Public Workshop: U.S. 40 /SR 72 Intersection Improvements

From DelDOT's Website:

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is holding a Public Workshop to obtain comments from surrounding businesses and the general public for the capital project on SR 72. The project limits run along SR 72 approximately 600 feet south of Del Laws Road to the Belltown Run crossing of SR 72. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, September, 10, 2013 at Keene Elementary School, 200 LaGrange Avenue, Newark. The public is invited to attend any time between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

The project involves reconstructing the intersection of U.S. 40 and SR 72 to provide an additional through lane on each approach to U.S. 40. In addition to improving pedestrian and bicycle access, the project also includes providing double left-turn lanes along both U.S. 40 approaches to SR 72. The project includes installing a new traffic signal and realigning the intersection at Del Laws Road, and revising the intersection geometry at Broadleaf Drive to allow eastbound left-turns with an acceleration lane to access northbound SR 72. These modifications are proposed to address congestion issues through the intersection as well as to address safety concerns.

The proposed improvements have been refined since the original public workshop on July 19, 2005, when a preferred alternative was selected based on public feedback through the public involvement process.

The same intersection, from the middle of U.S. 40 looking south on SR 72, during reconstruction 5 years ago. This project left bicyclists in a much worse situation, as newly added pedestrian refuge islands left little to no shoulder space through the intersection. Fortunately, a policy has since been adopted to ensure this doesn't happen again.

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

Poster's note:  It appears as though AASHTO compliant bike lanes are to be included in the project. Still, bicyclists are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting, as with all meetings and workshops that have (or should have) a bicycling component. This particular intersection does see a lot of bicycle (and pedestrian) traffic, and it is critical that we not only reverse the damage done 5 years ago, but actually turn it around into something safer.

Safe Routes To School workshops planned for Spring 2015

In early 2015, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will hold two "hands-on" Safe Routes to School (SRTS) workshops for all interested school administrators, physical education teachers, health/wellness practitioners and bicycle/pedestrian advocates. The purpose of the workshops is to provide participants the tools and resources needed to facilitate their own local Safe Routes to School programs, identify local projects for DelDOT Safe Routes to School planning and infrastructure grants, and conduct a school-based bike rodeo appropriate for grades 3-6.

The first workshop will be held in New Castle County, with a follow-up workshop in either Kent or Sussex County. The format for each workshop will include a morning session on infrastructure planning, followed by an afternoon session on bike rodeo planning. Time would be allocated during each workshop for sidebar discussions and FAQs from trainees.

Please provide your availability and workshop location preference for dates in March, April and May 2015. Based on responses, DelDOT will schedule the workshops and send out an official agenda.

Please contact Sarah Coakley, AICP, SRTS Coordinator at 302-760-2236, fax: 302-739-2251
Email: sarah.coakley@state.de.us

Connor Cunneely is the only child that rides his bike to Wilmington Manner ES. Much of the area surrounding the school is walkable-bikeable, so is this truly an issue of safety, or more one of laziness and/or lack of awareness? Interview with Connor HERE.

CRITICAL Workshop: I-95 and SR 896 Interchange Project

Public Workshop

I-95 and SR 896 Interchange Project
 
Glasgow HS Cafeteria, 1901 S. College Avenue, Newark

Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (directions)

From DelDOT's Website:

The public is invited to attend the I-95 and SR 896 Interchange workshop. The interchange currently experiences peak hour congestion and has safety concerns throughout the day. Alternatives have been analyzed that will improve safety and traffic operations.

We welcome your input and comments on the project and encourage you to identify and discuss project related issues. Interested persons are invited to express their views in writing, giving reasons for support of, or opposition to, the proposed changes.

Comments will be received at the workshop or can be mailed to DelDOT Community Relations P.O. Box 778, Dover, DE 19903, sent via email to dotpr@state.de.us or by fax (302) 739-2092. Visit the project notification page for more info.

Since the beginning, Advocates have been asking DelDOT to add multi-modal safety at the I-95 crossings in New Castle County. A direct link from Newark to Four Seasons, Glasgow HS, Glasgow Park, the Rt.40 corridor, and points south on SR 896/S. College Ave has never been considered with road construction along the corridor. Soon, another opportunity will present itself with the above project.

History has taught us that Bike Delaware will be a no-show or even oppose the effort, so if we truly want connectivity from town to town and place to place, bicyclists must stand up and ask for it. Please take a moment out of your schedule to attend this workshop, and submit comments in favor. Or at least submit comments via email: dotpr@state.de.us

In the above snip taken from Google Earth, the yellow lines represent a combination of paved multi-user pathways and 25 mph frontage roads with wide shoulders -- all reasonably safe for bicycling. Red is where additional pathways should and could easily be added on already govt owned lands. The SR 896 intersection is circled in red. It would require some additional engineering to include a safe multi-modal provision to connect Newark.

