpWhLDaALAgaY98c/s320/indus_track10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New wayside on the Jack Markel Rail Trail in New Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Thomas Ogle's restored gravesite</b> commemorates the Ogletown area and the Ogle family influence, but is poorly maintained with no visible emphasis on history, place making and public access. Citing highway safety, no parking of any kind was installed from the SR4/Salem Church intersection. However, the East Coast Greenway (ECG) is a shared-use pathway (SUP) facility along SR4 that passes approx 50 yards' from the gravesite. The ECG connects to the Ogletown Baptist Church (OBC) via a 4' wide, 500' long asphalt sliver of what was formerly Red Mill Road. With no maintenance to speak of, mother nature (the elements) is reclaiming both of these facilities along with the gravesite. It should be noted that OBC greatly expanded its car parking lot since the idea of public access was last revisited in the 1990s. This lot is grossly underutilized except on Sunday mornings, and today serves as defacto gravesite car parking. Either the OBC or DelDOT needs to repave the 4' Red Mill asphalt out to 8' (according to MUTCD guidelines), and the ECG similarly repaved in an inviting manner that includes a spur pathway, bike parking and kiosk immediately adjacent to the gravesite.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f6GOHrSR4PZX8VwUGoqMa06KBsCbRuVeGrF2p7IpopGhyphenhyphenjY2owE1b1CjlUdMUxM6nF2B9gFMo4Gpl8pXAg_kPH0JHEHF3TEd3EAmPuQKPfbYzi0zaekf6O2YS2BAv4LkbpCvUYo1-Q0/s711/Ogle+Logo+015.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="656" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f6GOHrSR4PZX8VwUGoqMa06KBsCbRuVeGrF2p7IpopGhyphenhyphenjY2owE1b1CjlUdMUxM6nF2B9gFMo4Gpl8pXAg_kPH0JHEHF3TEd3EAmPuQKPfbYzi0zaekf6O2YS2BAv4LkbpCvUYo1-Q0/w184-h200/Ogle+Logo+015.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>Originally a cross-roads, farming and gathering community, Thomas Ogle and Ogle family generations have lived in the Area for over 250 years. A writer for the Wilmington News Journal in 1998 said it well: “Thomas Ogle’s grave is the last vestige of a town that was founded before the American Revolution and has been virtually under siege ever since”. Large office buildings, condos, apartments, sub-divisions, shopping centers, highways and streets have long since replaced the pastoral setting of Thomas’ days.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Statement of Significance:</b></div>Thomas Ogle, (born 1705 in DE, died 23 Dec. 1771 in New Castle Co., DE) was a grandson of the soldier/immigrant John Ogle, (born 1648/49 – died 1684) who came from England with the Richard Nicolls’ Expedition in 1664 and was possibly the first Ogle in the Americas. Thomas became a wealthy and influential businessman and planter in New Castle County, DE. His various businesses, large land holdings and community influence led to the sizable area around his home being named Ogle Town (later Ogletown) sometime before 1762. The stately house, which Thomas operated as an Inn, survived for 216 years. Thomas was buried near the historic house and a reasonable distance from the then narrow, dirt roads that formed the crossroad.<br /><br />Thomas Ogle’s various businesses, large land holdings and community influence led to the sizable area around his home being named Ogle Town (later Ogletown) sometime before 1762. The stately house, which Thomas also operated as an Inn, survived for 216 years. Thomas was buried near the historic house and a reasonable distance from the then narrow dirt roads that formed the crossroads.<br /><br /><b>Respectfully Submitted by:<br /></b>Kenneth M. Ogle, President, Ogle/Ogles Family Association, Inc.<br />Francis Warnock & Angela Connolly, OgletownResilience.org, 1stBikes.org<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="274" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3iLLEj0n5Jk" title="YouTube video player" width="488"></iframe></div><p></p><i>Above:</i> Bicycling to Thomas Ogle's tomb in Spring of 2016. The site appears somewhat maintained as little as 5 years ago. Today, a quarter millennium since his death, it has nearly disappeared under tree overgrowth.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Also see:</i> <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2021/08/abandoned-and-forgotten-thomas-ogle.html" target="_blank">Abandoned and forgotten: Thomas Ogle, 1705-1771</a></span>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-21496688397799647272021-08-17T21:06:00.007-04:002021-12-25T18:10:05.213-05:00Our Comments on the Churchmans Crossing Plan<div style="text-align: right;"><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwosaVFuZAi32sAO-tadlJG1T57xR1TBQ8P5EpUQ_3sboNRHk7IA8ldnh6s0S7gEHp3klm7G9-mk4_opnVy4rWLCC4ny7bhtGCyIpU37f0tnW79l7nLBlaCYAMRv4LmBx-Abi0NpUrzas5/s1024/Churchmans+Crossing.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1022" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwosaVFuZAi32sAO-tadlJG1T57xR1TBQ8P5EpUQ_3sboNRHk7IA8ldnh6s0S7gEHp3klm7G9-mk4_opnVy4rWLCC4ny7bhtGCyIpU37f0tnW79l7nLBlaCYAMRv4LmBx-Abi0NpUrzas5/w199-h200/Churchmans+Crossing.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Project boundary <i>(click to enlarge)</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></b></div><b>Greetings, Wilmapco.</b> Please add our comments below to the <a href="http://www.wilmapco.org/churchmans/" target="_blank">Churchmans Crossing Plan</a>, before the Sept 2021 deadline. Upon generations of <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/search?q=corrupt" target="_blank">failed elected leadership</a>, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/09/humans-have-caused-unprecedented-and-irreversible-change-to-climate-scientists-warn" target="_blank">climate catastrophe</a> now looming, the need to facilitate active and green transport modes could not be more dire. Thank you very much.<br /><br />In no particular order:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The project scope contains several bi-directional MUP facilities (Multi-User Pathways) that were built decades ago. Along SR4 and SR58 is the <a href="https://www.greenway.org/states/delaware" target="_blank">East Coast Greenway</a> (ECG). These need to be improved and/or rehabbed using best design & engineering guidance (APBP/<a href="https://nacto.org/2019/05/20/dont-give-up-at-the-intersection/" target="_blank">NACTO compliance</a>) esp where <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/10/east-coast-greenway-fail-in-ogletown.html" target="_blank">crossing through intersections</a>.</li><li>Where MUP facilities exist, or will be added, these should never go off-alignment with acute zig-zagging through intersections via narrow sidewalks; MUPs should maintain their full width (min. 8' wide asphalt, buffered where possible) and continue in parallel to the road they are on, including through radial turns. Look to DelDOT's "<a href="https://deldot.gov/public.ejs?command=PublicProjectPortalDocument&iDID=8170549&iProjectObjectID=43059" target="_blank">SR299, SR1 to Catherine Street Project (pdf)</a>" as a good example, or APBP/<a href="https://nacto.org/2019/05/20/dont-give-up-at-the-intersection/" target="_blank">NACTO guidelines</a>.</li><li>An 8' asphalt MUP facility should replace the narrow sidewalk on SR58/Churchmans Rd from just east of Christiana Hospital to at least Cavaliers, and include a marked, button actuated crosswalk (of equal width) under SR7/1. A MUP currently exists along the Christiana Hospital property, and there is a well designed bike-ped bridge over I95 further east on SR58 as you approach Cavaliers. These should all be connected in one contiguous 8' bi-directional facility, as an improvement to the ECG. </li><li>Upgrade/improve/rehab the following MUP connectors using best design & engineering guidance (APBP/NACTO compliance):<br />=> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/qbtwqvWjNkcwib6Y8" target="_blank">East Coast Greenway within project scope</a><br />=> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ALipFGJ4PkXc86FN6" target="_blank">Lisbeth Rd to Brennen School parking lot</a><br />=> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/QXgafoiksrPeEkGSA" target="_blank">Old Ogletown Rd to SR4-Salem Church Jct</a><br />=> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/jRR8JVjwjVjbhBB87" target="_blank">Prides Crossing to SR4 MUP/ECG</a><br />=> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/mLTStDhUNnNGkTvJ7" target="_blank">E. Cherokee Dr to Johnson Rd</a><br />=> <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/10/east-coast-greenway-fail-in-ogletown.html" target="_blank">SR4 MUP/ECG continuity at Augusta</a></li><li>Convert abandoned roads into MUPs:<br />=> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uE7DVDaJq5eMxeiE7" target="_blank">Old Harmony Rd from north of Greenridge Rd to Old Capitol Trail</a><br />=> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/BasGhwsFvXzT7ATh8" target="_blank">S. Wakefield thru Leathermans Run</a></li><li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizOqHDyDFXN0XUKyBEFV4wHKnAehHjj1yAccBZxtZyFV90tAAkbzEV2CKk35tQsA5PF6T2rvGHFwCjOSukl1DcSB-8tGFlkRDIWw7mAGO93jathHhEx4R1-iNGkPdq8R6BErmUev1ZJH7/s1024/IMG_6944.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizOqHDyDFXN0XUKyBEFV4wHKnAehHjj1yAccBZxtZyFV90tAAkbzEV2CKk35tQsA5PF6T2rvGHFwCjOSukl1DcSB-8tGFlkRDIWw7mAGO93jathHhEx4R1-iNGkPdq8R6BErmUev1ZJH7/w200-h150/IMG_6944.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr align="center" style="text-align: left;"><td class="tr-caption">Dearth of parks: Streets used as ball courts<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2020/03/another-lost-park-opportunity-in.html" target="_blank">A park</a> that includes ball courts, walking & biking paths, benches and other forms of place and destination-making is <i>desperately</i> needed for Harmony Woods and the region in general.<br /></li><li>Add a shoulder bike lane on <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RSwQWmmjoUWCQxJQA" target="_blank">Salem Church Rd</a> between I95 and Old Baltimore Pike, on what is technically <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware_Bicycle_Route_1" target="_blank">"Bike Route 1"</a>. Cars and trucks cannot safely pass cyclists here without entering the opposing lane, and road rage commonly ensues.