Catching the 2017 Legislator's Ride in Ogletown

May 10th was the Legislators Bike to Work Ride, starting at the Polly Drummond Hill Shopping Center en-route to Dover. This was an event that was started in May 1990, with State Representative Roger Roy leading bicycling enthusiasts to the steps of the State Capitol. In that first year, bicyclists witnessed the signing of the bill that created the Delaware Bicycle Council. Since then, it has become an annual event lead by Senator Dave Sokola to promote bicycling during national bicycling month.

As luck would have it, I encountered the "Peloton" on my own commute to work, catching and then filming them from behind as they biked through Ogletown on Route 4.

Proposed Lidl in Ogletown eyed for active transportation accommodations

The Route 4 corridor through Ogletown has seen lots of changes over the last few decades. More recently, it was among the first chosen to receive retrofitted bike lanes/shared right turn-only lanes, helping increase safety for commuters.

In terms of land use, it was announced in September that Lidl, a German grocery chain, will be replacing Vince's Sports Center at the corner of Gender Road. The company appears committed to saving as much as 70% of the property (currently a 3-hole golf course) as open space, signing into agreement with neighboring residents. That would be an amazing goodwill gesture on the part of Lidl, given the pressure they now face with the proposed development of the Orphanage Property. In essence, it can be viewed as a re-development project that replaces an existing facility and preserves its green space.

Our Vince's-Lidl site survey has been on line for a few months, drawing 67 participants so far. The above 70% open space could be reduced to 50±% if residents get their wish for a coffee shop and/or outdoor cafe. Place-making is sorely needed in Ogletown, and many residents - even those that only drive - favor bike lane and pathway connections to nearby communities. Ange Connolly, co-admin of Save the Orphanage Property (STOP), serves on the Lidl Working Group, and presented the results in a meeting on Feb 1. In addition to place-making, she will be advocating for APBP-Standard bike parking and safe bike/ped pathway connections to Route 4 and its active transportation facilities.

As an aside, if we are to slowly but surely transform the built environment into something more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, we must have a voice in these projects early in the planning phase. And not just with new projects; advocates need to focus their energy and resources on retrofitting the suburbs. For active transportation commuters today, the construction of modern, transit-oriented developments (TODs) as an answer is way past its time. The built environment is already built, and most of our remaining open space - especially in New Castle County - is either environmentally critical or otherwise being hotly contested for parks and preservation needs.

Green Transportation Safety at the Glasgow Business Community

In the coming weeks, Mark Luszcz (Chief P.E, DelDOT), along with a DART Transit representative will be meeting with the Siemens Facilities Group and Dept of Environmental Health and Safety. The focus will be on bike/ped/transit improvements at the Route 896/GBC Drive intersection. Presentation below.

The area has not been upgraded since highway construction in the mid-'90s. It was poorly designed, and left in a dangerous and undesirable condition for non-driving visitors to the Glasgow Business Community. Pedestrians are sometimes seen running across Route 896 on the north side of GBC Drive, because the existing crosswalk is on the non-building side and presents unnecessary challenges. Additionally, there are no pathway connections to and from the bus stop on the northbound side.

Further progress TBA.

Siemens Healthcare asks DelDOT to shore up commuter safety

For folks biking in the Ogletown-Glasgow area, Siemens Healthineers supports adding multi-modal safety provisions on key commuter routes. Several of their employees commute by bike, and the company recognizes the importance of reducing auto dependency.

The following letter was sent in March 2016, encouraging DelDOT to support bicycle safety and thus Green transportation alternatives. Siemens has also adopted Route 72 in the area of GBC Drive, performing annual litter patrols and cleanups. A big tip of the helmet goes to Jonathan Kroc and his Environmental Health and Safety Dept, for their wonderful stewardship on our behalf.

Note: Route 4 (Chestnut Hill Rd) has already been retrofitted with bike/shared lane treatments, and all of us hope that Route 72 (S. Chapel/Purgatory Swamp Rd) is scheduled for this year.