Despite the horror of an interstate cloverleaf intersection, some bicyclists are still seen going for it.

A tangled mess ensues as you're greeted by cars coming off of I95 westbound to SR 896 southbound. A W11 Bicycle Warning Sign is seen as the merge unfolds, but is largely ineffective -- if it's even seen.

Public Workshop: Old Baltimore Pike Multi-intersection Reconstruction

Public Workshop

SR 72 AND OLD BALTIMORE PIKE & OLD BALTIMORE PIKE AND SALEM CHURCH RD

The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is holding a Public Workshop to obtain comments from surrounding businesses and the general public for two projects along Old Baltimore Pike. The workshop will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013, at Glasgow High School, 1901 South College Avenue in Newark. The public is invited to attend any time between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The project limits for the intersection improvement project at Old Baltimore Pike and Salem Church Road run approximately 700 feet north and south of Old Baltimore Pike on both legs of Salem Church Road, as well as along Old Baltimore Pike east and west between both intersections with Salem Church Road. The project involves intersection improvements including the expansion of single left-turn lanes to double left-turn lanes from Old Baltimore Pike onto both legs of Salem Church Road. Visit the project webpage for full details.

Poster's note: DOTs commonly refer to these projects as "improvements", but unless we speak up, it can be quite the opposite for bicyclists. Generally, the focus is on adding car lanes and increasing capacity for motorized traffic. Usually, bicycle and pedestrian improvements are mentioned in DelDOT workshops.

Currently, Old Baltimore Pike has wide shoulders that are marked with deteriorating bike lane symbols. At the intersections, there are no taper lines at the onset of the right turn-only lanes. The shoulder/bike lane enters into a share at this point for most of its length, as seen below:

Given there is no mention of bicycle facility improvements, it's important we attend and make our case heard. For one, adding additional left turn lanes could result in the elimination of the bike lane/shoulder in both directions at Salem Church Road.

Diverging Diamond Interchange coming to SR 72 bridge over Route 1

On Wednesday, February 25, 1st State BIKES advocates attended DelDOT's public workshop for a "Diverging Diamond Interchange" on SR 72 (Wrangle Hill Road) where it crosses over Route 1. According to DelDOT, the goal of the workshop was to present improvements that address immediate automobile congestion and safety concerns.

The SR72/Route 1 interchange as it appears today, via satellite

There is no question that this innovative interchange design will provide improved traffic flow, congestion relief, and safety - for motorists. A most notable innovation is the channeling of all non-motorized traffic to a shared use pathway in the center median. How this channeling is achieved was the main focus of our comments. The design shown above and in the video below uses shared use pathways throughout the entire interchange, and that is what they were showcasing at the workshop. That, however, is unacceptable for most intermediate and advanced folks on bikes. Similar pathways that exist now in Delaware relegate bicyclists to pedestrians at intersections, side streets and driveways, with narrowing and acute zigzagging through channelizing islands. It is critical that those lobbying for active transportation at the State level, and those working for us as DOT planners and engineers realize that bicycles are vehicles. They require equal level of service when it comes to ease and continuity in the public right of way. Progress is being made, but getting Complete Streets implemented to its fullest and safest can still be an uphill battle.

It was not clear how many other bicyclists showed up at the workshop. When we arrived at 6:30 pm, it appeared that attendance was light. No other bicyclists were there with us at that time. Hopefully our presence and comments were enough to sway the project engineers to consider a design that also involves the use of bike lanes that lead up to the median pathway facility before feeding into it (and then away from it again). The engineers were very receptive and showed a true willingness to include our suggestions, and for that we are grateful.

If you would like to comment on this project, email DelDOT Public Relations. You can also CC the project engineer at: nbergeron@rkk.com.

Dover Bike and Pedestrian Plan Workshop set for January 20

The Dover/Kent County MPO and the City of Dover will hold a public workshop from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20 for people to view and discuss the final drafts of Dover’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan updates. The workshop will take place at the John W. Pitts Center at Schutte Park in Dover off of Hazlettville Road.

For more information, call the Dover Parks and Recreation office at (302) 736-7050. Stop by and visit the event webpage HERE.

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SR896/I95 Intersection Project Page

The public workshop for the Route 896 (S. College Ave) and I95 intersection project was very successful, according to DelDOT. Hopefully, the bicycling community was present, and voiced our needs. According to the project page:

We are still in the preliminary stages of our project development process. A public workshop was held on December 5, 2017. Thank you to all who were able to attend! We will solicit comments for a 30 day time period. A preferred alternative will be chosen in Spring 2018 and we will begin design.

We had a very successful public workshop on December 5, 2017 with over 120 people in attendance! For those who were unable to attend, below are copies of the boards that were shown. We have 3 different alternatives that will address the purpose and need of the project. We will be collecting comments for an additional 30 days. Please utilize the official comment form on our website.

