What kind of legacy will the University of Delaware leave?

This, according to the University of Delaware's official Climate Action webpage:

On Earth Day 2009, the University of Delaware announced detailed plans to cut campus‐wide emissions by 20% by 2020. This action plan is among the most aggressive commitments by any University or College in the world. In announcing the University's Climate Action Plan, President Harker also set interim targets for carbon emissions, including reductions of 5 percent by 2012 and 10 percent by 2015, compared with the 2008 levels that were measured in a comprehensive carbon inventory of the campus.

Not what we expect from a "green" university.

With such an "aggressive" commitment on the part of UD, the last thing one would expect for the new STAR Campus is a CO2 belching gas fired power plant, which will find itself among the State's Top 10 worst polluters. We would expect the announcement of plans for a sustainable energy source, like that of Freshkills Park, a former landfill on Staten Island. Freshkills will be home to New York’s largest solar power facility, doubling the city’s current renewable energy capacity. It will sit on 45 acres of green space, with the potential to generate up to 10MW of power, enough for approx  2,000 homes.

Freshkills Park, with its vast solar arrays, could power almost half the homes in Newark.

Solar arrays can even be built over parking lots, generating
megawatts of power while keeping the interiors cool.

A large enough solar farm, feeding the grid and supplemented by DelMarva Power, would put the University of Delaware in good standing with its neighbors, and its host, the City of Newark. Time will tell whether UD is more committed to short term profits, or the quality of our environment, health, and quality of life.

Visit No Newark Power Plant's Facebook page for all the latest events and details.

UD and our Governor need to do the right thing . . . for them.

View past blog posts on the proposed Power Plant HERE. Read the latest article in the WNJ.

Delaware's Bike (and Carcinogen) Friendly Governor

Gov. Jack pedals past Delaware's refineries during

the 2007 Tour of Delaware.

Cross-posted from The Delaware Way

Delaware Governor Jack Markell fielded a question about the power plant proposed for Newark on NPR's Radio Times on Friday. Says because they lived with Chrysler for 50 years, Newarkers deserve more pollution?

A friend writes: Someone has to challenge the Governor on his rhetoric that under his watch Delaware has dropped emissions more than any other state and point out that it was a market function and not any action on his administration's part (coal plants being shut down because of the poor economics of coal to NRG not because DNREC shut these facilities down)

No Newark Power Plant writes ~

Gov. Jack Markell was on Radio Times Friday, 2/7/14 and this is our response to him. Start listening at minute 28:11 to hear him tell Newarkers that because they lived with Chrysler for 50 years, they deserve more pollution.

With a comment ~

I am hugely disappointed in Jack. So far, he has been great for helping facilitate active and green transportation modes. But where gains are made here, TDC's power plant is a big step backwards.  ~ Frank Warnock

Read the complete story from our friends at Delaware Way.

On tour in 2004, just one of dozens of streams I encountered in West Virginia that is over run with toxic chemicals from fossil fuel extraction processes, in this case, mining of coal. We had hoped Governor Markell's legacy would be one of healthy living, including active and sustainable transportation, but now we're not so sure.

Amy Wilburn wins easy re-election as DBC Chair

Wednesday, February 5th  - In a landslide victory, Amy Wilburn remains Chair of the Delaware Bicycle Council by a 9-2 margin. The day's lingering winter storm didn't keep Council members away, each braving the cold and icy roads to cast their vote. Newly appointed member James Wilson (Executive Director, Bike Delaware) in a surprise and unexpected challenge, gained 1 vote on top of his own, barely registering a challenge to the long time incumbent. The result was no surprise, given Amy's tenure as one of Delaware's top bicycling advocates, and winner of Delaware's Advocate of the Year in 2011.

Some of the accomplishments that she is most proud of leading DBC through are:

• Vulnerable Users Law
• Three Foot Passing Law
• SB-120, which validates right turn-only lanes as through shoulders for bicyclists
• Driver’s education curriculum which has been accepted by Delaware’s public schools
• Creation of a motorist awareness video stemming from the Vulnerable Users Law
• Updates to the Delaware Driver’s Manual
• Bike lanes on the St. George’s Bridge
• Signal detectors that recognize bicycles in bike lanes

Amy is very excited about the victory. She is proud of DBC's many accomplishments during her years of service, and is looking forward to more great advocacy achievements in 2014!