Helping and Facilitating the "Invisible Cyclist"

Cross-posted from WalkBikeJersey Blog -- While it has been frustrating for me to sit on the professional sidelines of bicycle and pedestrian planning, my recent job foray as a professional driver has given me the ability to see and observe a great deal of the real-world transportation environment of northeastern New Jersey.  Recently I had to get the vehicle washed that I was driving at the Super Car Wash of Elizabeth on Rt 1 & 9 just south of the Bayway Circle.  Super Car Wash employs an army of men to do the detail work of sweeping the inside of the car and drying it off everywhere when it comes out of the mechanized washed. Nearly all of these hardworking men are from Spanish speaking America.

Well, to my surprise Super Car Wash provided a bike rack for its employees and from the look of the rack in the photos, it would seem that a large number of its employees get there by bike.  While the rack is of the less than ideal "wheel bender" variety, it seems to work rather well here as the employees can keep an eye on their wheels. [Full article, including photos ...]

The scene outside Dover Downs Casino and Resort on Route 13 is very similar to the one described above. The racks are also of the wheelbending variety, however, commuters enjoy some peace of mind knowing the casino provides full surveillance. Please help us put an end to wheelbending racks in the New Castle County code once and for all, by signing this petition.

A Sleek Umbrella for Bicycles

Toxel.com sells this umbrella holder, among other unique products.
But it doesn't quite have the wrap-around protection of the Dryve.

By Katie Gloede, EcoBuilding -- Green building has extended out to the street. Mixed-use development encourages walkability, LEED awards points toward certification for bike rack installation, and more cities are adding bike lanes and bike storage. But getting around by bike comes with one large inconvenience - the typical bicycle offers no refuge from the elements. Until now, that is.

It's a bicycle umbrella called the Dryve, developed by a Swiss company of the same name, that can attach to almost any bike enabling riders to drive more safely in rain or light snow. Set to appear in stores in the spring of 2015, the flexible fabric and vinyl product attaches to the handle bars and the back of the seat, creating a curved protected area somewhat like a traditional umbrella. The design also features basic clips so Dryve can be easily removed, an array of colors to choose from to match most bikes, and a windshield area. [Full article ...]

For green commuting, bicycling hardly registers in Delaware

The Weather Channel -- If you’re like the vast majority of Americans, you probably still head off to work every morning in your own car by yourself. But in certain states, commuters are finding greener ways to get to the office, according to Mashable.com.

Whether it’s walking, biking, taking public transit, carpooling or simply working from home, leaving your car in the garage can help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2013 American Community Survey reveals which states are getting it right – and which ones have room for improvement. [Full article ...]

Poster's note: Delaware is dismal, and will remain dismal as long as the following continues:

• We only apply Complete Streets with total road reconstruction, when we should be applying it with all projects including repaving and re-striping (this was in the original Complete Streets policy draft, but was pulled shortly before Gov. Markell signed it).
• For those who try to bike, what they find is a smattering of network facility pieces (occasional bike lanes and pathways), usually leading nowhere or feeding into a dangerous situation.
• The WNJ is rife with stories - every few days it seems - about high speed crashes resulting in death and carnage (here, here, and here of late).
• Drivers, including new and inexperienced teens, are splitting their attention between i-Phones and the road in front of them with no fear of prosecution.
• Gas prices are plunging, resulting in a renaissance of Truck and SUV sales (by contrast, when nearly $4/gal was reached, bicycle sales measurably increased).

All things considered, the prospects are bleak that modeshare will increase anytime soon - not just here but most of the U.S.

College Ave in Newark

Salem Church Road in Bear

"I'm not  100% convinced everyone at DelDOT is following the same rules, but my understanding is that typically when a bike lane stops there is no paint at all. It looks like someone is saying there is no approved design, so they will use their unapproved design that tells motorists that bicyclists and pedestrians are painted off the road, rather than an unapproved design that recognizes the ROW of bicyclists or pedestrians”  ~ Steve Bertolini

Route 13 Bike Lane Survey ends on January 1, 2015

AASHTO compliant bike lanes were installed on Route 13 almost 2 years ago. DelDOT rightfully included the non-motorized in the Pave & Rehab process, as a steady stream of bicycle commuters pedal daily (and take transit) on what most consider Delaware's most popular Main Street. We are running this simple survey, to give DelDOT some basic feedback, and let them know whether or not the addition of bike lanes has helped safety along this busy corridor.