<br /></li><li>Reduce the speed limit on SR4 from 50 mph to 40 mph, and 35 mph in school zones: DE Deaf-Blind, Kirk MS. Several speed studies over the years have shown rampant speeding along this corridor, in access of 57 avg mph. Investigate the use of <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/08/ntsb-report-85th-percentile-rule-is.html" target="_blank">traffic calming measures</a> such as median vegetation plantings, signage, and other means to protect the children from these schools, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. They often cross SR4 at Augusta, going to and from 7/11 for snacks. Reducing the speed limit cannot be emphasized enough. Delaware is now ranked <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2021/08/us-news-world-report-delaware-1.html" target="_blank">#1 deadliest State in the nation</a> for biking, and near #1 for walking, largely due to abject failure in this regard.</li><li>Recognize and honor <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2021/08/abandoned-and-forgotten-thomas-ogle.html" target="_blank">the passing of Thomas Ogle</a>, founder of Ogletown, who died exactly <b>250 years ago on 12/23/1771</b>. This should include a spur pathway connector from the existing SR4 MUP aka ECG, along with a historical wayside and some bike parking (as seen at regular intervals along, e.g. the Markell Trail/Indus Track). <a href="https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2015/02/02/delaware-backstory-historic-grave-saved-shared/22770887/" target="_blank">This article in Delaware on-line</a> from 2015 highlights that very need, which went ignored.</li><li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8azKCoReMS4ft6PXDtOC4Gw6eSgZFFE7-PCbCG_hwrAJqIGW6rhEYhxnbrthl4aQ-03ceQ5lJ_MkOnHclPw932BKsKMKkasdiVON5uAGc_JD4_OHl_pf-jU9Cd71Qea5xMy-qTado7kR_/s1200/070411+001.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8azKCoReMS4ft6PXDtOC4Gw6eSgZFFE7-PCbCG_hwrAJqIGW6rhEYhxnbrthl4aQ-03ceQ5lJ_MkOnHclPw932BKsKMKkasdiVON5uAGc_JD4_OHl_pf-jU9Cd71Qea5xMy-qTado7kR_/w200-h150/070411+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical "goat path" from the ECG in S. Newark<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Reduce neighborhood street speed limits from 25 to 20 mph, led by a <a href="https://www.20splenty.org/" target="_blank">"20 is Plenty"</a> safety campaign or similar. Cost estimate <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/senator-jack-walsh-obtains-quotes-for.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</li><li>Assess, formalize and convert all <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/where-is-bike-delaware-on-these-top-5.html" target="_blank">"goat path" connections</a> into MUPs. These are commonly visible coming off existing MUPs, usually connecting to adjacent shopping centers and strip malls. These occur when numerous people walk or bike across grass that eventually erodes and forms its own trail. These should be upgraded to pathways.</li></ul><div><b>Please advise</b> how we may track our comments through the process, to verify if they are being considered for implementation or not. Thank you for listening.<br /><br /><u><i>SIGNED:</i></u> Angela Connolly and Frank Warnock<br /></div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-18433247945271282182021-08-06T21:42:00.007-04:002022-08-04T15:34:52.277-04:00Our comments on the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Greetings, DE State Parks.</b> Please add our comments below to the <a href="https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/parks/planning/white-clay-creek-master-plan/" target="_blank">White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan</a>, before the 8-2-2021 deadline. Thank
you very much.<br /></div><br />In no particular order:
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There is only 1 park bench/rest stop along the paved Tri-Valley SUP
(Shared Use Pthway). There needs to be more, at equal distances, so
people can stop, rest and take in the views. The same goes for the entire length of the Pomeroy and Creek Road Trails; there are no benches between Cleveland Ave in Newark all the way to PA, including at the various parking areas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeGS0VU7YHuG1f4Ld_NAiSPOv4YwDGzE6V4MVIorg6Uc9ZaBVIX-_WUqyRFLTYQb5O0y2nKyOmyPFt9mVlJ4X01qG6_jVV9seXbhcSHFGXXaJRtf5TP1effbu-S_tOu7etyjdpeK2zDsL/s233/Shared+Zone.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="222" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeGS0VU7YHuG1f4Ld_NAiSPOv4YwDGzE6V4MVIorg6Uc9ZaBVIX-_WUqyRFLTYQb5O0y2nKyOmyPFt9mVlJ4X01qG6_jVV9seXbhcSHFGXXaJRtf5TP1effbu-S_tOu7etyjdpeK2zDsL/w191-h200/Shared+Zone.jpg" width="191" /></a></div></li><li>"Shared Zone" (or similar, MUTCD) and posted speed limit signs need to be added along Creek Road from N. College Ave to Wedgewood Roads. This is a human-scale environment shared with motor vehicles. See attached image (right). Presently there is no signage, and cars -- often times speeding -- are weaving between bike-ped traffic.</li><li>We do NOT agree with the others who are against using stone dust,
fine gravel or limestone or other packing materials on trails. Please
continue to use these as a proven means to control erosion and formalize
trails as needed.</li><li>Please REMOVE the hanging cable that is blocking Tom Sharpe Lane, at Judge Morris Estate, turning in from Polly Drummond Road. This is a trip or
crash hazard, and should be replaced with a removable bollard(s) or
partial gate with clear bike-ped access, e.g. along Creek Rd.</li><li>Tell DelDOT to replace the unsightly concrete barriers on Creek Road
at the Pomeroy Trail bridge curve with something more aesthetically
pleasing. These are an eyesore and detract from the park's otherwise
beautiful scenery.</li><li>With the advent of "Gravel" bikes and wider trail riding, park trails
and pathways should be sub-grouped into the following categories, and
mapped as such, e.g. 1. PAVED 2. GRAVEL 3. MTB</li><li>The Tri-Valley SUP is very overgrown between 9 foot Rd and its
southern terminus at Thompson Station/SR72, and is reduced to about 2/3
width. This is hazardous for bi-directional bike-ped traffic. Please
perform maintenance, including mowing and edging. At 8', this is the min
recommended width for such a facility according to FHWA.</li><li>Improve safety for the bike-ped crossing between Creek Rd (gravel
section) and Tweeds Mill (nature center). A large-sized MUTCD-approved
R1-5 in each direction would be a big improvement. As it stands now,
most motorists continue through the marked crosswalk, even with people
standing there waiting.</li><li>Connect via SUP the Carpenter Area with the Pomeroy Trail, and that
with the Possum Hill and Middle Run Areas.</li><li>Continue working on a WCCSP-Fair Hill connection via SUP, if that is
still being considered.</li></ul>Thank you so much for listening. Please let us know if there is a way to
track our comments, to verify whether or not they are being considered.<br /><br />--Frank Warnock & Angela Connolly<br /><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="390" loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1628102214539!6m8!1m7!1sxKKgWe_95SaLsVMQs_c9lw!2m2!1d39.70314404561775!2d-75.70979617349089!3f79.3847210908411!4f-7.405251828571664!5f2.851350816851181" width="520"></iframe><br /></div> <i>Above:</i> A hanging cable blocks the entrance to Judge Morris Estate at White Clay Creek State Park. Bollard(s) should always be used where foot & pedal traffic is permitted. Users -- especially the disabled -- should not have to lift their bikes, step over, or cycle around a lengthy stone wall to access the Estate.Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-356814781278965862021-08-04T12:10:00.003-04:002021-08-04T13:25:16.677-04:00U.S. News & World Report: Delaware #1 Deadliest For Bicycling<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/these-are-the-most-dangerous-states-for-cyclists" target="_blank"></a></b></span></p><p><a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/these-are-the-most-dangerous-states-for-cyclists" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="80" data-original-width="311" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQjjwHNxLLjElQFHZXx2NUh8Q1koX7D10qNtGepGZSW_VZIhGp3AXoASk81wBT3CsxRh5zvz9JBPPr-3aV-3Op2FEwog9RLXFWWdcxnQ1p96LCoYBqy64r34T0UDYN0XSb0ljBoB9Wn2D/w200-h51/USNews_Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>... but a new report by StreetLight identifies the most dangerous states for cyclists by fatalities per capita and miles traveled, accounting for states where biking is more commonplace. By this definition, <b>Delaware is the most dangerous state</b>, followed by South Carolina and Florida, which has the most fatalities per capita. On the other side of the list, Massachusetts, New York and Illinois were among the safest states for cyclists. <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/these-are-the-most-dangerous-states-for-cyclists" target="_blank">[Full Article ...]</a></i><br /><br />Though shocking, this comes as no surprise really. Despite all the goodwill, and <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/livable-walkable-bikeable-delaware-is.html" target="_blank">what appear</a> numerous efforts to shore up safety, Delaware's #1 level of service (LOS) priority is still motor vehicles. This includes <a href="https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2019/11/5/slip-lanes-would-never-exist-if-we-prioritized-safety-over-speed" target="_blank">uninterupted travel</a> at highest possible speed, inducing more and more demand with endless widening of roads, and providing <a href="https://youtu.be/ioSZOt37PBo" target="_blank">parking craters</a> at the expense of commons and place-making. Combined with infrastructure, retail and civil services that are anything but inviting and safe, almost nobody bikes for transportation in Delaware -- and the few that do are often times in grave danger. To make matters worse, we have a State's advocacy org that <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/in-matters-of-transparency-bike.html" target="_blank">is corrupt</a> and has <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/where-is-bike-delaware-on-these-top-5.html" target="_blank">little appetite</a> to do anything meaningful about it.