Formidable foes? Amy Wilburn (L) and James Wilson (R) discuss terms during the 2011 Bike Delaware Goals Meeting.

UD absent when it comes to coaxing students out of cars

Five Ways Colleges Are Coaxing Students Out of Their Cars

By Angie Schmitt -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides bike valet at its football games. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill supports free transit for everyone in the region. The University of California, Irvine launched a bike-share system in 2009, long before any major city in California had done so.

American colleges and universities are leaders in reducing driving and promoting sustainable transportation. It allows colleges to make good on their commitments to protecting the environment. It makes life easier for students and staff. And, perhaps most critically, it’s saving schools big money on parking. Stanford University estimates its efforts to reduce solo car commuting have saved the school from sinking $100 million into the construction and maintenance of parking facilities.

Here are some of the smart ways universities have been able to reduce solo car travel, according to a new report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. PIRG is recommending cities hurry up and follow their lead. [Continue reading ...]

Poster's note: Another example of the University of Delaware falling behind and failing to progress when it comes to sustainability. As this article demonstrates, a lot more can be done to encourage car-free or car-lite living among students and faculty, thereby reducing congestion, noise, and carbon pollution on campus and city streets. Visit UD's Transportation Page to find out what is available, which doesn't include much in the way of incentives. 

Above: Cambridge University, in the UK, where even the POSH are denied having motor cars. Try and imagine what traffic would look like if this were not the case. You can view UD's Sustainable Climate Action Plan from 2008, which is supposed to guide the University in active and green transportation, among others.

Another example of UD's disregard for their own Sustainable Climate Action Plan can be found HERE.

Newark's 4th Annual Bike Swap, Coming March 1

Saturday, March 1, 2014 - 10:00am

Got a garage full of spare bike parts? Sick and tired of buying bike parts site-unseen online and paying to have them shipped to you? Your prayers have been answered!

The 4th Annual Trail Spinners Newark Bike Swap is here!

Stop by on Saturday March 1st for the fourth annual bike swap at the Aetna Fire Hall, located at the intersection of Rt. 273 and Kirkwood Highway in Newark DE, directly across from the new Wawa. The event features individuals and commercial (bike shops, etc.) vendors selling new and used bikes of all kinds, parts, accessories, clothing and more.

Doors will open at 8:30am to VENDORS ONLY. The swap will be open to the public (shoppers) from 10am - 2pm. Lunch will be available for an additional cost.

DATE/TIME: Saturday March 1st, 10am - 2pm. Visit the Event Webpage for complete details, including vendor rates, admission fees, a registration form, etc.

Share the Road Plaque Removal in Delaware: Fact Check

Compiled from DelDOT's Traffic Engineering Section

2007/2008: DelDOT converted from the “Delaware Special” bike warning/Share The Road (STR) sign, which included the STR wording above and below a small bike symbol, all on one yellow diamond sign, to the federally recognized bike warning sign (no words on diamond) with supplemental STR rectangular plaque under the diamond sign. There was no effort to universally change the old to new signs all at one time. DelDOT has changed out and will continue to change out the old signs as they are impacted by projects, are knocked down, or as they reach their service life. So you may still see some of the old signs in the field. It was also during this time frame that DelDOT began limiting the usage of the sign + plaque to roadways that had no or narrow shoulders.

Summer 2011, Delaware officially adopted the Delaware Manual of Uniform Transportation Control Devices (DE MUTCD), which is in substantial conformance with the 2009 federal MUTCD. The 2011 DE MUTCD included the STR plaque and specific guidance that the sign + plaque should only be used on roadways with no shoulder or a shoulder less than 4’ wide.

Between 2011 and 2013, comments began to surface from various bicycle advocates complaining about the STR plaque. As DelDOT had just adopted the 2011 MUTCD, which included public input, the agency did not want to make additional changes at that time.

7/17/13: DelDOT Traffic and Planning met with several Delaware bicycling advocates regarding the list of biking issues compiled by the Delaware Bicycle Council. Most of this meeting was spent going through the list and discussing possible short-term upgrades such as signing and striping. Several of the recommendations at specific locations have since been implemented and others are still in the works. One of the advocates brought the STR plaque issue up again at this meeting, as adding bike warning signs is the best DelDOT can do in the short-term in many of the locations where there are concerns.