If you have cycled the corridor since the last repaving project, please click on the survey below to open up a printable version, or simply use the on-line version HERE. 

Please help distribute this survey, by liberally forwarding or cross-posting this link to those you know who might bike - or has biked on Route 13 since the bike lanes were installed. Route 13 is anything but hospitable to non-motorized road users, but as one respondent commented, "It's a start, but a slow one". Few will disagree that adding bike facilities with lane reshuffling and delineation is a cost effective way to get the ball rolling in terms of Complete Streets implementation. And the streets are all we have, and will have for generations to come, in nearly every corner of Delaware.

Above: An artist's rendition of Route 13/DuPont Highway, as it was originally planned in the 1800s. Imagine what might have been, had we chosen a balanced approach to transportation planning, as it is throughout most of Europe.

"We have chosen not to actively support Cherokee Schill's case" - LAB

Cross-posted from Baltimore Spokes

LAB's response to the Schill case here.

B' Spokes: Let's say there are a range of responses we could expect expect from LAB, I am fully sympathetic as to why LAB has not cranked it up to 11 on this case but zero support? OK maybe one on the scale, as they did do a nice blog post on riding with Schill. But still we have all faced harassment from motorist and there are too many police officers who seem to think the cyclist is always at fault no mater what. The attitudes behind this case are universal and should be addressed.

If gun safety was like bicycle safety, it would be illegal to stand in front of a gun.

What is needed is a change of attitudes, a public relation campaign if you would. It is not right that the fastest mode of travel has the unspoken "right" not to be delayed in the slightest even though they could easily make up that delay but slower modes of transportation should not mind going even slower. Half hour or longer detours, no problem since they were going slow to begin with :/  [Full story ...]

Poster's note: No surprise here at all. LAB also refused to support Delaware Bikes and the Delaware Bicycle Council in their struggles with Bike Delaware for a balanced approach to advocacy. LAB refuses to acknowledge the uphill battle faced when the State's most influential advocacy organization (tasked with representing all bicyclist types) focuses almost entirely on segregated pathways. They refused to get involved when sincerely asked for help, to mediate an MOU that the different organizations could work toward, to set working parameters with the hope of one day working together. Several of Delaware's road bicycling advocates and supporters have not renewed their LAB membership as a result.

Bicycling Skill-Share at the Urban Bike Project

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The role of transportation in promoting physical activity

Active Living Research -- Neighborhoods designed for active travel can increase routine physical activity for residents of all ages. This infographic highlights evidence that sidewalks, connected bike facilities, public transportation and traffic calming are strategies that can make it easier for people to reach their destination without the use of a private vehicle.

In 2010, the Campaign for Active Transportation was launched, but like 99% of other bills introduced in Congress, it had virtually no chance of passing.

Wilmapco wrote the following in their case statement: Imagine a future where fitness and transportation are intertwined in our daily lives and bicycling and walking are safe, convenient, and desirable transportation choices for short trips. Mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods are the preferred places to live, as people seek lower energy costs, shorter commutes and more quality time in their own communities; residents take pride in knowing their neighbors and socializing on daily walks. Traffic congestion is eased, as more people find transit, pedestrian and cycling trips cost-effective and enjoyable; air quality is bolstered with fewer cars on the road. Children gain a sense of independence from having safe routes to schools, libraries and parks; seniors too remain active, healthy and independent by walking and bicycling regularly. In this future, our economy benefits too from fewer costly roadway improvements and a flourishing industry of active recreation and heritage tourism.

Related: No hope Congress passed fewer than 1% of bills introduced in 2013

September 22 is Car Free Day

Take the Car Free Day Pledge and win!

RideShare Delaware --  Take the pledge to go car free or car-lite on Monday, September 22nd, and be entered to win a $50 gift card (to Target, Walmart or Wawa – you choose)! You may still pledge and be entered for a chance to win even if you’re already using alternative transportation modes, such as bicycles, walking, transit, teleworking, and carpooling.