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgxEpshd9Io70PMBINO-xAj-5GaAx96OCjg8KcGX614YMGVmV3J01wZ0ApA7UE6a1B_3XEPTtejAAYipWNJlU7xPEhDOYHNVu5x4COlWekH-J1z8hjFVPZi6lJ7XuCN_xno3NdbXlZNc9/s480/CapeCod_020b.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="480" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgxEpshd9Io70PMBINO-xAj-5GaAx96OCjg8KcGX614YMGVmV3J01wZ0ApA7UE6a1B_3XEPTtejAAYipWNJlU7xPEhDOYHNVu5x4COlWekH-J1z8hjFVPZi6lJ7XuCN_xno3NdbXlZNc9/s320/CapeCod_020b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>In Massachusetts</b>, for example, bike-ped crossing enforcement is taken very seriously -- and the results show. With few exceptions, cars begin stopping immediately when bicyclists or pedestrians approach a crossing facility. This sign <i>(right)</i> is but one tool in their toolbox. Instead, however, <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/07/bike-delaware-quashes-pedestrian-safety.html" target="_blank">Bike Delaware <i>quashed</i></a> any efforts to move in this direction which included updating the vehicle code. Better enforcement with fines of up to $200 go a long way toward increased safety and respect of bicyclists and pedestrians. This, in turn, results in fewer injuries and fatalities, and promotes a culture of awareness and responsibility.<p></p>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-67422470591121231632021-05-11T15:11:00.019-04:002021-07-12T22:26:45.885-04:00White Clay Bicycle Club ignores Cycle For Cecil<p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3msV75L_Vtq6CmIvg-zm_11ZvHDrGY6gsbi0tQqA_FO7rrUZK2ZJvFtFR4uUas5aHYCR0xw2EsL0K3O8Eo0x6Qo4LVwmcVvLcUWhKjwXEze2VBl7cITkFllYzTOC-WkoajHhTep77cU0/s960/CFC1.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3msV75L_Vtq6CmIvg-zm_11ZvHDrGY6gsbi0tQqA_FO7rrUZK2ZJvFtFR4uUas5aHYCR0xw2EsL0K3O8Eo0x6Qo4LVwmcVvLcUWhKjwXEze2VBl7cITkFllYzTOC-WkoajHhTep77cU0/s320/CFC1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycle for Cecil riders at the start, at the Patsy DuPont Farm<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>It is no mystery</b> to anyone that the <a href="https://whiteclaybicycleclub.org/" target="_blank">White Clay Bicycle Club</a> (WCBC) has been a disappointment when it comes to supporting <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTA2NTI0" target="_blank">Cycle For Cecil</a> (CFC), a charity bicycling event whose goal it is to preserve the rural character of Cecil County Maryland. Immediately west of New Castle County (NCC), Cecil County is heavily relied upon by WCBC members for club sanctioned rides, serving as a congestion-free escape of NCC's ever growing suburban sprawl nightmare. Unlike any org in NCC, the <a href="https://www.cecillandtrust.org/" target="_blank">Cecil Land Trust</a> (CLT) is working very hard to preserve farmland and open space in this idyllic countryside for cyclists. However, it appears that WCBC does not see fit to enthusiastically support the event, beyond a brief blurb in their <a href="https://whiteclaybicycleclub.org/out-of-bounds/" target="_blank">"out of bounds"</a> page. There is no call for attendance and/or support of CFC on their website, and nothing is found in a search of "Cecil" on their Facebook page. <br /><br />In an effort to find out what is going on, a 1stbikes.org PT journalist reached out to Mr JW Haupt, who has been <a href="https://whiteclaybicycleclub.org/about-us/executive-committee/" target="_blank">President of WCBC</a> for many years. We wanted to know why, if it were true, the Club did not fully support this charity event ride. <b>We asked for</b> any commentary that Mr Haupt might have for an upcoming editorial in 1st State Bikes, regarding Cycle for Cecil. We had found out on the day of the ride that WCBC had been <span><i>Ambivalent, unhelpful, even refusing to share their e-mail list to help publicize the ride,</i> when approached by the Cecil Land
Trust. But why would WCBC act in this manner, given the immense importance of a rural
Cecil County to club rides in particular? With many of WCBC events
canceled, and considering the very basic nature of help CLT asked for,
it seems unbelievable. Land and farm conservation should be a natural
fit for WCBC as an outdoors non-profit org itself.</span><br /><br />This request set off a bizarre, and unexpected response. Although we emailed him directly, Mr Haupt did not reply to us, instead, a CLT volunteer did. Although the response was very polite and positive, it appeared that the volunteer had been bullied and shamed by the President of WCBC. The volunteer profusely apologized for "misspeaking" to us, saying that he was "wrong and naive" in how WCBC treated the event. This confused us, because, as explained below, there is only the barest minimum of mention of the CFC ride, certainly not what the Club would be capable of, given their powerful reach to the cycling community. The volunteer went on the say that he and CLT would support WCBC in their efforts, even going so far as to volunteer to help WCBC in the future.<span><b><br /><br />In our reply, </b>we affirmed that nothing in the CLT Volunteer's email appears naive or inappropriate.
Contrary to what Mr Haupt said, WCBC should have gone a lot further than
a brief Cycle For Cecil blurb in an "out of bounds" section (the last
section) of their webpage. In doing a search we found that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CyclingSistas/" target="_blank">Cycling Sistahs</a> of Baltimore, with no
vested interest in Cecil County in particular, did promote CFC.
It was refreshing and beautiful to see diversity in the ride. They even
created an Event page for their members to promote CFC. In
contrast, WCBC did no active promoting -- despite
the critical nature of a rural Cecil County to its members. </span><br /><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HeX9S_eMfvKeitoLs-Lf6ukLRM0ckmk_Wt36RJdbFcOZbW_L067BbyALdOLUuiNZvVHHQVJwleiFr2vnH7AtpKLvcR_2C3995DUxAMqICX8Cv5ei7_-E7dzVi-OKj2enZ9M0rpWhvdrh/s318/WCBCorBDe.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="318" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HeX9S_eMfvKeitoLs-Lf6ukLRM0ckmk_Wt36RJdbFcOZbW_L067BbyALdOLUuiNZvVHHQVJwleiFr2vnH7AtpKLvcR_2C3995DUxAMqICX8Cv5ei7_-E7dzVi-OKj2enZ9M0rpWhvdrh/w200-h179/WCBCorBDe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Unfortunately, WCBC has a reputation for being exclusive. There are virtually no active
members of color. Many alumni -- even past board members -- dropped
membership over political and/or leadership issues. Most were dedicated volunteers who had given countless hours of their time to the bicycling cause. Among other issues, WCBC was recently
<a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/what-kind-of-non-profit-is-white-clay.html" target="_blank">caught in a lie</a> about their non-profit status; they are not a 501(c)3
according to the IRS. While everyone assumes that they are a non-profit given
their URL, they financially support <a href="https://www.bikede.org/" target="_blank">Bike Delaware</a> -- a pro-development
org in the pockets of the building industry, whose own activities and finances are <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/what-kind-of-non-profit-is-white-clay.html" target="_blank">shrouded in secrecy</a>. Regardless, WCBC assists them with fundraising and generous annual donations -- none of which are
publicly accounted for. This raises questions about a possible </span><span><span><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/is-wcbcs-sponsorship-of-bike-delaware.html" target="_blank">connection</a> between Mr Haupt, his position with WCBC, and his <a href="https://www.pennoni.com/people/" target="_blank">VP position</a>
with one of the largest development firms on the east coast -- never mind the ignorance of a nearby major ride that's trying desperately to
protect farmland and open space is reason to be suspect.</span><br /><br /><b>Yes, WCBC is a busy club</b>, with 4 major rides every year (one of which, the <a href="https://whiteclaybicycleclub.org/events/shorefire/" target="_blank">Shore Fire</a>, was launched by yours truly) to organize. However, they have had to cancel several due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the basics of promoting an event such as CFC hardly qualifies as "work", as the Cycling Sistahs of Baltimore readily showed. The CLT draws on orgs in Baltimore for publicity and attendance, which is a sharp move and gives the ride its wonderful diverse and welcoming character. But it's a sad day when a club with the resources of a WCBC exists right nearby, and they all but ignore this charity ride, as they have done since its inception.<br /><br /></span><span>We commend the commitment of the
CLT to land
conservation. Those of us who fought, <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">and still lost</a> (to mass <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/08/name-that-liar-townsend-vs-meyer.html" target="_blank">govt corruption</a>) the Orphanage Property in Ogletown, <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2018/08/stop-price-tag-was-10-cost-of-route-9.html" target="_blank">the last remaining</a> green
space/habitat area of its kind, understand the struggles that CLT are
facing. In a world where biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming
rate, and the planet is headed for climate catastrophe, we are very
grateful for orgs like theirs. We will continue to
support their efforts, and, as we have in the past, promote the Cycle