7/17/13 - 8/9/13: Internal DelDOT discussions on the pros/cons of eliminating the STR plaque.

8/9/13: DelDOT emailed the known bicycling organizations and advocates known throughout the state, requesting comments on the preliminary recommendation to eliminate the STR plaque. DelDOT received some useful input on the topic. In addition, there were extensive blog postings on the Bike Delaware and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) sites (the DelDOT initiative did not start the ITE blog – it was already a topic under discussion).

9/30/13: Deadline for the submission of comments.

October 2013: As there were no significant objections to the proposed elimination of the STR plaque, DelDOT's Traffic Section drafted a final memo and circulated it internally within DelDOT for comment.

11/1/13: Memo is finalized, distributed, and posted on DelDOT’s web site.

2014 and beyond: Similar to the last time the bike warning/STR sign/plaque was modified, there is no plan to go out and comprehensively remove all the STR plaques. DelDOT will bring signs up to current standards/policy as they are impacted by projects, are knocked down, and when they reach their service life. This is how most traffic control devices are upgraded to new standards.

In the end, this was not a campaign led by Bike Delaware. DelDOT recognized an opportunity to eliminate controversy - with reduced sign clutter - and helped Delaware bicyclists seek a resolution with the input of multiple parties. As this discussion evolved over the years - and may continue to evolve, it has become an example of the long and winding road to progress. It is worth noting that DelDOT listened to the cyclists in this state and did not wait for an active campaign on the part of bike advocates to address this topic. For this reason, it is a good example of pro-active efforts on the part of the DelDOT. We look forward to seeing more positive examples of teamwork such as this in the future.

Related: Goodbye Share the Road (clarification)
More related articles HERE.

NBP's First Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Revisited

By Angela Connolly -- On Monday evening, February 3rd, Volunteers from the Newark Bike Project were welcomed to the organization's First Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner! The celebration, which was well attended by the enthusiastic group of Board Members and Volunteers, was held at Catherine Rooney's Irish Pub, just a few doors down from NBP's Main Street shop. Guests filled the second floor party room, and were treated to pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, followed by a hearty dinner, choosing from delicious selections like traditional Shepherd's Pie and Irish Wings, and favorites like burgers. In spite of the cold lingering from the day's winter storm, the pub's atmosphere was warm as Volunteers reflected on the past year, telling favorite stories and sharing experiences about volunteering at NBP. Stories told ranged from poignant, to inspiring, to amusing. Without a doubt, the work that they do and the community that they serve enriches the lives of the volunteers. They know that they are truly making a difference in the community.

And the needs of the community that they serve are never far from their thoughts. During dinner, Board member Sindhu Siva thanked Volunteers for their service, and told them of many upcoming events where Volunteers will be needed, including tabling activities to reach out to the community. If you have thought about volunteering, now is the time! They have many opportunities for everyone to get involved! It will also get you an invite to next year's most popular event in town, their next Volunteer Appreciation dinner!

Visit their webpage and Facebook page, or come by any Open Shop night - they will be glad to see you!

Above: Guests included Founding Member Jamie Magee, last on right, and NBP Chair Pat Correale, second from right

After dinner, guests moved downstairs to play shuffleboard and throw darts. It was a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship.

Who is advocating on-road safety in Delaware, Part 2

The second of a 4 part series, we now take a look at the many on-road projects undertaken by the Delaware Bicycle Council.

The Delaware Bicycle Council is tasked to represent the needs of all cyclists in this state by advising state agencies and otherwise promoting bicycling throughout Delaware - from road to trail, novice to expert, recreational to transportation. The Council works on behalf of  bicyclists of all stripes, and believes that by working on the LAB’s five E’s (engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and planning) we will make our state bike friendly. As it has for decades, the DBC strives to achieve progress in all of these areas. Although it takes a substantial amount of time to build a foundation in some of the five E’s, the DBC has accomplished much over the past five years.