All pledges made through September 21, 2014 will be entered into the prize raffle drawing.  Scroll down to complete pledge form!

Car Free Day is an international event celebrated every September 22 in which people are encouraged to get around without cars and instead ride a train, bus, bicycle, carpool, vanpool, subway, or walk.

To participate in this fun and worthwhile event, all you need to do is fill out the pledge form, then go car free or rely less on your car by going car-lite on Monday September 22. It’s that simple! Once you pledge, you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card along with the saving you’ll see at the gas pump! Car Free Day is organized in various cities throughout the world in different ways, but with the common goal reducing the number of cars on the streets. The benefit to greater society is a day with less traffic congestion, a greener environment and reduced gasoline demand. Today, Car Free Day includes celebrations in 1,500 cities in 40 countries. [Visit the event web page for complete details!]

Also, don't forget to register your commute and become eligible for several benefits, including 5 FREE emergency rides home.

"Retreat" housing fails Main Street, UD commuters

This article recently appeared in the Newark Post --

After several months of construction, hundreds of residents can finally call The Retreat home sweet home now that they officially moved their belongings in on Monday.

The complex, owned by Georgia-based Landmark Properties, which manages several student housing communities around the country, opened at Suburban Plaza off Elkton Road and flanks both sides of the shopping center with its 169 newly constructed units that include 39 two-story cottages and 130 lodge-style apartments for a total of 597 beds.

According to Retreat representatives, over 60 percent of the units are currently leased, with the one and two-bedroom units completely booked. [Full article ...]

Mark Morehead appears to be the only member of City Council who gets it. Yes, Suburban Plaza is immediately adjacent and (hopefully) most will walk or bike the hundred or so yards to shop and dine. But for commuting to Newark's downtown and University of Delaware campus, the "Retreat" is a casualty waiting to happen. No attempt was made to address the needs of bicycle commuters in planning and construction. Residents who still choose (or must) bike into town will need to pedal up a dangerous sidewalk on Elkton Road (technically illegal) to Casho Mill and cross to the frontage road on the opposite side. Those wishing to use the Christina Parkway bike path facility (or wishing to legally ride the shoulder on Elkton Road in the NE direction) will be crossing a very dangerous intersection with no crosswalks until Spring of 2015. And even then, only one is planned across Elkton Road on the NE side, which will tempt potential pathway users to cross on the non-crosswalk (SW) side rather than wait through 2 or 3 signal phase changes. Such poor planning sends a clear message to students and residents - 400+ of them - that they should take their cars to the downtown and campus, where parking and congestion is already intolerable.

It is an epic fail that Newark did not require the developer to provide safe bicycling connections to the Elkton Road bike lanes and the Christina Parkway bike path. This should have been developer funded with an implementation timeline to coincide with the completion of the project. Shame on the Newark Post, for not even mentioning bicycling as a viable means of transportation throughout the entire article above!

Even the bicycle racks shown here are out of compliance with Newark's parking code. "Wave" or "Ribbon" racks provide little frame support to locked bicycles, causing them to fall on to each other - sometimes in a pile. They were also phased out by the University of Delaware, and replaced with the more stable "Inverted U" design. So what are they doing here?

This is what students have to look forward to when leaving "The Retreat" on the road. A lone bike lane hugs the far right curb, to the right of the right turn-only lane - a huge no no in any bike lane design. There isn't even a break, or dashes in the white line to suggest that bicyclists can move out and take the appropriate lane. Also note the bicyclist in the distance, riding through the intersection on Elkton Road. The corridor is a high volume bicycle commuter route, and we are advocating that correctly designed bike lanes also be included with the next resurfacing (pave & rehab) project due in about a year.

In the map above, bicyclists wishing to exit "The Retreat" to the north and west of this intersection will find themselves dealing with an array of pedestrian facilities and a curb-hugging bike lane that does nothing to help them navigate through the intersection.. The 3 sides of crosswalk are not scheduled until Spring 2015 - well after Retreat residents are moved in. Legend: Orange: Sidewalks, which are technically illegal (and dangerous) to ride on . Green: Existing parallel bike path facilities. Red: non-crosswalk side and direct connection to Christina Parkway bike path.