For Cecil Event on our pages.</span><br /></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrQekLLHYpBPdOxDb5in4e8GXo_mAQPQmm21BhI3wnhBez8L8pTsPZAUqcuGV8MLmIcc80_plpHIZ6_YLgn4D6iQN4ehWKzL3x_qYt89PRwhDaaCrnx_hUvRY_ylZAx1R50whjUrB-sFs/s827/WCBC_White.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="827" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrQekLLHYpBPdOxDb5in4e8GXo_mAQPQmm21BhI3wnhBez8L8pTsPZAUqcuGV8MLmIcc80_plpHIZ6_YLgn4D6iQN4ehWKzL3x_qYt89PRwhDaaCrnx_hUvRY_ylZAx1R50whjUrB-sFs/s320/WCBC_White.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><b>The "White" Clay Bicycle Club,</b> in a historic photo seen on their Facebook Page. WCBC has an identity and diversity problem, hence their decades-long membership plateau of ~200. Their failure to embrace and support other orgs and events nearby only hastens their image as an insiders only club.<br /></div></div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-2359069064921010712021-04-27T15:17:00.005-04:002021-11-23T11:24:08.273-05:00Osienski: Just go for a bike ride, everything will be fine<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfGDzorV40z4p8bqPxOA4Uua4n0WPqRDTL_Swsja9cLZI5FQmUuEE6ujJQCQTEY8jJIFqyi7GH5dCKIE_yxhniTL_hnncnQ-6WppPrknXQfNlbvIiKDKtfEbqeB8Fa7mHlePT74t9EfXB/s1390/Osienski_041921.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="415" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfGDzorV40z4p8bqPxOA4Uua4n0WPqRDTL_Swsja9cLZI5FQmUuEE6ujJQCQTEY8jJIFqyi7GH5dCKIE_yxhniTL_hnncnQ-6WppPrknXQfNlbvIiKDKtfEbqeB8Fa7mHlePT74t9EfXB/w192-h640/Osienski_041921.jpg" width="192" /></a></i></div><p><i>By Angela Connolly<br /><br />"Whether it's up north on the Mike Castle Trail along the C&D Canal, or down south on the Lewes-Georgetown, Junction & Breakwater, and Gordon’s Pound trails, Delaware has plenty of great options for cyclists. So on this Bicycle Day, it's a great excuse to jump on a bike and take a ride. My wife Betsy and I spent much of this weekend on our bikes at the beach. We both enjoy the many trails Delaware has to offer." ~Rep Ed Osienski, D24</i><br /><br /><b>As the construction</b> at the former Our Lady of Grace Orphanage Property is wrapping up, the townhomes are reaching almost to the Rt 4 frontage. This is a tragic sight that I see daily - whether from my car, on foot, or on my bicycle. It is a tragic reminder of a dream lost, an opportunity forever lost. It is a story of <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">corruption</a>, of indifference, of disregard for the quality of life for the people who live along the Rt 4 Corridor, and the communities nearby. It is a painful reminder of the lost lives of precious animal inhabitants - Eastern Box turtles, deer, fox, among many other reptile and mammal life, lost with the <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/09/townsend-and-son-celebrate.html" target="_blank">violence of the bulldozers</a>. But most of all, it is a reminder of the failures of the local Legislators: Senator Bryan Townsend, Councilwoman Lisa Diller, and Rep Osienski, who, along with County Executive Matt Meyer, <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">condemned</a> their Constituents to a poor quality of life. <br /></p><p>We in the Ogletown/South Newark area do not have access to <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/12/senator-townsend-and-cohorts-say-no.html" target="_blank">nearby healthy</a>, safe outdoor activity. We are relegated to using pathways that are unsafe and not maintained, falling into <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2020/01/a-foot-tour-of-senator-townsends-3rd.html" target="_blank">chronic disrepair</a>. It is unacceptable to expect our residents to have to travel by car to reach a County Park which is well outside our region.</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDoUUu83F5tmoQszWprvURW75PMdco0_ecfJiCThFCgTWyM-FfpDTVxK4QRBEfBwUe4FB6IuLDgidBmSwMh79ji2gLxMoCtUTRgdFyyKAKBMWozdGir3rc8PE0U7WyMawFK7uO5mnobwv/s1024/OP_Built2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDoUUu83F5tmoQszWprvURW75PMdco0_ecfJiCThFCgTWyM-FfpDTVxK4QRBEfBwUe4FB6IuLDgidBmSwMh79ji2gLxMoCtUTRgdFyyKAKBMWozdGir3rc8PE0U7WyMawFK7uO5mnobwv/s320/OP_Built2.jpg" width="488" /></a><br /></p><i>Above: </i>Tragedy of epic proportions: <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">Corrupt Legislators</a> Rep Ed Osienski and Sen Bryan Townsend <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/08/whos-your-daddy-following-money-trail.html" target="_blank">sell out</a> the last remaining open space and regional park opportunity in the entire Ogletown-S. Newark region.<br /><br />Also see: <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2021/08/us-news-world-report-delaware-1.html" target="_blank">Delaware #1 deadliest State for bicycling</a>.Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-54444124136721884682021-04-19T14:23:00.004-04:002021-04-27T16:04:24.669-04:00Zero enforcement: Delaware rounds out top 5 in Noise<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTOrSmHIyM_ORG3YLp_zHyhLeAGyUl8lY97CVadt_5WCwveny3IjKFV748C0wLb0b0CI8Xwcy3jjDVNw9DnqiVHEv2gjOR88_3ss9glRXpaECXS9oqcjH0yP3-K39Ught4CTbxJa-ams/s797/164_Diminish+002.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="797" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTOrSmHIyM_ORG3YLp_zHyhLeAGyUl8lY97CVadt_5WCwveny3IjKFV748C0wLb0b0CI8Xwcy3jjDVNw9DnqiVHEv2gjOR88_3ss9glRXpaECXS9oqcjH0yP3-K39Ught4CTbxJa-ams/w200-h160/164_Diminish+002.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><p><i>Cross-posted from <a href="http://Bryan-Townsend.com">Bryan-Townsend.com</a></i><b><br /><br />Time and time again</b>, Delaware fails miserably when it comes to leadership and quality of life. Here is yet <i>another</i> measure reaching the top 5: <b>Noise</b>. <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/loudest-state-in-us/" target="_blank">This study</a> only crunched some numbers, and cited statistics, but it failed to include other factors such as law enforcement (level of, lack thereof). It didn't include the colossal failure by the State and its various Police agencies to penalize and/or prosecute for drag racing and modified vehicle exhaust systems. These include "fart can mufflers", straight pipes or other modified systems that vastly increases vehicle noise. For most residents living in New Castle County's suburbs, for example, even a half mile from the nearest arterial road can sound like track-side at a NASCAR event. Many people hear it inside their homes, even above their TV, especially on weekend nights. There is no police enforcement of this crime, so the offenders know they can get away with it. Often times, the decibel on acceleration is 120+ decibels, which if you're a pedestrian or bicyclist, is hurtful or damaging to the ear. This is assault, and 100% illegal according to Delaware law, in multiple code sections (<a href="https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title7/1000/1100/1149.shtml" target="_blank">HERE</a> & <a href="https://delcode.delaware.gov/title7/c071/sc01/index.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). Yet, as expected, it gets a free pass by Townsend and cohorts.<b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxWQmG0lofGXwoCElOEMxCcRSw0kG49u8u7G91F_9hXF0kg7r9oHRP3RzAHOYoKrAMOZJ7fMqGyGcEjVWd4FYBeMI-hY3zZoRtVH-DDw564bPGR9-EveNr6xs3qRPoyDKuH-VOU_YB30/s500/FartCan3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxWQmG0lofGXwoCElOEMxCcRSw0kG49u8u7G91F_9hXF0kg7r9oHRP3RzAHOYoKrAMOZJ7fMqGyGcEjVWd4FYBeMI-hY3zZoRtVH-DDw564bPGR9-EveNr6xs3qRPoyDKuH-VOU_YB30/s320/FartCan3.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Where is Senator Townsend on this? </b><u>Nowhere</u>, that's where. He would rather <a href="https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/02/delaware-could-ticket-drivers-who-dont-clean-snow-ice-off-their-car/6876436002/" target="_blank">pass a bill</a> to criminalize snow on car rooftops, that may happen a few times each Winter. On the other hand, <i>oppressive</i> and painful vehicle noise from non-standard illegal exhaust systems goes <a href="https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/environment-and-health/noise/data-and-statistics" target="_blank">FAR further</a> in destroying the qualify of life, health and wellbeing of everyday Delawareans. Why doesn't Townsend and his Democrat-controlled legislature introduce a bill to step up prosecution of this deliberate and disgusting act by a small minority that hurts the clear majority, AND wildlife? Even the City of Newark and University Police won't enforce deafening vehicle noise, in an environment rich with walking and bicycling on or near the roads.<br /><br />Senator Townsend, along with Rep Edward Osienski and NCC's Lisa Diller are the <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">epitome of failed leadership</a>. Not just in Delaware, but any State. Until we rise up and hold them accountable on issues like this, there will be no end to the corruption, in sight. Delaware is represented by the <a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/15-states-ranked-the-most-corrupt-in-america-for-2017.html/" target="_blank">4th most criminal State</a> govt in the nation. Its residents have to act and vote with this in mind, in order to stop them.<p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wOvskYhwWFo?start=14" width="560"></iframe><br />Vehicle noise assault on a "complete street" in New Castle County, Delaware.</div><br /><i>“If anyone walking along the sidewalk were to make deafening noises, spew poisonous gas into innocent faces, and threaten people with a deadly weapon, they would be arrested. Yet a few feet away, on the public roadway, it is considered normal behavior”</i> ~Steve Stollman Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-23619908630062761642021-04-16T18:20:00.012-04:002021-04-27T15:56:08.009-04:00Senator Jack Walsh's District 9 Pathways Disaster<div style="text-align: left;"></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgKFEp8xMDBGbH2rOG9PNLr_DYifYeKg7G9sijys4DAaQ7qL5gBi3S3ziU6xfdgHeiQZjoLdZdQJHzixbrQK8C9KIIIrh-OID9rdkti6vjR2vFTqDy-pHcQkD0srGsq4h9dlmhC-KXMK8/s1024/IMG_6932.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgKFEp8xMDBGbH2rOG9PNLr_DYifYeKg7G9sijys4DAaQ7qL5gBi3S3ziU6xfdgHeiQZjoLdZdQJHzixbrQK8C9KIIIrh-OID9rdkti6vjR2vFTqDy-pHcQkD0srGsq4h9dlmhC-KXMK8/s320/IMG_6932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The following letter (email) was sent to Senator Jack Walsh, Delaware District 9.</span><br /><br /><i>Greetings, Senator Walsh,
<br />
<br />What is your plan for 2021, to repair and maintain what few asphalt
pathways are in your region? These serve as vital connectors for
foot/pedal traffic. As of right now, and last year, they are an
unmitigated disaster. We have attached a few pics in this email that you
should recognize, but there are plenty of others.