The following are just some of the achievements that the DBC has been solely or partly responsible for since 2008. Some are with support and assistance from the White Clay Bicycle Club:

• Vulnerable Users Law
• Three Foot Passing Law
• SB120, which validates right turn only lanes as through shoulders for bicyclists
• Driver’s education curriculum which has been accepted by Delaware’s public schools
• Creation of a motorist awareness video stemming from the Vulnerable Users Law
• Updates to the driver’s manual
• Bike lanes on the St. George’s Bridge
• Bicycle memorial in the Smyrna Rest Area Memorial Garden

Based on DBC efforts, we can expect to see the following improvements over the next year:

• Bicycle awareness taught in driver’s education classes throughout the state
• Motorist awareness (video) promoted/distributed throughout Delaware
• Bicycle education included in DE State Police cadet training
• Bicycle facilities included in multiple pave and rehab projects
• Bicycle facilities, the result of a survey that was compiled and forwarded to Sec. Bhatt
• Signal detectors that recognize bicycles in bike lanes
• Bicycle safety messages on variable message boards

Also based on DBC efforts, we can reasonably expect to see the following over the next year or so:

• An updated vulnerable users law that will allow the DE State Police to apply the law under more circumstances
• Improvements to the application of tar and chip
• Legal pathway connection between Churchman’s Road and the Christiana Mall for bicyclists and pedestrians (joint DBC-Bike DE goal)
• Additional on-road routes
• Support B.E.S.T. - Bicycling Education and Safety Together committee

Because most of the present (and future) advocacy efforts above rarely see coverage from Bike Delaware, and DBC's webpage is not blog based, advocates at 1st State Bikes are eager to fill the void. Spread the word, and tell your friends to like us on Facebook!

Related: Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (Part 1)

Report: Protected Bike Lanes Mean Business

From the Alliance for Biking and Walking

It’s easy to see that we’re living in a changing country.

The economy is slowly bouncing back after the biggest slowdown since the Great Depression. For the first time in two generations, Americans are moving to cities in record numbers. And during all this, more and more people are expressing a preference for living in places where bicycling is easy and comfortable.

City leaders and business leaders alike are taking note. And, in responding to these trends, they have discovered an unexpected tool to create opportunities in growing downtown economies: the protected bike lane.

In a new report from PeopleForBikes and the Alliance for Biking & Walking, 15 entrepreneurs and business leaders from major U.S. cities explain how protected bike lanes - on-street lanes that are physically separated from automobile traffic by curbs, planters, parked cars or posts - has meant big benefits for their companies.

The report combines this original reporting with an overview of the latest academic and technical research to find changes associated with four mega-trends. [Continued ...]

Poster's note: Eliminate a side of car parking on Newark's Main Street in favor of a protected bike lane and increased bike parking.

Delaware Walk/Bike Summit set for March 21 in Newark

The Delaware Trail Summit and the Delaware Bike Summit have proudly joined forces to make our state an even better place to walk, ride, and live. Delaware State Parks, the Delaware Department of Transportation, the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and WILMAPCO invite you to attend Heels & Wheels: Delaware Walk/Bike Summit 2014. The summit will take place on Friday, March 21, 2014, at the University of Delaware’s John M. Clayton Hall in Newark. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for this event. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Pre-Register for Heels & Wheels - HERE

Cost to attend:  FREE

Heels & Wheels Agenda – please click here
Heels & Wheels Keynote Speaker - Dan Burden

Above: DelDOT Secretary Shaelin Bhatt prepares to speak at the 2011 Delaware Bike Bike Summit

102-year-old cyclist sets world record!

 Submitted by Gary Moses

(AP) -- Age hasn't slowed cyclist Robert Marchand.

The 102-year-old Frenchman broke his own world record in the over-100s category Friday, riding 26.927 kilometers (16.7 miles) in one hour, more than 2.5 kilometers better than his previous best time in the race against the clock two years ago.

By way of comparison, the current overall world record for one hour is 49.700 kilometers (30.882 miles) set by Czech Ondrej Sosenka in 2005.

Marchand, a retired firefighter and logger, also holds the record for someone over the age of 100 riding 100 kilometers (62 miles). He did it in four hours, 17 minutes and 27 seconds in 2012.  [Full article ...]

Bicycling Proposed as Delaware's Official Sport

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 235

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF A STATE SPORT.

WHEREAS, Delaware was ranked the 5th most bicycle friendly state in the United States in 2013; and

WHEREAS, bicycling is an accessible sport to people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Delaware hosts the Wilmington Grand Prix, which draws over 400 bicycle riders and 16,000 spectators each year, generating over $1.7 million in economic impact since 2012; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Cycling Association named the Wilmington Grand Prix a Tier 1 race, making it one of the top 10 criterium races in the country; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware General Assembly has made a commitment to encouraging bicycling through investment in the First State Trails and Pathways Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code by making insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 324. State sport.