The long abandoned Christina Parkway parallel bike path is an advertisement for abandoning Bike Delaware's bike path fetish, given zero funding for even basic cleanup and maintenance. Yet some folks can still be seen walking and biking on this facility. And this can be expected to increase substantially, with the completion of "The Retreat" and ongoing development of the STAR Campus - both of which are excellent connections to this path.

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Above:  Elkton Road, on the approach to the intersection of Christina Parkway from the SW. The curb cut marking the start of the bike path is seen on the right, well before the intersection. One block further back is the entrance to the Newark Charter School, all but ruling it out for kids riding their bikes to school. Bike lanes are desperately needed on Elkton Road now, especially through here, given the long timeline of the project extending to the Maryland line. Bike lane symbols used to exist on Elkton Road many years ago, but were largely left out during the last surface repaving.

Delaware Ave is not the only cycle track candidate

Route 72 multi-use path is one
of a very few truly safe crossings
of I95. Centrally located, it makes
many key connections - yet
remains in deplorable condition.

The Newark Bicycle Committee has been in the hot seat lately, under pressure from Bike Delaware to push a bi-directional cycle track along Delaware Ave in Newark. Though included in the City's Bicycle Plan, there are several challenges to overcome. Among them, sufficient space within the existing right-of-way (ROW), which could hamper the level and quality of separation between the traffic lanes and the cycle track itself. As things stand now, it is going to be a very tight and costly fit, but replacing the current 1-way bike lane with a protected 2-way facility is big in Newark's mission to increase bicycle safety and modeshare.

There is tons of hype surrounding Trails and Pathways funding, with Bike Delaware at the forefront. Yet, they are silent on other desperately needed projects, such as the dangerous Route 72 multi-use path (MUP). Replacing this badly deteriorated and damaged facility (overgrown to the width of a sidewalk) would increase safety and put more folks on bikes, especially Newark commuters who live south of I95. A cycle track here may also be lower hanging fruit, as there is more than enough ROW to construct the minimum 10' wide path/track.

Airport Road bike lanes disappear into
Commons Blvd, a four lane curb to curb
road designed only for high speed traffic.

Other possible candidates include Commons Blvd in New Castle. This is another 4-lane, curb to curb arterial road that is anything but safe and hospitable to non-motorized users. A cycle track (or at the very least, a parallel MUP) here would allow many folks, including employees of the New Castle County Government Center, the option to bike or walk to work.

What is Bike Delaware trying to achieve in terms of Bikeway networks that everyone can use to get where they want to go on a bike? Most of their focus appears to be on recreational bike paths and rail trails with little to no emphasis on road connectivity. Bicycle-friendly roads complete the network, and are the only thing that will truly make off-road pathways a viable commuting option. Bike Delaware has been absent on projects like the above, even though it appears to fit their mission. These are badly needed to make key connections between bike-friendly roads, destinations, or other existing facilities. Such projects would open up major swaths of NCC to bicycle commuting, by circumventing dangerous high speed roads that have no shoulders and probably never will.

Hazardous conditions along the Route 72 MUP put users at close proximity to high speed traffic.

As with most Delaware MUPs, Route 72 is never resurfaced, and receives little basic maintenance. The failure to maintain what already exists - never mind new installations - should be of major concern to Trails and Pathways advocates.

Airport Road, where it changes names to Commons Blvd. The bike lane terminates into high speed traffic with no shoulder,  rendering it useless to all but the most fearless.

Last week's totally excellent commuting Ed-venture!

On Thursday, July 10th, I was offered a most unusual commuting option - using Sunset Lake via water taxi (electric powered fishing boat) to reach Purgatory Swamp Road/Route 72. At Skipper was "Indian" Ed Yoder, a wonderful Native American. Starting out, it required painstakingly guiding the boat and its propeller around muddy shallows and areas thick with Lily Pads. Once in the clear, we headed out into open waters en-route to the Newark Angler's Association's piers and clubhouse. Once there, Ed helped unload my bike. After a lengthy chat and archeological history lesson, I resumed my commute north on Route 72, historically known as Purgatory Swamp Road.