<br />
<br />There is Bike Delaware, Delaware Greenways, DelDOT's Complete Streets, Gov
Markel's Trails & Pathways initiative, Gov Minner's Livable DE, Safe Routes
to School, etc etc we could <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/livable-walkable-bikeable-delaware-is.html" target="_blank">go on and on</a>. These pathways should be
clearly defined, with min. 8' wide smooth asphalt.
<br />
<br />Rep Baumbach is <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/09/privilege-has-its-rewards.html" target="_blank">busy cutting ribbons</a> on parks and pathways projects in his
district all the time, in Newark. But yours -- like [Senator] <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2020/01/a-foot-tour-of-senator-townsends-3rd.html" target="_blank">Townsend's</a> -- is
like a 3rd world country, at best.
<br />
<br />What are you going to do about it? -- Frank Warnock & Angela Connolly</i><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCiHVgJoXbZWPO49mOEU14xswDDHeZp_RxQjQdWqP-DOaNhAkziopxdVfaPXjz6EgSMZ_loAPSSINjZE-Addfih3E6vqXGEsX1XTWbXkOrkusrCipAdc0oF-91aRvgy3cWTPQkd5OENwx/w400-h300/IMG_6980.jpg" width="488" /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Above:</i> An overgrown hedgerow and a 2" raised steel plate are the ultimate crash hazard along Wyoming Road. Yet this is routinely used as an extension of Newark's Hall Trail.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmQ_IsxfD6CBzzXFl3WualurK2-oMISPZNfE4LxvXzU5rKvo7Y9UUjBISKgBHzbIUpcMbBkwbLjSE1pT5XfgNWTxE1kinVIMtwAwDRLtXY4Cqd13dbE-aqzTNKE-8KsTtjihp9vCt_3Xi/s1024/IMG_6978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmQ_IsxfD6CBzzXFl3WualurK2-oMISPZNfE4LxvXzU5rKvo7Y9UUjBISKgBHzbIUpcMbBkwbLjSE1pT5XfgNWTxE1kinVIMtwAwDRLtXY4Cqd13dbE-aqzTNKE-8KsTtjihp9vCt_3Xi/w400-h300/IMG_6978.JPG" width="488" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Above:</i> Abandoned pathway along Wyoming Road in Newark. What was once wide and appealing for multi-modal use is avoided in favor of the road shoulder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbNA5U_HJM4eSR8rNu-6UD5FIKg-6paPQKAA4KVcy-1CUoNL4pu-edr7yJLQbHuWt9JlLf-iLfaeKbwer5o7b3nqgZ85lQ2hh4EelM2r8u1UAnDlVm9LG6jEnMYmTI9HHFmosywxEH66B/s1600/IMG_6917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbNA5U_HJM4eSR8rNu-6UD5FIKg-6paPQKAA4KVcy-1CUoNL4pu-edr7yJLQbHuWt9JlLf-iLfaeKbwer5o7b3nqgZ85lQ2hh4EelM2r8u1UAnDlVm9LG6jEnMYmTI9HHFmosywxEH66B/w400-h300/IMG_6917.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><i>Above:</i> What remains of a pathway spur connector, between Prides Crossing and East Coast Greenway along SR4.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqrnzZKcfm5kijXrI5TOjaTiLjAoFU8sJsNGA1C8RYUI7WFZwFTBUxkAaXRul6NpubmvhokKYvyuByEhAt41L-T90R6u7xezO-suyXnb1Vvbj1hM6RKdiGAw-4jYfBVFjT6vgg2E7zPis/s1024/IMG_6924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqrnzZKcfm5kijXrI5TOjaTiLjAoFU8sJsNGA1C8RYUI7WFZwFTBUxkAaXRul6NpubmvhokKYvyuByEhAt41L-T90R6u7xezO-suyXnb1Vvbj1hM6RKdiGAw-4jYfBVFjT6vgg2E7zPis/w400-h300/IMG_6924.jpg" width="488" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Above:</i> Brookbend "Park". Viable parks, pathways and placemaking are virtually non-existent in Walsh's District 9, and (Senator) Townsend's District 11. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTo54fxGwvJIZivyDSvpBhsHcHoON9dEKIsj2FZ01RVAXryJ9V0lfQfQq6smPLKYCiHCqfrrmigijhVySk1qP9V6XkblbvnHcz_xyDwZ0SpiPYsY7PVUFw2phQhSfRwlMeFl-VIF_bW8r/s1024/IMG_6913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTo54fxGwvJIZivyDSvpBhsHcHoON9dEKIsj2FZ01RVAXryJ9V0lfQfQq6smPLKYCiHCqfrrmigijhVySk1qP9V6XkblbvnHcz_xyDwZ0SpiPYsY7PVUFw2phQhSfRwlMeFl-VIF_bW8r/w400-h300/IMG_6913.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><p><i>Above:</i> Bike Path, aka <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2020/10/fail-again-east-coast-greenway-in.html" target="_blank">East Coast Greenway</a>, parallel to SR 4, also in Walsh's District 9. Walsh could ask DelDOT to rehab this facility, and others, perhaps attached to local road rehab projects.<br /><br /><b>Walsh's reply</b> as of 4/14/2021: <i>I had previously answered your question on one of these paths. It is
located on private property and the Church is required to clean up the
path. This is the first I am hearing about the other two paths. One path
pictured is the county's responsibility, so
I can reach out to Councilman Sheldon's office about that one. The
other path is on Route 4 and I will contact DelDOT to get them to clean
that up.</i><b><br /><br /></b>No, Walsh did not answer anything, not in writing. We can find nothing in writing, and requested that he forward any sent emails that may have been overlooked. "3rd World Country" as defining Walsh's District 9 (and <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2020/01/a-foot-tour-of-senator-townsends-3rd.html" target="_blank">Townsend's District 11</a>) for pathways, parks and destination/place-making is 100% accurate. It may even be an understatement. Will he answer our inquiry above, with a serious action plan? That remains to be seen.</p>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-24016332964212247882021-04-12T13:10:00.002-04:002021-04-12T19:01:31.985-04:00Bike Delaware erases first 5 years of its history<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wbxuHYJCumdFtvECpLNA5LL5xI4CgaxcDzF3l1ffWHLZk9S9F_xRinDgLdl3V11mn-Eh4z35rdCjWjmhBIptR1oOZ7hYzrDDqkITymH2DMX-LnQ8zIBfmwQ94bYSdLJNXJMGOMUqhW6M/s494/BikedDE10a.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wbxuHYJCumdFtvECpLNA5LL5xI4CgaxcDzF3l1ffWHLZk9S9F_xRinDgLdl3V11mn-Eh4z35rdCjWjmhBIptR1oOZ7hYzrDDqkITymH2DMX-LnQ8zIBfmwQ94bYSdLJNXJMGOMUqhW6M/s320/BikedDE10a.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Correction: "15 Years Old TODAY"</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Bike Delaware has re-written history, declaring a "10 Year Anniversary" as of March 22, 2021<br /><br /></span></i><b>It is said</b> that a lady never reveals her true age. Bike Delaware has taken this advice to heart, chopping five years off the org's true age, thus erasing numerous successful advocacy efforts from 2006-2010.<br /><br /><i>Bike Delaware</i> was originally founded in 2006, largely on the heels of John Boyle of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. He, along with Mario Nappa (past President of White Clay Bicycle Club), established a formal structure that included the Bike Delaware Blog and regular meetings at Wilmapco in Newark. By 2008, a fully functional website (partial archive <a href="By 2008, a fully functional website was established, that included weekly postings." target="_blank">here</a>) was established, with weekly updates, including meeting schedules, minutes, current projects, DelDOT workshops, member's personal initiatives, pending legislation, and a year-end progress review (annual report). In time, other Advocates would join together to further grow, and develop, what we know today as Bike Delaware. This was for 5 years, prior to achieving 501(c)3 status in 2011.<br /></p><p></p><b>Some of Bike Delaware's progress from 2006-2010, </b>pre-501(c)3, in no particular order:<br /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bike Lanes over the St Georges Bridge</li><li>Stop the encroachment of radial channelizing islands on bike lanes<br /></li><li>Right Turn-only lanes to shared bike lane/mixing zones <br /></li><li>Route 1 fatals in Rehoboth: Shared bike-bus lane compromise</li><li>Support, demand Junction-Breakwater Trail (expedited)<br /></li><li>Bike-Friendly City and State achievements</li><li>Full table setups: Regular presence at tabling events</li><li>Traffic Signal phase change sensitivity for bicycles<br /></li><li>Delaware Bicycle Council legislation (3' Passing, Vulnerable Road Users, etc)</li><li>Rally bicyclists to DelDOT public workshops and project meetings</li><li>Interactive Delaware bicycle maps<br /></li><li>Delaware MUTCD best practices for bicycling</li><li>Sharrow (shared lane marking) implementation and oversight</li><li>Endorse and assist other orgs and start-ups, e.g. Urban Bike Project<br /></li></ul><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJovygyXQtLAx3CCOVCalcxhKplPsILiXPfST_ZZycTOA7-IJAzZFqCPOF9qLISSYCZEEp9S4CXBQ62ZtJ1TrIKTwJOAwLTeFUVfaFGzcMAdfTnjBXKoyZWxJ738zh46AN1hwl5Pe8CFK/s545/BikedDE10b.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJovygyXQtLAx3CCOVCalcxhKplPsILiXPfST_ZZycTOA7-IJAzZFqCPOF9qLISSYCZEEp9S4CXBQ62ZtJ1TrIKTwJOAwLTeFUVfaFGzcMAdfTnjBXKoyZWxJ738zh46AN1hwl5Pe8CFK/s320/BikedDE10b.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bike Delaware is 15 years old in 2021</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Acting in this manner</b> -- ignoring 5 full years of their own history -- is a slap in the face to founding Advocates and their years of volunteering and hard work. Why is this the case? Executive Director (James Wilson) took exception with much of these past efforts, and/or those involved. This latest action of his is abhorrent, to say the least.<br /><br /><b>1st State Bikes</b> was founded largely to expose Bike Delaware's brand of "advocacy" in their post-501(c)3 era, which is hardly the vision we had hoped for. The following articles about them are noteworthy, and can also be found in the right column of this website:<br /><p></p><p></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/ogletown-road-and-folly-of-bike-delaware.html">Bikeway Networks Nobody Can Use </a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/12/bicycle-friendly-delaware-act-weakens-3.html">3' Minus Any Shoulder</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/where-is-bike-delaware-on-these-top-5.html">5 Top Priorities: MIA</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/09/frederick-casualty-signifies.html">Bike Delaware Is Incompetent</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2018/04/picking-up-pieces-after-government.html">Bike Paths for Ogletown: SOL</a></li><li><a href="http://www.1stbikes.org/2017/12/is-bike-delaware-tool-of-developer.html">On Land-Use and Open Space</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/where-is-bike-delaware-on-projects-that.html">Project No-Show, No Problem</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/07/bike-delaware-quashes-pedestrian-safety.html">Quashing Pedestrian Safety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/share-road-makes-comeback-in-delaware.html">Share The Road NOT (Not)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/what-kind-of-non-profit-is-white-clay.html">Sponsored by a Ghost Non-Profit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/is-wcbcs-sponsorship-of-bike-delaware.html">WCBC Conflict of Interest?