Bicycling is the official sport of the State.

SYNOPSIS

This bill designates bicycling as the official sport for the State of Delaware.

Postere's note:  Stay tuned as more info becomes available.

Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware?

By demand of our readers, this is the first in a series of articles that will analyze the state of on-road bicycle advocacy in Delaware. Few can argue the progress made with off the road (segregated) facilities, most notably the Trails and Pathways initiative. Our state's primary advocacy organization - Bike Delaware - has played a major role with Walkable, Bikeable Delaware. They surveyed candidates, lobbied the General Assembly, and rallied key support where necessary - helping bring home millions of dollars in dedicated funding. It was a remarkable effort, and truly deserves kudos and praise not just from bicyclists, but all pathway users. But is such an exclusive focus on segregated facilities undermining on-road advocacy? Is at least some support coming from non or anti-cycling legislators, who think it's an opportunity to rid the streets of those pesky, traffic impeding bicyclists? There is evidence pointing in that direction, including an increasing disregard for DOT policies, design standards, and other guidance hard won by advocates in the past.

Over the next several weeks, we will examine how this might impact - or is already impacting infrastructure, education, enforcement, and other aspects of on-road bicycle advocacy. We'll be drawing excerpts from several different topics, some gleaned from the Delaware Bicycle Council-Bike Delaware Special Meeting on November 6, 2013, among other sources. The first will concern support for bike lanes in general, which began HERE at approximately :52 min. You can either listen in by dragging the play cursor to that time, or read the transcript below (recommended). The representatives involved in this discussion are as follows:

AA: Anthony Aglio, Delaware Bicycle Coordinator (DelDOT), AW: Amy Wilburn, Chair, Delaware Bicycle Council, CI: Carol Ireland, Secretary, Bike Delaware, DK: Drew Knox, President, Bike Delaware

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AA:  Does Bike Delaware Support Bike Lanes, and on-road bicycling?

AW:  That's been a question I think, a few of us have wanted to ask and .... 

AA:  It would truly make my job easier!

CI:  I would say the generic statement is absolutely yes.

AA:  Well, we have been to meetings where representatives of your organization have been calling bike lanes "meat grinders" to groups outside that we're working with, and that is detrimental then, to what you are saying.

CI:  Well, I've been in conversations with people where there are very different perspectives on whether they're good or not, and who they are good for, but the fact that we support bicycling at all levels, whether it's on trails or on roads, I think some of it is dependent upon the situation.

AA:  Well I would agree ...

CI:  And there, I guess I would also say that there may be times when we should perhaps deal with some of the discrepancies and the issues we have amongst ourselves, within our own groups before we go out and make public statements.

AA:  I assume that maybe that was done already. If I'm wrong to assume that, then you're correcting me, but ....

CI:  I'm not sure in all cases that it's been vetted in as a Bike Delaware policy. There have been a lot of different situations where we may or may not have the opportunity to weigh in.

AW:  It has been a little bit tough because we have gotten some mixed messages and, I guess that leads to the question that I really want to ask you guys, and have been wanting to ask ...

DK:  We've never taken a stand against that in any of our publications.

AA:  Well, you have representatives at meetings ...

DK:  I understand, you have already said that. But, our official line is what we publish. We have some mixed feelings about this, feelings range from, you know, you should be integrated and be just a regular part of traffic, you should be getting as many people biking as possible, and to do that you have to have bike lanes. But ...

CI:  But with bike lanes, you've gotta have sidepaths, which are completely separate ...

DK:  Thank you. So that's the range from left to right, and we haven't advocated for any one of those over another. We haven't. Go to our website, show me where we have. Frank authored it for 3 years, 4 years.

AW:  Well, Frank ... perhaps Frank would like to speak to this ...

DK:  Let’s, let's not get buried in argument about what the policy is. I'm telling you, we have not taken a stand on this one way or the other, and that's because we don't get down into the weeds that deep.

AA:  Well, meetings that representatives attend, maybe that should be your answer ...

AW:  There has to be a consistent voice.

DK:  That's fine, I agree, we need a consistent voice.