Facilitating bicyclists and pedestrians is nowhere mentioned in the scope, so it will be up to citizens and advocates to encourage DelDOT in this direction, citing the State's multi-modal Complete Streets policy. According to the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration:

The intent of Delaware’s policy is for “the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) [to] enhance its multi-modal initiative by creating a Complete Streets policy that will promote safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and [transit] riders of all ages to be able to safely move along and across the streets of Delaware.”

There should be no justification whatsoever for nixing multi-modal accommodations from these plans. SR896 is open to bicyclists, and there is a long history of conversation that a safe passage over I95 here is sorely needed. It is the direct route south out of Newark, and would ultimately connect with new and existing pathways parallel to SR896 en-route to Glasgow and points south.

What can you do to help us advocate, and get this included in the project? It is very early in the planning, and these simple steps may just make the difference:

• Visit the project page, and use the comment form
• Email your comments to the project engineer breanna.kovach@state.de.us and CC dotpr@state.de.us to ensure it's recorded.
• Cross-post this as an action alert to other pages, and share to other orgs on social media sites, i.e. Bike Newark, Newark Bike Project, etc.
• Email Bike Delaware and ask that they approach DelDOT, advocating for a safe, multi-modal connection here, over I95: james@bikede.org
• Talk this project up on Bike Delaware's web and social media pages (1st State Bikes is blocked) and if they don't support it, ask them why

Below are reduced-size JPG images of the 3 options. As discussed, none contain bike/ped facilities of any type. Should they be included, a multi-user pathway (MUP) could be extended between I95 and Old Baltimore Pike on the south side, on plentiful county-owned lands (Iron Hill Park). From there, existing pathways continue on the southbound side, past Glasgow HS, 4-Seasons, and Glasgow Business Community. These could be readily connected to the Rt.40 corridor via Old SR896 and its future pathways currently being built piecemeal.

We will contact DelDOT to inquire on a periodic basis, and provide updates as they come available.

SR 273 & Red Mill Road Intersection Workshop

Complete Streets coming to the SR 273 and Red Mill Road Connector? Citizen participation at the project workshop is strongly encouraged.

Where: Christiana High School Cafeteria, 190 Salem Church Road (corner of Chapman Rd) in Ogletown.

When: Tuesday October 24, 2017, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is holding a Public Workshop to obtain comments from surrounding residents and the general public for intersection improvements at the intersection of SR 273 and Red Mill Road. Please click on the link above for full details.

Pedestrians, bicyclists, the handicapped, and motorists are strongly encouraged to attend. The current intersection design has multiple safety issues, including the lack of pathway facilities up to SR 273. A crosswalk and bike lane were narrowly retrofitted a few years ago, thanks to Senator Karen Peterson. This project page says it includes the addition of sidewalks that should safely connect Harmony Woods and Liberty Square Apts to said crosswalk. An email from the project engineer did confirm that bike lanes are also included, and thus the Complete Streets Policy being adhered to.

The intersection is a key connection in the on-road Wlmington to Newark bike route, as well as for bicycle commuters piecing together neighborhoods and side streets to avoid arterial roads. Please show up and let DelDOT know what you would like to see included in this project. If you cannot attend, please submit comments to dotpr@state.de.us using the title of this post as the subject line. Safety and fluidity for all is at the forefront!

The above video showcases riding through the intersection from Old Ogletown Road. We hope that DelDOT engineers take note at :42, and that foot and pedal traffic is frequently seen out there.

Eloy Sandoval-Mateoz waits to cross SR 273 from Red Mill Road before the addition of bike lanes and a crosswalk. He was killed in July 2014 by a reckless driver at the next intersection to the west, Ruthar Drive.

Greenville Village Study fails to address on-road bicycle safety

Above: Bicyclists riding through Greenville on Kennett Pike - the only efficient means in which to to do so.
(picture courtesy of the Greenville Village Plan)

From Delaware Greenways -- Partnering with the New Castle County Department of Land Use and the Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware Greenways conducted the first of several public meetings for the Greenville Village Study and Special Area Plan on May 8, 2014 at A. I. DuPont High School. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the public to the study and solicit input on four questions which the study and the resultant special area plan will address.

Assisting at the meeting were volunteers from the Board of Directors of both Delaware Greenways and the Kennett Pike Association and the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway Partnership. [Full article ...]

Poster's note: The next workshop for this project will likely be scheduled early next year. You can view the latest workshop notifications on DelDOT's website. Transportation and recreation bicyclists who depend on roads like Kennett Pike need to attend. As more pathways are built in view of motorists, their tolerance of bicycles using the roads will decline. The only mention of bicycles so far was the following: "A village square or central park was suggested as a missing element as were better bicycle and pedestrian connections so residents can walk and bike to the commercial and other areas, open spaces and schools and perhaps a trail along the railroad". Straight away, it appears that the emphasis is on off-road pathways, which will serve limited needs for most transportation and recreational bicyclists traveling the Route 52 corridor.

