Celebration of the Life of Angela Connolly-Cunneely

From the event site | 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 HERE.

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.

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.

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 additional contributions are most welcome.

Our Comments on the Churchmans Crossing Plan

Project boundary (click to enlarge)

Greetings, Wilmapco. Please add our comments below to the Churchmans Crossing Plan, before the Sept 2021 deadline. Upon generations of failed elected leadership, and climate catastrophe now looming, the need to facilitate active and green transport modes could not be more dire. Thank you very much.

In no particular order:

• The project scope contains several bi-directional MUP facilities (Multi-User Pathways) that were built decades ago. Along SR4 and SR58 is the East Coast Greenway (ECG). These need to be improved and/or rehabbed using best design & engineering guidance (APBP/NACTO compliance) esp where crossing through intersections.
• 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 "SR299, SR1 to Catherine Street Project (pdf)" as a good example, or APBP/NACTO guidelines.
• 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.
• Upgrade/improve/rehab the following MUP connectors using best design & engineering guidance (APBP/NACTO compliance):
  => East Coast Greenway within project scope
  => Lisbeth Rd to Brennen School parking lot
  => Old Ogletown Rd to SR4-Salem Church Jct
  => Prides Crossing to SR4 MUP/ECG
  => E. Cherokee Dr to Johnson Rd
  => SR4 MUP/ECG continuity at Augusta
• Convert abandoned roads into MUPs:
  => Old Harmony Rd from north of Greenridge Rd to Old Capitol Trail
  => S. Wakefield thru Leathermans Run

• 

  Dearth of parks: Streets used as ball courts
  

  A park that includes ball courts, walking & biking paths, benches and other forms of place and destination-making is desperately needed for Harmony Woods and the region in general.
  
• Add a shoulder bike lane on Salem Church Rd between I95 and Old Baltimore Pike, on what is technically "Bike Route 1". Cars and trucks cannot safely pass cyclists here without entering the opposing lane, and road rage commonly ensues.
  
• 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 traffic calming measures 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 #1 deadliest State in the nation for biking, and near #1 for walking, largely due to abject failure in this regard.
• Recognize and honor the passing of Thomas Ogle, founder of Ogletown, who died exactly 250 years ago on 12/23/1771. 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). This article in Delaware on-line from 2015 highlights that very need, which went ignored.

• 

  Typical "goat path" from the ECG in S. Newark
  

  Reduce neighborhood street speed limits from 25 to 20 mph, led by a "20 is Plenty" safety campaign or similar. Cost estimate HERE.
• Assess, formalize and convert all "goat path" connections 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.

Please advise how we may track our comments through the process, to verify if they are being considered for implementation or not. Thank you for listening.

SIGNED: Angela Connolly and Frank Warnock

White Clay Bicycle Club ignores Cycle For Cecil

Cycle for Cecil riders at the start, at the Patsy DuPont Farm

It is no mystery to anyone that the White Clay Bicycle Club (WCBC) has been a disappointment when it comes to supporting Cycle For Cecil (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 Cecil Land Trust (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 "out of bounds" 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.

In an effort to find out what is going on, a 1stbikes.org PT journalist reached out to Mr JW Haupt, who has been President of WCBC for many years. We wanted to know why, if it were true, the Club did not fully support this charity event ride. We asked for 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 Ambivalent, unhelpful, even refusing to share their e-mail list to help publicize the ride, 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.

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.

In our reply, 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 Cycling Sistahs 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.

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 caught in a lie 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 Bike Delaware -- a pro-development org in the pockets of the building industry, whose own activities and finances are shrouded in secrecy. Regardless, WCBC assists them with fundraising and generous annual donations -- none of which are publicly accounted for. This raises questions about a possible connection between Mr Haupt, his position with WCBC, and his VP position 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.

Yes, WCBC is a busy club, with 4 major rides every year (one of which, the Shore Fire, 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.

We commend the commitment of the CLT to land conservation. Those of us who fought, and still lost (to mass govt corruption) the Orphanage Property in Ogletown, the last remaining 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.

The "White" Clay Bicycle Club, 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.

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.

Advisory Lane Roads on DBC meeting agenda for 12/6

Courtesy of Streets MN

Bike Delaware's James Wilson will be discussing "Advisory Lane Roads" at the next meeting of the Delaware Bicycle Council. From the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professional's article:

What's an advisory bicycle lane? Also called a "non-compulsory bicycle lane” or "suggestion lane” (translated from the Dutch "suggestiestrook”), it’s a bicycle lane into which motor vehicles may legally encroach. Therefore, the line demarcating the lane is dashed instead of solid. An advisory bicycle lane is often—but not always—used in conjunction with centerline removal.