So if Bike Delaware is not looking out for the needs of all cyclists, including those who ride on our roads, then who is? Without the backing of the state's advocacy organization, obtaining on-road facilities continues to be a struggle - but progress is being made.

The following are a few of the DelDOT projects involving bike lanes that are being or have been initiated and/or promoted by other individuals and organizations. There has been little to no support from Bike Delaware as an organization, although in some cases, an individual member or members may have contributed.

• Bike lanes included in pave and rehab projects
• Compiled bike community’s list of concerns that was submitted to Sec. Bhatt (DelDOT will be making improvements in the spring, including installing bike lanes on Limestone Road)
• Bike lanes included as part of new road construction
• Bike lanes included as part of new business construction (per NCC code)
• Bike lanes on the St. George’s Bridge
• Bike facilities on Route 1 and other areas around the resorts
• Monitoring the condition of bike lanes
• Signal detection in bike lanes

Bike lanes, though controversial at times, are a key component to bicycle safety in Delaware, given the frequency of shouldered roads (including dedicated turn lanes and high traffic speed differentials). Intersection treatments are especially important, and find overwhelming support among transportation and recreational cyclists alike. Few dispute that the roads will continue as our primary means of travel by bike, far into the future. Therefore, we encourage Bike Delaware to actively promote increased safety with on-road infrastructure, or state their position otherwise.

A properly designed bike lane, in this case through a right turn-only lane, puts the bicyclist in the safest position relative to through and turning traffic. Hash marks indicate that bicyclists and cars are free to change lanes as necessary.

An improperly designed bike lane puts bicyclists in a less than optimal position relative to cars, in this case, to the right of right-turning traffic. It was this design - instead of the pocket lane above - that Bike Delaware advocated for at the Route 52/82 intersection north of Greenville. It will increase the likelihood of right hook collisions, unless cyclists move out and take the lane as turning vehicles try and overtake them. The safest approach with this lane configuration - straight/right combined - requires reducing the speed limit through the intersection, and adding sharrows and/or other shared lane treatments.

If only we could be like Hamburg

From The Guardian -- The German city is planning a green network that will cover 40% of the city area, contributing to resilience and allowing biking, swimming and nature watching in the city.

Boris Johnson, don't read this: there's a European commercial hub that promotes bicycling as the main mode of transportation. It is, in fact, embarking on a plan to build a network around bikes and pedestrians, linking car-free roads to parks and playgrounds, from the city centre to the suburbs.

Welcome to Hamburg, an environmental pioneer in the mould of its regional neighbour Copenhagen. Its planned green network will cover 40% of the city's area. "It will connect parks, recreational areas, playgrounds, gardens and cemeteries through green paths", Angelika Fritsch, a spokeswoman for the city's department of urban planning and the environment, tells Guardian Sustainable Business. "Other cities, including London, have green rings, but the green network will be unique in covering an area from the outskirts to the city centre. In 15 to 20 years you'll be able to explore the city exclusively on bike and foot." The green network will even connect animal habitats, enabling critters to crisscross the city without risk of being run over. Perhaps more importantly, the network will absorb CO2 emissions and help prevent floods when inevitable superstorms strike.  [Keep reading ...]

Poster's note:
Excerpt from today's Delaware On-line:
[Governor] Markell proposed spending $1.1 billion on roads over the next five years, $500 million more than currently planned.

What percentage of these funds - if any - will be spent on active and sustainable transportation modes, including real networks that actually connect to common destinations? While DelDOT and DNREC does fund some non-motorized infrastructure through Complete Streets and the Trails and Pathways program, it usually comes in the form of isolated trails and disconnected bike lanes. Hence, the need for Funding Pools and other dedicated sources of steady funding to make real network connections - both on and off the road.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of funds mentioned above will be spent on this kind infrastructure, and promoting more car-dependency. And it's not entirely Jack's doing, either; If any Governor was to spend the kind of money needed to truly green Delaware (or a city in Delaware) with non-motorized infrastructure, odds are he or she would be swiftly voted out of office for "wasteful spending".

PETITION: Bike/Ped Accommodations With New Susquehanna River Bridge

East Coast Greenway Alliance -- The East Coast Greenway (ECG) is a 2,900-mile National Millennium Trail connecting 15 states and more than two dozen major cities throughout the Eastern seaboard. The ECG is now 29% complete as trail, with 71% of the route on carefully-selected roadways. There are many challenges to building trail on the route, but one rises high above the rest: crossing the Susquehanna River. Did you know that in the state of Maryland there is no safe way to cross the Susquehanna on foot or by bike? The closest safe crossing is in Pennsylvania, over 23 miles upstream from Havre de Grace. With your help, we can change that.  [Keep reading ...]