The State of Maryland is already using
this sign. DelDOT is considering
something similar.

It should be noted that road bicycling advocates have thrown their full support behind the First State Trails and Pathways Plan (FSTPP) since its inception, because we know that off road facilities are a vital part of any balanced bicycle-friendly community or network. Unfortunately, advocates for bike paths and trails are weak on reciprocation.

Advocates have maintained for years that Kennett Pike through Greenville is a hostile environment for bicyclists, given 4 lanes of curb to curb traffic and no shoulder. Despite aggressive drivers and a lack of bicycle facilities, it is still commonplace to see folks riding this stretch of road in the right lane, usually traveling to and from Centerville and points north and west. Advocates have asked repeatedly for the right lane in each direction to be designated as a shared bike lane/car lane, or at the least, have "Bicycles May Use Full Lane" signs installed. A recent improvement did include the addition of bicycle warning signs, but this is much less effective compared to a bicycle lane or even Sharrows. Bike Delaware has opposed the latter idea because of the 35 mph speed limit, even though MUTCD guidance makes this exception.

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DelDOT will revise Route 72 project in the interest of bicycle safety

Based on the recommendations of advocates, DelDOT will increase bicycle safety with the upcoming Route 72 widening project. Represented in the effort was the White Clay Bicycle Club, the Delaware Bicycle Council, and 1st State BIKES.

In an email today, Joe Hofstee, Project Engineer, had this to say:

I wanted to let you know that the Department is recommending modifying the design of SR72 to provide an eight foot shoulder, two feet of which will be comprised of the gutter pan. In addition we are recommending the incorporation of the two foot wide painted buffer between the travel lane and bike lane. Before these changes are incorporated into the project we will be soliciting the public for feedback. We will be sending out a letter to the residents in the area and those who have attended public workshops for the project next week. The public will have until March 31, 2015 to provide feedback. In April the Department will make an official announcement on the proposed changes to the project.

It is also important that bicyclists attend an upcoming DelDOT Workshop that involves the Route 1 interchange at Route 72. Advocates want to see the new bike lanes (included with the above project) continued across Route 13 and Route 1 to connect up with Route 9 into Delaware City. This important piece, however, is only in the proposal phase. Details of that workshop as follows:

Subject: SR 1 Interim Improvements Location: Leasure Elementary School, Gymnasium
Date: February 25, 2015.  Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  Project page HERE.

Check out our original post on this project HERE, which includes the recommendations made.

Newark's Main Street Rehabilitation Workshop set for 8/15 at 7pm

Project Overview:
The scope of work for this project includes the replacement of the existing bituminous concrete pavement, pcc curb, sidewalk, drainage improvements, signal upgrades, curb extensions, pavement markings and signage. Visit the workshop page HERE for location and further details.

What a disappointment that advocates aren't pushing for this. We discussed the possibility with DelDOT's Mark Luszcz, Chief P.E. in Dec. 2016, and found that it basically requires the City getting on board with it, at least with a proposal.

An attractive and livable downtown for Newark will stay an impossible dream until traffic is sharply reduced (one lane, with serious bike lanes and sidewalks) or eliminated from Main Street. The congestion, noise, fumes, etc is oppressive, to say the least. This project won't change that. The City needs to reconfigure its traffic pattern to allow Main Street -- or at least a good stretch of it (i.e. Tyre to Academy) -- to close to motor traffic. It could become one of a growing number of Pedestrian Malls in the U.S.

Since everyone knows that this level of change -- one that would actually reduce motor vehicles on Main Street -- is too progressive for Newark, everything else must be considered. Treatments like a green sharrow lane will at least help bicycle (and indirectly, pedestrian) safety, and wonderfully compliment other traffic calming measures.

Most of the cars in downtown Newark are University of Delaware students that live nearby (within easy walking/biking distance) and out of town cruisers checking out the "scenery". What a waste. So many other cities are transforming their Main Streets now (Charlottesville VA, Cumberland MD to name a few) in favor of non-motorized traffic. Sad that Newark can't take lessons from them.

Important: DelDOT Bicycle-Friendly Public Workshops

Don't forget to mark your calendar, and attend a DelDOT public workshop for bicycle-friendliness and safety in the First State!

• 4–7 pm, Feb. 22, Sussex County Council Chambers (2 The Circle, Georgetown)
• 4–7 pm, Feb. 27, Middletown HS Commons (120 Silver Lake Rd, Middletown)
• 4:30–7:30 pm, Feb. 28, Dover Public Library (35 East Loockerman St, Dover)
• 4–7 pm, March 1, Wilmington Public Library (10 East 10th St, Wilmington)

Balanced advocacy includes supporting on and off the road bicycle-specific infrastructure, as long as they are designed to best practices. Though we are seeing better quality as time goes by, it would be a serious mistake for advocates to assume equal level of service with vehicle drivers. Many are still being designed to relegate bicyclists to little more than wheeled pedestrians. Equal road rights and access cannot be ignored, because bicyclists will always depend on them for virtually every trip we make.

