Newark Bike to Work Day Photos and Recap

By Angela Connolly -- One of  Bike Month's most significant events is Bike To Work day, celebrated in communities all over the country. Newark's event was held today, May 19. Postponed from its original date due to heavy rain, the beautiful cool day encouraged many bicycle commuters to gather on the patio of of the University of Delaware's Trabant Center. For those who wanted to ride to the event in a group, six captain-led “bike trains" were offered  from strategic locations around Newark, all leading to the festivities. Bicyclists were treated to light breakfast food, drink, and raffle prizes, provided by the Event's generous sponsors.

Newark Bike Committee Member Heather Dunigan announced that Newark has kept its Bronze level award as an LAB designated Bicycle-Friendly Community. She also revealed that Newark "was very close to a Silver designation" based on our accomplishments during the past four years. Highlights include completion of the Pomeroy Trail and sharrow bicycle markings on Main Street by the City, and South Main Street bicycle lanes by DelDOT. Although the Bronze designation is effective until 2018, Newark can re-apply earlier for consideration to Silver status if more improvements are made sooner.

Mayor Polly Sierer addressed the crowd, saying "There are some great people and organizations pushing to make Newark a world-class bicycle-friendly community in an increasingly competitive environment. The City's adoption of the 2014 Newark Bicycle Plan this past February maps the future of bicycling in Newark and is key to making bicycling better for a competitive, livable community."

There are many people working together to make the City a more bikeable one. Newark City Manager Carol Houck said, "An amazing network of organizations and grass root efforts working together on a common goal has set Newark apart from other communities and allowed us to advance to a bicycle friendly city with great opportunities for bicyclists of all kinds."

Other speakers included Newark Development Supervisor and Bicycle Committee Member Michael Fortner, Newark Bicycle Committee Chair Mark Deshon, and Newark Bike Project Board member Thijs Lankriet.

Bike To Work Day attendees sign up for the prize drawing

Newark Mayor Polly Sierer, Newark Bike Committee Member Heather Dunigan, and Newark Development Supervisor and Bicycle Committee Member Michael Fortner

The traditional group photo of the event's attendees, including the author's dog "Midnight", who arrived by bike trailer

The Newark Bike Project and Delaware Bikes had information about their efforts on behalf of bicyclists

Read the official Press Release. Read about it in the Newark Post. View additional photos of the event on Shutterfly.