Poster's note: A safe non-motorized crossing of the Susquehanna River has been the dream of many White Clay Bicycle Club members, and others who ride west through Cecil County en-route to Havre de Grace and points in Harford County. This new bridge upcoming may be the last chance for generations to come, so please sign the petition and spread the word!

A railroad span is seen in the distance, not far from the Lower Susquehanna Greenway in Harford County. The remains of an abandoned railroad can be seen in the foreground, overhanging the river edge.

B.E.S.T. meeting on 2/12 will focus on Curriculum, Pilot Program, Summit

By Ceci McCormick

The next meeting of the B.E.S.T. Group will be held on Wednesday, February 12th at 7:00 PM, at NHPS (Nemours Health & Prevention Services) in Newark (map). The agenda will include a review of the B.E.S.T. Curriculum (below), discussion of the criteria for an Active Transportation pilot program using this curriculum document, and presentation planning for the Heels & Wheels Summit in March. 

John and  Ceci will be co-hosting the Summit's Safety & Education' s session with Jennifer Baldwin, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator for Raleigh, N. Carolina. Information that will be presented during the session includes the following: 

B.E.S.T. Session: Heels & Wheels Summit 2014

Background:  In the fall of 2012, various advocates for increased participation in active transportation in Delaware discussed the need for some coordination among the groups. The belief was that sharing information, and supporting each other, would allow everyone to be more effective, powerful advocates for a healthier life style.

The initial brainstorming session was designed to begin to create alignment among bicycle advocacy groups, DelDOT, and state education officials regarding teaching an LAB-based Bicycle Safety Course to children in Delaware. The first meeting of this group was framed by a draft vision statement [“Teach a comprehensive bicycle safety course to every 5^th grade class in Delaware each year, so that in 10 years we’ll have an emerging adult population with an appreciation for cycling as an activity and lifestyle”] and a name [Bicycle Education and Safety Training [B.E.S.T.].  During that meeting, the name and vision statement began to evolve, based on the input of the participants. Currently:

• B.E.S.T. stands for Bringing Education and Safety Together

• The vision statement is: “Promote bicycling, walking, and public transportation (Active Transportation) in a way that engages the talents, energies and influence of the various advocacy groups and local, county and state resources, so that our collective efforts are aligned and coordinated, and Delaware’s active transportation initiatives are recognized  as a model program.

The Goal: Pilot an Active Transportation Program at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels during the 2014-15 school year, in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. This program offers a low cost, inclusive way to meet Delaware’s Physical Education Standards and increase physical activity for students in Kindergarten through 12^th Grade.

1. Use the Lifetime Fitness B.E.S.T. Curriculum as the basis for the program at each school.  The curriculum is specific to the transportation abilities of several age groups (e.g. K-2, Gr. 3-5) and develops an understanding of – and interest in – active transportation over time.
2. B.E.S.T. Members to support school personnel as they implement the program (e.g. email, on site, bring questions to a B.E.S.T. Meeting)
3. B.E.S.T. Members and school personnel to evaluate program at the end of the year and offer recommendations.

 

 

If you support the mission of B.E.S.T., and want to become more involved, please email Ceci or John McCormick today: j.c.mccormick[at]verizon.net

Transitional Bike Lanes Proposed For Saint Georges Bridge

From our good friend Anthony Aglio, Delaware's Bicycle Coordinator with DelDOT

"We are going to implement something like this, as seen on the right. The configuration allows cyclists to transition (to cross the turn lane) when there is a gap in traffic without being pinched at the end. This design provides a clear option to bicyclists, who otherwise may have to stop at the end - to the right of the right turn-only lane and cross it. It delineates space for bicyclists, thereby reducing the potential for an altercation. I personally believe that right turning cars will not be expecting a quick left by the bicyclists at the very end. With this treatment, that will still be possible but not the only legal option."

Poster's note: The transitional right turn-only lane treatment can be found in the AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Bicycle Facilities, Chapter 4 "Design of On-Road Facilities". For more information on the guide, and how you can purchase one, visit HERE.

