Newark to Wilmington Bikeway unveiled at Heels and Wheels Summit

The 2014 Delaware Walk-Bike Summit "Heels and Wheels" was a fabulous success. A capacity crowd of 250+ arrived to hear an exceptional array of speakers covering all facets of bicycling and walking advocacy. The event was focused primarily on Complete Streets and the Trails and Pathways initiative, but on-road bicycle safety was also covered. This included the powerful new driver awareness video "It Only Takes a Second", a project spearheaded by the Delaware Bicycle Council.

Heels and Wheels was also Delaware Bikes' first major tabling opportunity, and every minute counted. We chose this time to debut our wildly popular "Newark to Wilmington Bikeway", a project of Delaware Bikes and the DBC. The route was created by cyclists who ride the route on their daily commutes, including Laura Wilburn, Executive Director of the Urban Bike Project. Enthusiastically learning about the route, scores of attendees signed our petition that will formally ask DelDOT for a feasibility study connecting these two major cities via on-road bicycle facilities. We will keep everyone updated on this initiative, and hope that you will join the groundswell of support!

A big round of applause goes to everyone who made this event possible, including the sponsoring organizations. A complete list can be found HERE.

The audience enjoying Dan Burdan, of the Walkable and Liveable Communities Institute, at one of the several break-out  sessions featuring noted speakers.

A man visits our table to sign the petition during a breakout session.

Governor Jack Markell addresses the crowd.

A jam packed crowd for lunch, waiting to hear Delaware Bicycle Council Chair Amy Wilburn present the poignant Driver's Awareness video. The audience was visibly moved by the powerful content.

Senator Dave Sokola introduces Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt.

Visit HERE for additional photos of the event.