In any comments you make at these workshops, it is important to stress this fact. For example, a nearby bike path should never trump safety considerations on the roads they parallel. Failure here will lead to increased bullying from motorists, who see it as confirmation of "their" road given the nearby facility. In a worst case - as seen in some States now - the road itself may even go off limits to bicycling with mandatory use laws. Visit the workshop page HERE, and stand up for bicyclists as legitimate road users, facilities or no facilities. See you there!

Public Workshop: City of Wilmington Bike Facility Improvements

By Tamika Graham -- The City of Wilmington and its Bicycle Advisory Committee is aiming to capitalize on its past success of promoting bicycling with budget-friendly safety improvements. On November 2010, Wilmington successfully installed sharrow lane markings along Market Street in the downtown area - the first installation in the state of Delaware. Sharrow lane markings help convey to motorists and bicyclists that they must share the roads, and indicate a preferred path of travel and positioning for bicyclists relative to parked motor vehicles. This marking was formally introduced through the 2009 version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which provides standards for traffic control devices, and has become very popular among states and cities aiming to encourage the safe coexistence of bicyclists and motorists. Wilmington bicyclists have noted the visible improvements in the downtown area and are often seen positioning themselves along the markings.

An application was submitted through the former Transportation Enhancements program (presently known as Transportation Alternative Program) for a variety of improvements citywide.  Using 80% of federal funds through this source will help the City leverage its limited resources.  Members of the public are invited to comment on a proposed north-south, east-west bicycle route that will consist of sharrow lane markings and bicycle directional signage through several neighborhoods across the City. This proposed project will implement recommendations from the adopted Wilmington Bicycle Plan to promote bicycle usage and safety. An open house public workshop will be held on Thursday, August 22nd, anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the main lobby of the Louis Redding City/County Building, 800 N French Street, Wilmington, 19801. Staff from the City of Wilmington, DelDOT consultants, and WILMAPCO will be present to answer questions. For more information, visit us on line HERE.

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"Befriend a Bicycle" Tips for Commuting and Riding

By Angela Connolly -- On Thursday April 10, I conducted a "Befriend a Bicycle - Tips for Commuting and Riding" Workshop at the Newark Bike Project. This event was part of the "Lite Lunch" Wellness Activities, a series of Workshops held by the University of Delaware's Department of Employee Wellness.

Held during the lunch hour, the workshops raise awareness for healthy activities by allowing participants to experience ways to re-charge their batteries during their workweek. With each activity employees attend, they earn incentives to be eligible for a prize drawing.

On the table was information from the Newark Bike Project, Delaware Bikes, RideShare Delaware, White Clay Bicycle Club, Delaware Trail Spinners, the Delaware Bicycle Council, and the Newark Bicycle Committee.

This was a great opportunity to talk about what we do at the Newark Bike Project, and to raise awareness of the many ways we serve the Community through our Shop and our bike related activities.

16 ladies and gentlemen were in attendance, and we covered topics such as, choosing the right bike for your commute, choosing appropriate bags and clothing, selecting a route, and of course, safety and practical tips to stay safe and visible on the bike. Participants took away goodies such as buttons, safety pamphlets, and maps. 

An array of goodies from Delaware Bikes was on hand. Participants were particularly excited about our high-visibility safety ankle snap bands. Delaware Bikes is an Advisory Committee and Blog that promotes a balanced approach to bicycle advocacy.

Angela, talking about what she loves - bicycling!

 

The event was enjoyed by all, including these lovely ladies. I would like to thank Linda Smith (far right) for the opportunity to present this Workshop today. We look forward to finding new and creative ways to continue to work with the University to keep their Hens healthy!

DelDOT Workshop: Greenville Village Special Area Plan

Public Workshop: Greenville Village Special Area Plan

Alexis I. DuPont High School, 50 Hillside Road, Greenville

Thursday, May 8, 2014, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

6:15 p.m. Doors open & refreshments available meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Join us for this first in a series of workshops to define the future character and direction for Greenville. Bring your knowledge, ideas, and vision for an evening of collaboration with fellow community members to create a plan for Greenvilles future.

Poster's note:  If you can attend this event, please ensure that bicycling is thoughtfully considered in the plans. As it stands now, Route 52 - Greenville's "Main Street" - is a 4 lane curb to curb arterial road and bicyclists must ride in the right lane. The only progress in recent years has been the installation of bicycle warning signs at the intersection of Route 141- chosen over the much preferred and safer "Bicycles May Use Full Lane" signs which should be placed through town.