Generally, a mandatory bicycle lane is preferable; an advisory bicycle lane should only be used when a mandatory lane cannot be used. Advisory bicycle lanes should be considered 1) when street width is inadequate for mandatory bike lanes or 2) where cars are likely to encroach on a bike lane as it approaches a bike box. Advisory bike lanes should not be used where they are likely to be blocked by parked motor vehicles.

Advisory bike lanes in conjunction with centerline removal on roads with substandard width are common across Europe and are generally well received by cyclists.

A  year ago, we suggested THIS opportunity for Newark's Main Street (probably lost now). It's time to move past talking about shared lanes to actually implementing them, even if on a FHWA experimental basis. As it stands now, the MUTCD forbids any kind of delineated bicycle lane within a normal vehicle lane; data from the field is needed over a long period before these are approved in the manuals.

Delaware Bicycle Council Meeting

DelDOT Administration Building-Felton/Farmington Conference Room, 800 Bay Road, Dover

Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

AGENDA

 I.  Welcome, Introductions, and Minutes (0-5 minutes)

• Minutes Review from October 4, 2017 – 0-5 minutes (Tom Hartley)

II.  Council Membership (0-10 minutes)

• Discuss Members Profile for the website and other website updates – 0-5 minutes (Tom Hartley)
• Discuss Greenways and Trails appointment to Council – 0-5 minutes (Tom Hartley)

III. Old Business (0-5 minutes)

• Bridgeville Bicycle Trail Ribbon Cutting – 1st Recipient of Innovation Grant – 0-5-minutes  (Tom Hartley)

IV. New Business (0-60 minutes)

• Nominees for 2018 Chair (Voting to occur at February 7, 2018 meeting) – 0-5 minutes (Tom Hartley)
• Bicycle Friendly State Ranking – 0-10 minutes (John Bare)
• Advisory Lane Roads – 0-15-minutes (James Wilson)
• Council discussion and vote on Innovation Grant - 0-30 minutes (Fran Cardaci)

 V. Updates (0-30 minutes)

• DelDOT Bicycle Plan – 0-30 minutes (Andrea Trabelsi)

 VI. Public Comments (0-10 minutes)

• Opportunity for Non-Council Members to Address the Council 

Next Meeting: Wednesday February 7, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Please e-mail John T. Fiori and Tom Hartley with any potential agenda items at least two (2) weeks prior to meeting. Visit DBC's webpage at www.bike.DelDOT.gov

Shared Right Turn-Only Lane a hit at DelDOT's Innovation Fair

Mark Luszcz, Chief P.E., DelDOT

A big tip of the helmet to Mark Luszcz, Chief P.E., and his Team at DelDOT Traffic for working with Advocates in pioneering the shared right turn-only lane treatment. It is the opinion of 1st State Bikes that, if Bicycle-Friendly State rankings were based on DOT responsiveness alone, Delaware would top the list.

The design, testing, and implementation of this basic yet anxiously awaited treatment exemplified Advocates working alongside DelDOT to improve safety in the built environment. The boards below, displayed on easels at their Innovation Fair, capsulized the effort to attendees, which included these quotes:

• "For virtually no added cost beyond a little extra paint, bicyclists (and e-bikes, and even mopeds) are now encouraged to ride in the most optimal position where visibility (and thus safety) is concerned. Few things can improve arterial roads for multi-modal safety, but adapting road shoulders to bike lanes and sharing right turn-only lanes does improve awareness and respect. It validates bicyclists as legitimate road users by defining a continuous lane that accounts for the laws of movement. It's a win-win for all road users, and has become the envy of other State's advocacy organizations that can only wish their DOT was this creative and forward thinking. A big tip of the helmet to Mark Luszcz and his Traffic Dept from bicyclists statewide."  ~Frank Warnock, Chair, 1st State Bikes

• "Although it is fortunate that many of Delaware’s arterial roads have a shoulder, before the shared bicycle/right turn only lane and accompanying legislation, cyclists were legally required to merge into high speed traffic at intersections with a right turn only lane.  Cyclists now have a choice: they have the on road facilities and the legal right to maintain a continuous and predictable line of motion outside of the lanes of high speed traffic.  This adds to comfort and safety for many of us cyclists, and is greatly appreciated."  ~Amy Wilburn, Past Chair, Delaware Bicycle Council

• "Good decision on the road markings ... this will increase vehicle awareness of bikes on the roadway ... and add clarity to the new law."  ~Fred Tarburton, Citizen Advocate

Though Advocates still diverge with DelDOT on some issues, it has been a superb working relationship, especially since Complete Streets was enacted. It's also important to note that it's not always a one-way street; Advocates have a history of helping DelDOT when it comes to efficiency and streamlining. This includes improving W-11 warning signage, reducing "share the road" sign clutter in favor of a more targeted approach, and helping revise their sweeping program to focus on areas most prone to debris.