My standard commute route follows the solid red line. It leaves Siemens' parking lot and crosses Sunset Lake on a foot bridge, before heading south and east on an abandoned site road. The dashed line is my "Indian Ed-venture", being ferried the entire length of Sunset Lake in a fishing boat.

Loaded up and ready to go!

"Indian" Ed steers us clear of the swamp. It was necessary to clear the propeller of weeds a few times, something Ed is well accustomed to!

A HUGE Snapping Turtle caught us by surprise. Though difficult to see in this photo, the tail is clearly visible to the right.

Home stretch! In sight of the Newark Angler's Association lakefront property.

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.

Take a "bike train" to Newark's Bike To Work Day event

Bike To Work Day 2011: A Newark Police Officer eats a doughnut, as bicycle commuters from all over the Newark area enjoy great food, drinks, and the camaraderie of fellow bicyclists.

Bicycle commuters are encouraged to ride with others to the event and take advantage of one of six captain-led “bike trains,” which will depart from the following locations promptly at 7:20 a.m.:

• Fairfield Shopping Center
• Reservoir parking lot
• Wyoming Road at James F. Hall Trailhead (Delaware Technology Park)
• University of Delaware Field House
• Chrysler Avenue just off the Elkton Road intersection
• John R. Downes Elementary School on Casho Mill Road

For further details about the bike trains, email Mark Deshon at: deshon@udel.edu. Otherwise, for full information, visit our previous post on Newark Bike To Work Day HERE.

Across The U.S., Bicycle Commuting Picks Up Speed

From National Public Radio -- As bicycling goes, America is far behind Copenhagen, the promised land where roads look like bicycle highways as people pedal to work. But commuting by bike in the U.S. is catching on — though geographic, income and gender disparities persist.

In Chicago, busy Sheridan Road is the start of the Lakefront bike trail on its north side. That's where you can find plenty of bicyclists commuting to work early in the morning.

"I'm one of those year-round warriors, unless the weather is really bad," says Louise Graham, one among a steady stream of backpack-wearing bicyclists getting on the path.

Graham works in sales downtown and travels about 20 miles round trip. The same is true for David Michaels, who works at a digital marketing firm and rides four to five days a week. If he rode a train to work, he says, he'd be buried in his phone.

"If I'm riding, I'm active," Michaels says. "I'm riding down the lakeshore path, which is gorgeous and it's a ton of fun."

It's also a lot cheaper than driving, many bikers say.

Brian McKenzie, a sociologist with the U.S. Census Bureau, says most people still depend on their cars to get to work. But the bureau's first ever survey of people biking or walking to work, does show some change.

"We see that biking [to work] has actually increased over the last decade by about 60 percent," McKenzie says. "Just over three-quarters of a million people bike to work."  [Full story . . . ]

2014 Bike to Work Day in Newark RESCHEDULED

MONDAY, MAY 19, 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Trabant University Center Patio

In partnership with the city of Newark and the University of Delaware, the Newark Bicycle Committee is organizing this year’s Bike to Work Day event.

The event is intended to highlight National Bike Week (May 12-16) in the Newark community, which is currently a League of American Bicyclists–designated bronze-level “Bicycle Friendly Community.”

Local businesses will be sponsoring the event by providing light breakfast food for participants to enjoy before completing their commutes to work. The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will be providing a limited number of free event T-shirts while they last. Come join us!

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Wilmington Bike to Work Day & Grand Prix, May 16-18

Visit the event website and pre-register today!

For the seventh straight year, Delaware’s premier cycling competition has been certified as a National Calendar event by USA Cycling, putting this year’s Wilmington Grand Prix among the nation’s most prestigious races, the Delaware Sports Commission announced today.

Top professional racers are expected to gather in Wilmington May 16-18 for three days of events that pass through some of the state’s most scenic byways, attracting cycling fans from across the region and pumping thousands of dollars into the state’s economy, according to David Arthur, executive director of the Delaware Sports Commission, which has the mission of bringing national sporting events like the Wilmington Grand Prix to Delaware. [Visit the event website ...]