Placement of bicycle warning signs in the clover leaf warns drivers to expect bicyclists up on Route 52 in Greenville, but once there, it does nothing to validate our full use of the right lane. It is important for bicyclists to control the right lane in these situations, and not cling to the curb. Such behavior can invite motorists to dangerously overtake while side to side with another vehicle, thus violating the 3 Foot Passing Law.

Action Alert: Route 72 "Improvement" Project a threat to bicycle safety

Back in November of 2012, while serving with Bike Delaware, I posted a notice calling on bicyclists to attend a public workshop for "Route 72 Intersection Improvements". It is not clear how many bicyclists showed up, or what their comments were, because such information is (normally) not published or followed up. In fact, the biggest complaint we have about these workshops is that nobody really knows if their comments are even considered. In any case, in my own experience attending that night, public turnout appeared to be light.

Now, 2 years later, we find ourselves surprised to learn that this project is moving forward, expanding this very popular bicycle route from 2 lanes to 4. Bike lanes are included, but what is now an 8'-10' shoulder will be effectively reduced to 4' (5' through intersections) for most of the length. The project also calls for curbs, which means that debris collection could be a problem, minus frequent sweeping of the corridor. In other words, even with marked bike lanes, the experience riding on Route 72 (Wrangle Hill Road) could end up even more stressful than it already is.

Advocates from the White Clay Bicycle Club and Delaware Bikes recently met with Anthony Aglio, our trusted Bicycle Coordinator within DelDOT, to discuss what - if anything can be done at this late juncture. We were relieved to find out that DelDOT is still open to suggestions to improve bicycle safety, and will take in our concerns.

In a formal letter, we included the following:

• Narrow the center turn lane from 15' to 11', thereby adding 2' to the bike lanes on both sides. The result will now be 6' bike lanes, 8' when including the curb offset (which normally doesn't count).
  
• Instead of vertical curbs, use the standard sloped curb (or mounted, gutter pan, etc.) allowing bicyclists the option to bail out under extreme or threatening circumstances.
  
• Use bicycle-friendly rumble "stripes", as opposed to rumble strips. The latter tend to be offset from the white line, thus robbing valuable shoulder space, while the former are part of the white line itself.
  
• To accommodate the many bicyclists that ride to and from Delaware City and points east, connect the bike lanes through the SR1 ramps to the project limits, connecting them to the existing shoulders.
  
• Provide a 5' bike lane on McCoy. Where bike lanes transition back to the travel lane, place a Bikes May Use Full Lane Sign.

 

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Above: Curbside bike lanes can be found in Centerville along Route 52, what may be the most popular bicycle route in Delaware. 2 lanes at 35 mph, however, is a much safer environment than a 4 lane 50 mph arterial highway. Hence, the need for a carefully considered Complete Streets design on Route 72.

Community Discusses Ideas For Newark Bicycle Plan

By Heather Dunigan -- On June 26, the community gathered at the Newark Bike Project to share ideas for bicycling in Newark. The Newark Bicycle Plan is being developed by the City of Newark, WILMAPCO and the Newark Bicycle Committee to make bicycling a more safe and convenient choice for transportation and recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

At the public meeting, the community

• Got an overview of the Draft Newark Bicycle Plan.
• Discussed what programs & policies can promote safer bicycling.
• Brainstormed ways to encourage more people to bicycle and education the community about where and how to ride.
• Learned about suggested bike routes and other improvements and offer additional ideas.
• Told planners their top priorities for improvements.

Suggestions that where discussed

• Conduct additional public outreach for draft Plan including coordination with the Trailspinners and White Clay Bike Club.
• Coordinate bicycle education with drivers education classes at Newark High School. Drivers education improvement is a current project of the Delaware Bicycle Council and Newark High School could serve as a pilot location.
• Challenging location where discussed, particularly access to Newark from points east along DE 273 and Kirkwood Highway. DelDOT planning for a Newark to Wilmington bicycle route is currently underway but feasible routes and timing for implementation is still not know.
• Cleveland Avenue/Paper Mill/Pomeroy Trail intersection is a significant challenging and makes the Pomeroy less suitable for children. Suggestions included wayfinding signs to guide people across the intersection and working with DelDOT and the City on signal and crosswalk improvements. A mountable curb was also suggested to ease the transition for cyclists who wish to take the lane.
• The poor condition of roads near University construction sites was discussed including Lovett, Academy and Wyoming. Around these locations it was also noted that crossing Chapel Street at Wyoming and Lovett streets is challenging.
• Delaware Avenue has an issue with vehicles parking on the bicycle lane.
• Signs should indicate continuation of Pomeroy Trail onto Creek Road.
• Concerns exist about the proposed South Main Street WAWA’s potential impact on bicycle safety. It was noted that a Traffic Impact Study is required and will examine the impacts.
• South Main Street should have additional bicycle racks installed at existing residential and commercial.