A transitional bike lane can be found on Glasgow Avenue, heading south from Rt.40. Initially, the bike lane marginalizes bicyclists along a gravel edge, which we do not approve of. Once transitioned, however, it clearly provides optimal positioning for bicyclists navigating traffic in and out of Peoples Plaza.

Just south of the transition, the bike lane follows exactly where it should, providing a clear path to the left of all right turn-only lanes. Motorists are clearly more respectful of bicyclists when properly designed bike lanes are present.

DelDOT Announces Pave & Rehab Projects For 2014

The following Newark area roads are on DelDOT's Pavement and Rehabilitation schedule for 2014:

• Elkton Road, from the Maryland State Line to Route 4
• Cleveland Avenue, from New London Road to Kirkwood Highway
• Possum Park Road, Kirkwood Highway to Saint Regis Drive
• Pike Creek Center Road, from New Linden Hill Road to Limestone Road
• Airport Road, from Route 273 to Prestwick Drive
• Commons Boulevard, from Route 141 to Airport Road
• Walther Road, from Route 40 to Old Baltimore Pike
• Harmony Road, from Route 273 to Kirkwood Highway
• Wrangle Hill Road, from McCoy Road to White Birch Boulevard
• South Chapel Street, from Delaware Avenue to dead end
• Route 4, from Elkton Road to South College Avenue
• South College Avenue, from Marvin Drive to I95

According to Delaware's Complete Streets Policy, DelDOT will account for all modes of transportation during road reconstruction projects. Though not required, they also assess roads for bicycle facilities during pavement and rehabilitation, and will consider improvements if readily adaptable. A prime example is Glasgow Ave, between Route 40 and 896 (pictured above) where conditions were drastically improved for bicyclists navigating mall traffic to and from Peoples Plaza. So it is very important that advocates and citizens alike take the time to comment.

If you have any suggestions for how the above roads might be improved for bicycle safety, please contact our State's Bicycle Coordinator, Anthony Aglio at: Anthony.Aglio@state.de.us or comment below. The full statewide list can be found attached to the Bond Bill, starting at page 89.

Pedal Powered Snow Plows!

Amazing piece of ingenuity. Not only is this great exercise, but enviro-friendly too when considering that small engine vehicles and tools are not bound by strict emission controls.

Condition of St Georges Bridge Bike Lanes "Deplorable"

By Nancy Waddell, White Clay Bicycle Club

For those of you who like using the Saint Georges Bridge to cross the canal, be aware that the bike lanes are in deplorable condition. The southbound is especially unsafe, and you are advised to ride at your own risk. Northbound has several duckies (plastic bollards for lane separation) missing and lots of debris on the lane but southbound is beyond words.

In addition to the damage and debris, DelDOT reintroduced right turn-only lanes. Apparently, they did a study and it was needed for cars going into Saint Georges. Therefore, the bike lane continues on the right, and in the final approach, you'll have to diagonally cross over 55+mph traffic to get onto the bridge. Notice in the video that I had to stop to make sure both lanes were clear - you can never tell when someone will

Then DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks
and Senator Tom Carper at the St Georges
Bridge Bike Lanes Dedication in 2010.

decide at the last minute to dart into the right lane. Once on the bridge the majority of duckies are missing, most likely from vehicles striking them. The duckies at the base were removed during reconstruction of the lane. At first I thought it was going to be made into a merge lane for cars coming out of Saint Georges but apparently that won't be the case.

I made the above video to share with some on the WCBC executive committee. They, as well as a few other people I know have informed DelDOT that it is a major safety concern. DelDOT indicates that construction isn't complete yet and the bike lanes will be restriped with permanent markings.

Cyclists take to the Saint Georges Bridge Bike Lanes soon after completion in 2010.

Poster's notes:  Kudos to Nancy for bringing this issue to the forefront. For a complete history, including the opening ceremony, visit our Archive on this project. In studying the video, it does appear that the bike lane will be restored approaching the bridge, as indicated by hash marks. However, as Nancy clearly demonstrates, you must be fully aware of high speed traffic from the rear as you cross through the right turn only-lanes. We won't know how safe all of this will be until maintenance and re-stripe activities are completed. Must we settle for this design, let's hope cautionary signage and traffic calming measures are included, i.e. flashing yellow beacon(s).