Thank you DelDOT for featuring this project and we look forward to many more in the future!

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.

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.

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.

Cycle For Cecil set for April 29th

Cycle for Cecil begins at 8:00 a.m.at the beautiful Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area and travels through scenic Cecil County, Maryland. There are three distances to be traveled on the ride - 15 miles, 50K (31 miles), or 100K (62 miles). All routes have multiple well-manned rest stops that provide drinks, snacks, and restrooms. Upon completion of the ride, cyclists are rewarded with Kilby Cream Ice Cream and homemade goodies. Cycle for Cecil benefits the Cecil Land Trust, which works to preserve the open space and farmland that makes Cecil County so unique. Registration is available through Active.com and on the day of the event, this year on April 29th, 2017.

This is a beautiful ride through the beautiful countryside of Cecil County Maryland. Cecil County is located in the north east corner of Maryland, on the Delaware border. The ride will take you through some of the vast open space that Cecil County Land Trust has worked to protect. The ride has multiple stops for drinks, snacks, and restrooms. The roads are very well marked, and the views are amazing!

Your participation not only supports a great ride, but helps fund the preservation of farmland, woodlands, natural habitat and historic rural communities in Cecil County. The efforts of the Cecil Land Trust may be what keeps Cecil County a rural landscape, the one that our recreational, touring, and competitive cyclists enjoy today. To that end, bicycling organizations in Delaware should actively support this event. Let's hope they do!

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NCC Executive Matt Meyer to speak at Civic League meeting

NCC Executive Matt Meyer will be the featured guest at the next New Castle County Civic League meeting on April 18. The topic will be land use. It is critical that bicyclists attend, as over-development and endless widening of arterial roads and intersections directly impacts the safety of non-motorized users.

The meeting is being held at the Christiana Presbyterian Church, 15 North Old Baltimore Pike in Christiana. A google map link is included on the meeting page.

Help us spread the word, and encourage others to attend! Responsible development, historical preservation, and saving open space are all critical for healthy communities. Biodiversity, fresh water, clean air, and limiting traffic congestion are also key. Curbing suburban sprawl also relieves the pressure to increase property taxes. Land use policy is critical, and that is exactly what Matt plans to discuss. Hope to see you there!

Save Open Space: Cycle For Cecil on Saturday April 25th

Join us on Saturday, April 25th 2015 at Fair Hill for Cycle for Cecil. There are a variety of distances offered: 15 miles, 35 miles and 65 miles. It is a great way to see the natural beauty of Cecil County! Sign up on-line with Active.com HERE.

This is a beautiful ride through the beautiful countryside of Cecil County Maryland. Cecil County is located in the north east corner of Maryland, on the Delaware border. The ride will take you through some of the vast open space that Cecil County Land Trust has worked to protect. The ride has multiple stops for drinks, snacks, and restrooms. The roads are very well marked, and the views are amazing!

The Cecil Land Trust is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization  that preserves farmland, woodlands, natural habitat and historic rural communities in Cecil County. One of our goals is to provide assistance to those interested in land conservation. You can help our cause by coming on this ride!

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Inside Line Bike Expo ramping up

The inaugural Inside Line bike expo will take place on Saturday March 7, 2015 in Newark, Delaware, and will feature 100+ bike (and related) industry vendors of all stripes, across all bicycling disciplines, in a fun, vibrant, festival-like atmosphere featuring music, beer, games, raffles, things to ride bikes on, and of course, bikes, bikes and more BIKES!! You see, this is no ordinary tradeshow. At its core this event is designed to be a FUN, first-class celebration of bike culture in the Mid-Atlantic region, with the goal of getting people more excited about riding bikes. [Visit the event website for more ...]

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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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.

Gail's Assault on Rittenhouse Park in Newark

The American Bicycle Corps at Fort Missoula in 1897 (courtesy of Wikipedia)

On January 2nd, the 1st State Bicycle Corps launched a mining siege at the Iron Hill territory of Rittenhouse Park in Newark, Delaware. Light infantry, commanded by "Gunga" Gail Robillard, were sent ahead to clear a pathway and dig the first trenches. In the video below, Gail demonstrates invincible leadership skills, tackling rocks, roots, and even the trees themselves!