Heather Dunigan

Top priority projects identified

• Go after low-hanging fruit - project done along with paving and rehabilitation, land use development, etc.
• Prioritize connecting gaps to create low-stress routes where people feel safe.
• Leverage low cost connections to complete the network.
• Complete Frazer Field connections and permanently retain link added during Carpenter Sports Building construction.
• Address safety and convenience of Papermill/Cleveland/Pomeroy intersection.
• Expand youth education including greater promotion of Bike to School Day.
• Provide information for drivers with signs and other means to improve bicycle/driver cooperation.
• Provide sharrow information to overall community using brochures, posters, variable message signs.

In addition to the public meeting, you can visit our ongoing Bicycle Plan Online Workshop. Here, participants can review the draft plan, see the presentation from June 26, fill out a survey, and add ideas to the map including where they would like more bike racks, locations where it is challenging to ride, and recommended bike routes.

Recommendations will include bicycle routes and other infrastructure, education and safety programs, programs to encourage cycling, and maintenance programs. Development of the plan is being done in coordination with the update of Newark’s Comprehensive Plan with an anticipated completion this Fall.

Example goals and recommendations include a much improved bicycle transportation network:

Mix of on-street and pathway projects

• This May, City of Newark implemented the top priority short term recommendation of adding sharrows (shared pavement markings) to Main Street.

Encourage adequate and secure bicycle parking at all major trip destinations

• Bicycle racks throughout the downtown and University are being added or upgraded based on public and committee input. In addition, Newark is currently revising bicycle parking requirements in the zoning codes based on the draft plan.

Improve safety for bicycling through design, maintenance, and enforcement practices

• The draft plan recommends safe design and maintenance best practices, enforcement measures and educational and promotional programs. Programs like the DelDOT led bicycle safety checkpoints and Newark Bike Project are helping to ensure that bicycles are fully functioning, have lights for nighttime use, and that cyclists are better informed about the laws and techniques for safer cycling.

The City of Newark is the region’s only League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community and is a place where bicycling is popular for both transportation and recreation. Four percent of Newark residents bicycle to work (2007-2011 American Community Survey) and 65 percent in Newark households engage in bicycling for recreation (Delaware Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan survey).

For more information, visit us on line or call (302) 737-6205

LAB, Bike Delaware skew BFS rankings in recent webinar

The League of American Bicyclists needs to reconsider their strategy and be more diligent with fact-checking.

Some of us looked forward to the new Bicycle-Friendly State (BFS) application and webinar. It was disappointing, therefore, to see inaccuracy in the section about Delaware’s progress towards becoming bike-friendly. Not only is it a simplistic portrayal that ignores all efforts outside of Bike Delaware’s Walkable Bikeable Delaware initiative, but the history of rankings that support this portrait are inaccurate. Delaware was ranked 31st in 2008, not in 2010. We rose to 9th place in 2009, in good part due to the Complete Streets policy and the Bike Summit. We fell to 10th place in 2010, and then to 18th place in 2011. After that we rose to 10th for 2012 and now 5th for 2013 (TBA), in agreement with the webinar/power point.

This page from the webinar, found on You Tube HERE, is not the reality. It became obvious when we pulled the magazine archives and checked. For one, Delaware ranked #31 in 2008, not 2010.

There is no doubt that Walkable Bikeable Delaware has had a substantial impact, but the more accurate history of the State’s rankings below illustrates a much different sequence of events than the presentation leads us to believe. Delaware made the initial 22 point leap based in good part upon Complete Streets and other on-road improvements, and Delaware’s first bike summit. This was before Walkable Bikeable Delaware.

2008: Ranked #31

Common sense tells us that the road to becoming bike-friendly is not as simple and easy as the Delaware presentation implies. Even with our bike-friendly Governor Jack Markell, it is not a smooth downhill coast, but a long, winding, rocky road full of ups and downs. As with all efforts towards progress, that is the reality. And it has been and will continue to be true in Delaware as well as in other states over the years to come. Most of us, therefore, look to the LAB, a venerable organization with much experience, to guide us through these bumps and not to provide us with an unrealistic impression that is bound to disappoint.

LAB should promote an upbeat, you-can-do it attitude and serve as a cheerleader for advocates who are making an effort in all 5 Es. It is possible

2009: Ranked #9

to accomplish this while maintaining a realistic and inclusive approach. Not only cyclists, but non-cyclists who are in a position of responsibility, look to the LAB for guidance. In Delaware, these folks are well aware of the specifics of the Walkable Bikeable initiative which has centered almost exclusively on off-road bike path facilities. Unfortunately, most do not have the bicycling experience to recognize that such a simplistic vision is incomplete.

It’s true that Delaware is behind a number of other States in the construction of off-alignment pathways, and therefore, it’s very nice to see us making up ground. Some wonderful projects are underway, and Delaware has a number of realistic and progressive people in government agencies and organizations throughout the State. We don’t need to promote the notion, however, that a State can become bike-friendly

2010: Ranked #10

solely through funding of off-road projects.