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/in-matters-of-transparency-bike.html">Zero Organizational Transparency</a></li></ul>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-57739759079096782412021-01-12T22:27:00.003-05:002021-01-12T22:40:15.905-05:00Boycott Complete Communities Live Stream on 1/27/2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym3OcPsB0C5xfo_u11-JPmdgfyvX3N1J8vIki5ML_-E1gDuAuEaWhA4IUIUvsSOa6_XOifAk5Q0S0fQxA7Ue3vUl5o0EsohCMAfX7PT9hzgvs1XVIjYg2rzPTD2v3QA1ttgZwtyopVSIV/s897/Sprawl_Event2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="897" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym3OcPsB0C5xfo_u11-JPmdgfyvX3N1J8vIki5ML_-E1gDuAuEaWhA4IUIUvsSOa6_XOifAk5Q0S0fQxA7Ue3vUl5o0EsohCMAfX7PT9hzgvs1XVIjYg2rzPTD2v3QA1ttgZwtyopVSIV/s320/Sprawl_Event2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Once again</b>, Bike Delaware and <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/boycott-sierra-club-over-orphanage.html" target="_blank">Sierra Club</a> -- with support from the League of Women Voters among others -- are working <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/12/is-bike-delaware-tool-of-developer.html" target="_blank">in the interests</a> of Developers and the Building Industry. "Complete Communities" is great click bait, except that <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/livable-walkable-bikeable-delaware-is.html" target="_blank">these organizations</a> are not talking about pathway connections between existing suburban subdivisions. It's all about maximizing developer profits with future <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2017/11/editorial-dont-let-traffic-overwhelm.html" target="_blank"><i>infill</i> projects</a>, touting them as walkable-bikeable and/or transit-oriented and thus worthy of density waivers. This, on <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">what few</a> green spaces remain, particularly in New Castle County.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_rule" target="_blank">Home Rule</a> governance</b>,
combined with non-existent development codes or land-use regulations over many
decades time (since WW2) have all but ensured community disconnect and
isolation in most cases. Most bicycle or foot traffic is forced out onto
the nearest arterial road to make any kind of connection with
neighboring communities, commerce and basic services. Bike Delaware, in particular, ignores <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/ogletown-road-and-folly-of-bike-delaware.html" target="_blank">any</a> and <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/09/where-is-bike-delaware-on-projects-that.html" target="_blank">all</a> attempts to <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/where-is-bike-delaware-on-these-top-5.html" target="_blank">retrofit</a> the built environment to accommodate them.<br /><br />Unless the State is prepared to spend enormous sums and begin using <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_domain" target="_blank">eminent domain</a>, safe connectivity for the <a href="https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/158497" target="_blank">"interested but concerned"</a> to circumvent arterial roads and intersections as <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/mission/health/commute-mode-share" target="_blank">one less car</a> will remain
impossible. Govt would have to strategically condemn and raze private
properties in order to install non-motorized pathway connections between
developments, and designate their streets as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_boulevard" target="_blank">bike boulevards</a>. Doing
so would draw the ire of adjacent residents, and trigger a frenzy of
lawsuits. Except in a rare case or two, it isn't going to happen.<br /><br /><b>We urge our readers</b> to see through the folly of organizations that purport to be environmental and alt-transportation advocates, yet their record <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/in-matters-of-transparency-bike.html" target="_blank">(or lack thereof)</a> speaks to the contrary. Send a clear message with your boycott of this and <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/search?q=boycott" target="_blank">all events</a> sponsored by them.<p></p>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-84223334343880447402020-12-05T18:27:00.003-05:002020-12-10T14:47:01.879-05:00The Livable, Walkable, Bikeable Delaware Charade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgongwB8dWCgZovWb6xX8CjHMLf3TlihpF8bDXgLsI0boKLHR9IgZY7q5SgKzxgLHOCXlgXUOOfcTRUaBt6uuABtg0wN47Qthst2lVixGsyy6CCsh2YEXh9rRagSr6hjAZEWuMnAJoQQfSo/s1600/elkton_rd3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgongwB8dWCgZovWb6xX8CjHMLf3TlihpF8bDXgLsI0boKLHR9IgZY7q5SgKzxgLHOCXlgXUOOfcTRUaBt6uuABtg0wN47Qthst2lVixGsyy6CCsh2YEXh9rRagSr6hjAZEWuMnAJoQQfSo/s320/elkton_rd3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Is Delaware</b> protecting the natural environment? Are elected and appointed officials <a href="https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2019/06/13/eleven-tactics-suburban-retrofit" target="_blank">retrofitting the suburbs</a> for walkability/bikeability and bringing place-making to the building and re-development of retail strips and malls? Are they providing <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/08/cdc-mental-health-and-lack-of-green.html" target="_blank">nearby regional park access</a> and <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/10/east-coast-greenway-fail-in-ogletown.html" target="_blank">connections</a> for all its residents? For the <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/09/privilege-has-its-rewards.html" target="_blank">privileged class</a> living in regions such as Newark proper, Old New Castle, Pike Creek and N. Wilmington, those polled might say "yes" -- at least to some degree. For most folks who live in the vastness of Delaware's nameless faceless unincorporated suburbs, the answer is a resounding <i>no</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Unless you live</b> in one of these <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/search?q=Privilege" target="_blank">privileged regions</a>, it could be argued that the State is going in <i>reverse</i>, backwards, doing the opposite. Virtually everything we see involves the <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/09/townsend-and-son-celebrate.html" target="_blank">wholesale destruction</a> of the environment; suburban sprawl, <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">loss of our last remaining green spaces</a>, paving of wetlands and critical habit areas, and <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/walking-dead-6-solid-reasons-why.html" target="_blank">overwhelming favor</a> lavished on automobiles <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/09/without-new-castle-county-forget.html" target="_blank">as opposed</a> to walking and biking. Despite years of talk to the contrary, New Castle County in particular remains a large, dense, disconnected auto-centric nightmare pocked with housing developments built far and away from local services, commerce, and employment centers. These require cars and driving for all of these needs, in direct contempt of climate mitigation, staggering obesity rates, disconnected family and social life, and a host of other socio-economic ills.<div>
<br />
<b>Below, in no particular order</b>, is a sampling of initiatives and/or organizations found on-line, that most Delawareans do not benefit from, or even know about. Their built environment has not outwardly changed for the better, and in most cases, probably for the worse -- while any remaining <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/12/senator-townsend-and-cohorts-say-no.html" target="_blank">"naturehood"</a> dwindles or disappears altogether:<br />
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<a href="https://kavips.wordpress.com/2007/05/17/minners-version-of-livable-delaware/" target="_blank"><b>Livable Delaware</b></a><br />
Direct investment and future development to existing communities, urban concentrations, and growth areas. Protect important farmlands and critical natural resource areas. Encourage redevelopment and improve the livability of existing communities and urban areas, and guide new employment into underutilized commercial and industrial sites. Protect the state’s water supplies, open spaces, farmlands and communities. Promote mobility for people and goods through a balanced system of transportation options. Provide an opportunity to promote sustainability of our economic and ecological growth and will maintain and enhance the qualities that make Delaware a unique place to live;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://spark.adobe.com/page/hOUAHTN2AS18l/" target="_blank"><b>Blueprint for a Bicycle-Friendly Delaware</b></a><br />
Developed through a participatory planning process, the Plan provides a framework that will inform policies and investment strategies for promoting bicycling as a safe mode of transportation in Delaware. The Blueprint envisions a more integrated approach to local land use and transportation planning.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ro2WQr5PJ5AeDpK0jCWwMwo91rxd7KaxNslJL-kx1PNyFg3NGFejB88SVeNIphEY5k3bpSf_P3kZcMibrxMvtBCRWMjK8MEDTtrCFo4TEPqFteo57bMhEqUhL4HR-inarDm2Sf9Z3v03/s1600/Sierra_Meme.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="446" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ro2WQr5PJ5AeDpK0jCWwMwo91rxd7KaxNslJL-kx1PNyFg3NGFejB88SVeNIphEY5k3bpSf_P3kZcMibrxMvtBCRWMjK8MEDTtrCFo4TEPqFteo57bMhEqUhL4HR-inarDm2Sf9Z3v03/s200/Sierra_Meme.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/delaware" target="_blank">Delaware Sierra Club</a></b><br />