Seriously -- Rittenhouse Park is a beautiful natural area with nearly 2 miles of natural hiking trails and access to the Christina River. It does not appear that the trails - 100% natural surface - are maintained well enough to recommend mountain biking, though it appears many do. The park looks small on a map, but feels quite large once inside. It contains substantial tracts of intact mature forest and is also a great place to go bird watching!

The Rittenhouse Park Trail is supposed to connect between W. Chestnut Hill Road and Elkton Road. However, the video above tells a different story. The trail goes from semi-bikeable to treacherous to non-existent.

Celebrate Mid-Atlantic Bike Culture at the Inside Line Bike Expo

From the event website -- The inaugural Inside Line bike expo will take place on Saturday March 7, 2015 in Newark, Delaware, and will feature 100+ bike (and related) industry vendors of all stripes, across all bicycling disciplines, in a fun, vibrant, festival-like atmosphere featuring music, beer, games, raffles, things to ride bikes on, and of course, bikes, bikes and more BIKES!! You see, this is no ordinary trade show. At its core this event is designed to be a FUN, first-class celebration of bike culture in the Mid-Atlantic region, with the goal of getting people more excited about riding bikes.

History: For years now we’ve been thinking about how we lack a bike expo that appeals to the masses of cyclists that call the Mid-Atlantic region home. We have a number of bike swap meets and niche expo events in the area, and while each of these are excellent events that appeal to a slice of the bike community, none of them appeal to the breadth of cycling disciplines represented around here. So we figured since no one was stepping up to the plate to create an event that appeals to cyclists of all stripes, we would do it. And we would do it well. So Inside Line was born.

Inside Line was created to bring together the diverse cycling community in the Mid-Atlantic region for an off-season celebration of all things bike. We’re inviting a huge number of bike industry and related industry vendors to this thing so you will all have a chance to meet them, hear about what these companies and organizations are up to, learn about what’s new with different product lines, buy some gear, RIDE THE PUMPTRACK and more. Come out, make some new friends, and be inspired to ride your bike more. You’ll be glad you did.

326 RUTHAR DRIVE, NEWARK (Ogletown), Delaware, 19713

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Poster's note: Look for future postings as the event date on March 7th, 2015 draws closer.

Inaugural EZ Roller Ride Revisited

By Angela Connolly -- It was a cloudy and crisp Fall morning, but it didn't dampen the spirits of the riders who came together to enjoy the first EZ Rollers ride to Milburn Orchards, which is a popular destination for area cyclists. The group met at Saxby's in Newark, where Corinth gave her suggestions for the route to Milburn. After introductions and tea/coffee, the group set out on Elkton Road. Corinth showed the group a route through the Gore campus, which provided a less hilly option to our destination than the route that the other riders had taken before.

At Milburn's we had a nice break, and enjoyed hot cider, tea, and their famous cider donuts!

Heading home, the group decided to take the more straightforward route of Barksdale Road back to Newark.

The pace of the ride was very comfortable, allowing the riders to enjoy the scenery, and talk to each other. We talked about the possibilities for future rides. We are so lucky to have so many beautiful places to explore by bike!

We are hoping that December will be kind to us and allow good weather for another EZ Rollers Ride! Stay tuned for details! Everyone is welcome, we will have all skill levels of riders, and no one gets dropped, ever! Come have fun, meet other cyclists, and explore the many beautiful roads and destinations that the area has to offer - at an EZ and fun pace!

The group preparing for departure at Saxby's Coffee in Newark.

Ready for some hot cider and cider donuts!

Sandy says Come Ride with the EZ Rollers!

Parking the bikes at Milburn's

Secretary Bhatt in a wig at the Penn Farm (Route 273) Trail Ribbon Cutting

Penn Farm Trail ribbon cutting today. Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt is standing 2nd from right, wearing a wig and striped tie.

L-R: Heather Dunigan (Planner, Wilmapco), James Wilson (Executive Director, Bike Delaware), unknown, unknown, Shailen Bhatt (Secretary of Transportation, DelDOT), and Amy Wilburn (Chair, Delaware Bicycle Council). -- Photo by Melissa Nann Burke

Thank you Heather Dunigan for posting this excellent photo. Unfortunately at this time, an on-line search reveals nothing in the way of coverage for this event. Stay tuned for any updates.

In the meantime, feel free to post any related article links in our comments section below!

Related: The Route 273 Multi-Use Trail Ribbon Cutting

The Route 273 Multi-Use Trail Ribbon Cutting

DelDOT will be holding a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 31 for the all new Route 273 Pathway in the City of New Castle. They would be pleased if bicyclists can come, and take an inaugural ride on the path as a group. Map to the start location is at bottom.

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