Although combined efforts continue to help our State move forward and we are making progress in most areas, without support it becomes an uphill battle to work on other areas that are necessary to make a state truly bike friendly, including: On-road infrastructure, education, legislation, enforcement, and encouragement. By promoting a misleading impression of our efforts and progress, the LAB makes it that much more difficult for the rest of us Advocates in Delaware (and perhaps in other states as well) to continue to pursue improvement in all of the other necessary areas.

2011: Ranked #18

There is no question that the Trails and Pathways initiative - and thus a more Walkable Bikeable Delaware - is worth supporting. However, off-road paved bike paths are the most expensive, highest hanging fruit of all when it comes to time and money well spent. The recent workshop and tremendous turnout surrounding the Newark-Wilmington Pathway is very encouraging, however, I give this project 15-20 years to complete - and that relies on future administration's support and preservation of its funding. The Pomeroy Trail in Newark, under 2 miles in length, took over 10 years to complete, despite most of its ROW readily in tact. Now up and running for almost 10 years, and very popular indeed, it becomes immediately apparent that our existing roads are still necessary to reach our final destination, hence the Newark Bicycle Plan - all inclusive.

2012: Ranked #10

While serving on the Board at Bike Delaware for 5 years, I received numerous inquiries about a fully marked on-road bike route with well designed bike lanes between the two cities. I had few suggestions to offer, other than watch for repave/rehab activity in coming years, and consider joining forces in Advocacy. Only then could our Complete Streets policy be encouraged, perhaps on a direct connect like Kirkwood Highway, some of which was already scheduled for 2013 (we will soon report what we know about DelDOT's pave & rehab schedule for 2014.)

As the Wilmington-Newark pathway and others like it crawl forward in future years, or decades, there remains no additional funding set aside for even the lowest hanging fruit, which could include road re-striping for the purpose of traffic calming and bicycle safety measures in the present. But with a passive President, a Vice President that abhors bike lanes and shoulders, and an Executive Director that openly quotes bike pocket lanes (through intersections with right turn-only lanes) as human meat grinders, don't count on Bike Delaware for support. It is their ED's opinion that bike lanes are especially dangerous and inappropriate on the very higher speed arterial roads on which most of us depend - and has even written letters and emails to that effect.

So now the question becomes, is Bike Delaware an all inclusive, full service (as in the 5 Es) advocacy organization as found in other high ranking BFS states?  Sadly, LAB appears to think so.

- Frank Warnock has been an award winning Advocate, Ride Leader, and Event Director in multiple states since 1989.

Advocacy opportunities in the coming weeks

Civic League of NCC Annual Meeting 
All are welcome. Keynote speaker will be Jennifer Cohan, DelDOT Secretary of Transportation. This is an excellent opportunity to raise bike-ped infrastructure safety issues and concerns.  Date: Tuesday May 16. Time:  7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Location: Christiana Presbyterian Church, 15 North Old Baltimore Pike, Christiana, DE 19702.

Glasgow Avenue Main Street Study
WILMAPCO, DelDOT, and New Castle County have kicked off a year-long transportation and land use study for Glasgow Avenue, between US 40 and SR 896/Porter Road (about 1.3 miles).  The study is intended to create a “Main Street” vision plan to guide transportation improvements and land use along Glasgow Avenue. You are invited to this final community workshop. During the meeting, project partners will share the study recommendations and collect your input. Date: Monday, May 22. Time: from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Location: Hodgson Vo-tech High School Cafeteria.

Blueprint for a Bicycle-Friendly Delaware
The State and other organizations are working on a bicycle policy plan to support the development of a safe, connected, and equitable network of bicycle facilities throughout the state! Your input will help planners better understand where people want to bike and problematic locations and corridors for people trying to bike. It's easy; simply input a valid email address, and start marking your trouble points and recommended routes. You can also comment on what others have already submitted.

Have you taken the survey yet? If not, please do ASAP. Your responses are very important. Completion of this survey takes less than 5 minutes and will help DelDOT set priorities for the Statewide Bicycle Policy Plan.

DelDOT: W11-1-DE Signs Restored on Paper Mill Rd

The W11-1-DE signs were removed from Paper Mill Rd at the White Clay Creek road bridge in Newark, upon the installation 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.

Image courtesy of the Public Workshop

While this new bridge is a valuable amenity, the apparent switch to mandatory-use for bicyclists is problematic for 2 reasons:

• It requires two crossings of 2 lanes of high VMT traffic in the northbound direction of Paper Mill Rd, which is statistically more dangerous, and more time consuming, and
• 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 DelDOT's manual (pdf). 

In this current config, 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.

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 HERE.

Original W11-1-DE sign at Paper Mill Rd bridge southbound

With us backing him, Mark Luszcz (DelDOT Chief Traffic P.E. at the time) did a lot of work 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 (R4-11) preceded this one at this bridge and it was switched out unannounced.

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.