According to <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/delaware/your-sierra-club" target="_blank">their website</a>: "The Sierra Club dates back to 1892 and is the oldest and largest environmental advocacy organization in North America. Our mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. For more than 45 years, the Delaware Chapter has blazed trails to protect the environment and to provide opportunities to enjoy and explore the natural beauty of our state". <i>NOTE: Delaware Sierra Club, Audubon, and others <a href="http://www.ogletownresilience.org/2020/04/boycott-sierra-clubs-earth-day-live.html" target="_blank">place corporatism</a> before grassroots and <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2018/05/stop-to-delawares-environmental.html" target="_blank">did not support</a> the STOP (Save the Orphanage Property) campaign to save critical habitat, wetlands and open space ideal for a regional park in Ogletown -- the last chance of its kind.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.wilmapco.org/" target="_blank"><b>WILMAPCO</b></a> (and <a href="https://doverkentmpo.delaware.gov/" target="_blank">other DE MPOs</a>)<br />
The Wilmington Area Planning Council is the regional transportation planning agency for New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland. As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), WILMAPCO is charged with planning and coordinating transportation investments for the region based on federal policy, local input, technical analysis, and best practices. <i>NOTE: Despite assisting with the East Coast Greenway (ECG) planning and design, this org fails to oversee <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/10/east-coast-greenway-fail-in-ogletown.html" target="_blank">improvements to the facility</a>, often times a once in decades opportunity.</i><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/" target="_blank">Delaware Complete Communities</a> and <a href="https://www.bikede.org/2012/11/01/complete-communities-delaware-2012-summit-announced/" target="_blank">Summit</a></b><br />
The Delaware Complete Communities Planning Toolbox aims to help build local government capacity to develop complete-communities planning approaches, community-design tools,<br />
and public engagement strategies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJQqtaGJI1Pfz50E-oEda48qNfUZW0_hQq2kil5TGMAwmN1_T9gq6TU-icuKm0KArhUJSof8p5jEBvIF2Tl3-Fu0Fl-hTh60d4l71rzCHFfP3xZsIwj4hwN-8qaaBc3I8P78mI_LrS-3N/s1600/Wilson.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJQqtaGJI1Pfz50E-oEda48qNfUZW0_hQq2kil5TGMAwmN1_T9gq6TU-icuKm0KArhUJSof8p5jEBvIF2Tl3-Fu0Fl-hTh60d4l71rzCHFfP3xZsIwj4hwN-8qaaBc3I8P78mI_LrS-3N/s200/Wilson.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.bikede.org/" target="_blank"><b>Bike Delaware</b></a><br />
An org that claims a mission of "making cycling and walking safe, convenient and fun in Delaware", yet their record <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/search?q=Bike+Delaware" target="_blank">speaks otherwise</a>. The evidence shows that they are a <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/ogletown-road-and-folly-of-bike-delaware.html" target="_blank">fraudulent</a> "Advocacy" organization that will not support reforms, including a <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/07/bike-delaware-quashes-pedestrian-safety.html" target="_blank">bill proposal</a> to update the traffic code in the interest of pedestrian (and thus bicycle pathway) safety. They have <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2018/04/picking-up-pieces-after-government.html" target="_blank">never once advocated</a> for open space and/or to ensure all Delawareans have regional park and thus biking/walking/jogging pathway access. "Bike Delaware" lobbies for reforms with priority on new housing developments only, e.g. <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/12/is-bike-delaware-tool-of-developer.html" target="_blank">helping builders</a> achieve density waivers with the promise of <a href="http://www.tod.org/" target="_blank">TOD design concepts</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/planning/complete-streets/trails-pathways/" target="_blank"><b>Delaware Trails & Pathways Initiative</b></a><br />
The goal is to create an interconnected network of shared-use trails and pathways that will support non-motorized travel and recreation opportunities for Delawareans and visitors. The focus is on bicycling and walking and providing safe and convenient ways to reach local work, shops, schools, recreational sites and transit.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/planning/complete-streets/visualizing/" target="_blank">Complete Streets in Delaware</a></b><br />
Complete streets are planned, designed, built, and maintained to safely accommodate travelers of all ages and abilities. While the majority (89%) of Delaware’s roadways are owned and maintained by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), local government officials and “citizen planners” may wish to visualize how to balance the needs of all roadway users and transform existing roadways to complete streets. <i>NOTE: Unfortunately, the vast majority of "Complete Streets" improvements have come in the form of <a href="https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2013/3/4/the-stroad.html" target="_blank">"Stroads"</a> or fitting bike lanes and/or sidewalks along arterial roads ad highways. Adjacent to 50-70 mph traffic, these appear all but abandoned given the inherent danger of distracted and aggressive driving. These are also <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/10/east-coast-greenway-fail-in-ogletown.html" target="_blank">ignored</a> during roadway improvement projects and upgrades.</i><br />
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<a href="https://delawaregreenways.org/" target="_blank"><b>Delaware Greenways</b></a><br />
According to <a href="https://delawaregreenways.org/about/" target="_blank">their website</a>: "We envision a State where trails, pathways and scenic corridors connect everyone to where they want to go, empowering them to live healthier lives as they discover and enjoy the outdoors. Delaware Greenways advocates for the development of trails and byways. These pathways link and build communities while winding through some of the most beautiful scenery in Delaware. Through our work on trails and pathways, we inspire people to engage in an active lifestyle". <i>NOTE: Delaware Greenways lack of advocacy and oversight beyond privileged regions <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/10/east-coast-greenway-fail-in-ogletown.html" target="_blank">is lacking</a>, at best.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-nQYZqI2At-Qz8W1Cog7AHp0V2WH8bYtd0QM75vL1UYkfKCmehyphenhyphenBD0aQfVztiQmXu2PKCgtFg9fdoH78bmF12ZSufRhrvpepV1aLgk2TbMV5JYQ0Zjgdv29Puk6fmyQIpTSbqEul5nHf/s1600/SRTS_De.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-nQYZqI2At-Qz8W1Cog7AHp0V2WH8bYtd0QM75vL1UYkfKCmehyphenhyphenBD0aQfVztiQmXu2PKCgtFg9fdoH78bmF12ZSufRhrvpepV1aLgk2TbMV5JYQ0Zjgdv29Puk6fmyQIpTSbqEul5nHf/s1600/SRTS_De.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://deldot.gov/Programs/srts/" target="_blank"><b>Delaware Safe Routes to School Program</b></a><br />
Safe Routes to School programs makes it safe, convenient and fun for children to walk or bicycle to school. Elementary and middle schools can receive funding through Delaware Safe Routes To School Program.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wilmapco.org/walkable/" target="_blank"><b>Walkable Community Workshops</b></a><br />
Walkable neighborhoods and communities are vibrant and livable places that give their residents safe and active transportation choices. Increased walkability helps to improve safety, physical fitness and social interaction, and enhances overall quality of life.<br />
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<a href="http://www1.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2008/mar/keynote032608.html" target="_blank"><b>Creating a Livable Delaware Conference</b></a><br />
“Creating a Livable Delaware: Pathways for Enhancing Prosperity and Quality of Life". Aims to direct growth to areas that are best prepared, preserve farmland and open space, promote redevelopment, facilitate affordable housing and limit sprawl.<br />
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<a href="https://www.bikede.org/2018/04/13/aarp-2018-summit/" target="_blank"><b>Walkable Bikeable Delaware Summit</b></a><br />The Summit will feature America’s leading engineering experts on cycling who will be in Delaware for only one day! From these pro-cycling, problem-solving engineers we will learn about practical and cost-effective solutions that can make cycling safe, convenient, comfortable and fun for people of all ages and abilities in our communities.<br />
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<b>Sadly, combined with the <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/06/why-bicycle-mode-share-is-and-will.html" target="_blank">cheapest gas in history</a>, </b>none of the above have reduced auto-dependency, emissions, obesity, disconnected social and family life, and a host of other socio-economic problems in Delaware. And, without <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/04/where-is-bike-delaware-on-these-top-5.html" target="_blank">a holistic approach</a> from Advocates along with bold govt leadership, that will never change. The vast majority of the State's built environment consists of unincorporated and <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/03/john-allen-suburban-sprawl-as-it.html" target="_blank">disconnected suburbs</a> full of <a href="https://youtu.be/Gz7oJjWg8_Y" target="_blank">junk architecture</a>, where some opportunities for improvement <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/ogletown-road-and-folly-of-bike-delaware.html" target="_blank">do exist</a> but are few and far between. When they do come up, advocates and officials need to ACT. But <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/10/east-coast-greenway-fail-in-ogletown.html" target="_blank">they don't</a>.<br /><br /><b>Delaware is the </b><a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/15-states-ranked-the-most-corrupt-in-america-for-2017.html/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">4th most corrupt state</a><b> in the nation</b>, behind only Wyoming, Michigan, and S. Dakota.<b> </b>It <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/10/walking-dead-6-solid-reasons-why.html" target="_blank">consistently ranks</a> as one of the <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2019-01-23/these-are-the-most-dangerous-states-for-pedestrians" target="_blank">top 5</a> most dangerous States to be a pedestrian, and active modes like bicycling and walking are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140519305110" target="_blank">flat or in decline</a>.<b> </b>Only in Delaware is the State's so-called bike-ped "advocacy" org <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/12/is-bike-delaware-tool-of-developer.html" target="_blank">beholden</a> to those responsible, and thus <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/07/bike-delaware-quashes-pedestrian-safety.html" target="_blank">hastening</a> and not helping the problem. <b>"</b>We" are a State where elected government is <a href="https://www.ogletownresilience.org/2017/08/the-myth-of-added-tax-base-with-new.html" target="_blank">100% committed</a> to developer and business interests to the exclusion of all else, and whose only function is to <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/2019/08/whos-your-daddy-following-money-trail.html" target="_blank">funnel profits</a> upward to the corporate elite and those who do their bidding. Unfortunately, none of this is going to change until resource scarcity and/or climate apocalypse takes root, and forces their hand.</div>Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219959168605917684.post-2127803857133354562020-10-18T21:24:00.006-04:002020-10-19T13:49:19.165-04:00East Coast Greenway Fail in Ogletown<p><b>According to the East Coast Greenway (ECG) website <a href="http://greenway.org">greenway.org</a>:</b><br /><br /><i>The East Coast Greenway is a walking and biking route stretching 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida, connecting our nation’s most populated corridor. The East Coast Greenway is designed to transform the 15 states and 450 communities it connects through active and healthy lifestyles, sustainable transportation, community engagement, climate resilience, tourism, and more. The Greenway offers a safe place for bicyclists, walkers, runners, and more — of all ages and abilities — to commute, exercise, and visit new destinations.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0orsLaRW2jjyzsJhujsNbBIi7-IbJSlTupMGQXhRHHLifB1mnpNkeMbrbxRyPFV4EW7nprgwaoehGKXriWYwIutHXV_Kk-7e3qJO-Uo4FYH0XmcMSieWTzafm5R1THPu8E90fOviMrSI/s1140/ECG_DE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1140" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0orsLaRW2jjyzsJhujsNbBIi7-IbJSlTupMGQXhRHHLifB1mnpNkeMbrbxRyPFV4EW7nprgwaoehGKXriWYwIutHXV_Kk-7e3qJO-Uo4FYH0XmcMSieWTzafm5R1THPu8E90fOviMrSI/w200-h200/ECG_DE.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>For <a href="https://www.greenway.org/states/delaware" target="_blank">Delaware's portion</a> of the ECG:</b> <i>Enjoy the charming historic city of New Castle before continuing on the New Castle Riverfront Greenway along the Delaware River and heading westward to Newark, starting out on the Penn Farm Trail. The route incorporates a mix of side paths and roads to Newark, a small college town near the Maryland border where travelers will find themselves on the James F. Hall Trail before hitting the road again to the Maryland border.</i><br /><br />There are numerous infrastructure and safety issues with the East Coast Greenway (ECG) in Delaware. Among them a section of shared use path (SUP) along Route 4 in Ogletown, where it crosses Augusta Drive to a 1 block section of shared Route 4 frontage street. This crossing is impeded by a raised N-S center median and there is no marked crossing through it. Crossing here is taking your life in your hands, with high speed traffic blindly turning onto Augusta exactly where ECG users attempt to cross.<br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3D2m-TYxmqrlcq4yn5XvSOWEY3DcWEREOpySxANNSTTyRw5gfssUCNBcFP-kx7k9EXzUFa3yYsZhEMohFLcrnqFWXljs_NSxUeCPOouBvlydeSwUfldmvCWtY8n-tiK4TieipbktE8Xb/s1024/IMG_6952.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3D2m-TYxmqrlcq4yn5XvSOWEY3DcWEREOpySxANNSTTyRw5gfssUCNBcFP-kx7k9EXzUFa3yYsZhEMohFLcrnqFWXljs_NSxUeCPOouBvlydeSwUfldmvCWtY8n-tiK4TieipbktE8Xb/s320/IMG_6952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Very recently</b>, this intersection was marked out for a traffic signal upgrade (photo left). In contacting DelDOT, it turns out that other features are being replaced as well, including pedestrian refuge islands and corner curb ramps. An existing pedestrian crosswalk across Route 4 to the "Shops at Augusta" (a small strip mall) will also be refreshed, but DelDOT will not be adding a crossing of Augusta to maintain ECG continuity.<br /><br />Why isn't the ECG part of this upgrade? Even leveling the median for an unmarked at-grade crossing would be of help, as bicyclists are likely to circumvent around nearer to the lanes of Route 4. We wrote to DelDOT to inquire, and learned that none of this would be considered. In their words,<i> "this signal rebuild has a limited scope and would not be able to address the geometric issues regarding the installation of a new crossing on SB Augusta Drive. However, as you requested we can add the <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2017/10/deldot-moving-ahead-with-progressive.html" target="_blank">R10-15</a> (turning vehicles yield to pedestrians sign) on the right side of SB Augusta Drive. It will be added at the end of the construction. In addition, we will forward your request for this intersection to DelDOT Project Development or the PAR program for further investigation or consideration in future projects"</i> and <i>"it would have doubled the scope of the project in both time and cost"</i>.<br /><br />Adding a R10-15 on southbound Augusta is hardly solace for what should have been. This was a big pathways opportunity missed that could and should have earned the scope of this signal project. Minus any fix -- even a simple median leveling as suggested -- Augusta will now remain an impediment, as an unmarked and unsafe crossing in the ECG for years to come. It will still require stepping over or biking around a median in an uncontrolled manner <a href="https://youtu.be/MJUEu8l0nFo" target="_blank">(YouTube video)</a>. Meanwhile, there are plenty of examples of crosswalks added in similar rehab projects around Delaware one could point to. And, It has been understood for a decade now that <a href="https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/planning/complete-streets/" target="_blank">Complete Streets</a> improvements should be considered via reconstruction & rehab projects if at all possible -- even if additional funds might be needed. The ECG right of way should be of no exception.<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVwFTnAcx0tAzn35eXJW81Kt_9hTUJUp8SzGXb8gOvM-xBYsKvJv9-a4BLId_GKhHX1GT55RDlVNKN_k9XoZfu-qZE0KpBPJoQe3uRpDJbSR6fmOdEPxmWjdoY66T2TaGcIrtrsqknD_M/s507/Townsend6.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="413" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVwFTnAcx0tAzn35eXJW81Kt_9hTUJUp8SzGXb8gOvM-xBYsKvJv9-a4BLId_GKhHX1GT55RDlVNKN_k9XoZfu-qZE0KpBPJoQe3uRpDJbSR6fmOdEPxmWjdoY66T2TaGcIrtrsqknD_M/w163-h200/Townsend6.JPG" width="163" /></a></div><br />Par for the course.</b> Just like the <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2019/01/lisa-diller-matthew-meyer-edward.html" target="_blank">loss of the Orphanage Property</a> as a park and pathways system (the region's last chance), <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/search?q=Privilege+Has+Its+Rewards" target="_blank">privilege does indeed matter</a>. Ogletown-S. Newark is 'undeserving' of these amenities based largely on socio-economic status. Other regions of higher rank and privilege fair much better in Delaware when it comes to multi-modal and community investment. <i>Think:</i> would it be the same outcome if this <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2013/10/analysis-northern-delaware-greenway.html" target="_blank">involved the Delaware Greenway</a> in North Wilmington?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>For the record:</b> As we have seen over and over again, it was just another failure on the part of oversight orgs such as <a href="https://www.bikede.org/" target="_blank">Bike Delaware</a>, <a href="http://www.wilmapco.org/" target="_blank">Wilmapco</a>, <a href="https://www.delawaregreenways.org/" target="_blank">DE Greenways</a>, and <a href="https://www.bryan-townsend.com/" target="_blank">area Legislators</a> that a critical greenways/pathways improvement opportunity came and went with nary a peep. If they weren't made aware, perhaps DelDOT lacks the mechanism to reach out when a rehab or reconstruction project impacts a SUP pathway system like the ECG? Each of these org's missions emphasizes the need for multi-modal connectivity and networks that facilitate safe bicycling and walking. Bike Delaware in particular has a <a href="https://www.1stbikes.org/2020/09/frederick-casualty-signifies.html" target="_blank">dismal track record</a> in this regard.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" aria-hidden="false" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1602871290805!6m8!1m7!1sAz4vt8WZGSo8ZcXI_jDZTA!2m2!1d39.67491771054996!2d-75.703539576806!3f272.57085325159875!4f-12.418365930390934!5f1.07998271822996" style="border: 0;" tabindex="0" width="500"></iframe></div><br /><b>Above:</b> Google Streetview. East Coast Greenway 8' wide SUP is seen coming down from the above left straddling the Route 4 shoulder/bike lane to the side street intersection of Augusta Drive. A narrow sidewalk continues north on Augusta but there lacks any safe crossing of Augusta to continue east bound on the ECG (or vice versa).Frank Warnockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11325908927984960623noreply@blogger.com0