Delaware's BEST: September Update

The B.E.S.T. (Bringing Education and Safety Together) Group was started last year because people from various organizations wanted to share information and accelerate efforts on active transportation being pursued in Delaware. In addition to networking, we have been developing a curriculum that supports Delaware State Standards for Physical Education.
 
There are six Physical Education Standards for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.  The following is from a draft version of our Lifetime Fitness Program Outline and addresses motor skills and movement patterns (Standard 1):

• Kindergarten-2nd Grade: Decision-making – when to run, walk, stop, start (pedestrians)
  
• Grades 3-5: On-bike Skills – start, stop, adjust speed
  
• Grades 6-8: Pre-driving Skills – travel on right, respond to traffic signs/signals (on bicycles)
  
• Grades 9-12: Life Long Health – slow race, relay race, sprint, distance/endurance  (on bicycles)

If you would like to become a part of this effort, please contact Ceci & John McCormick at johnandcecimcc@gmail.com

BEST Vision Statement: Promote bicycling, walking, and public transportation in a way that engages the talents, energies and influence of the various advocacy groups and local, county & state resources, so that our collective efforts are aligned and coordinated, and Delaware’s active transportation initiatives are recognized nationally as a model program.

Governor Jack Markell's 7th Annual Tour of Delaware Announced

HERE is the link for the route in Google Maps for this year’s Annual Bike Tour with Governor Markell on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4th.

Please note that the Tour will kick off at 9:00am in Middletown and is anticipated to end at 3:00pm in Dover.

If you are planning on participating, you must confirm with an email to Mr Corey Marshall-Steele, Governor Jack's Administrator. You will also need to include an emergency contact phone number, as well as your own contact information: 

Corey.Marshall-Steele@state.de.us

Among other things, the confirmation is necessary to ensure they have enough transportation back to the start of the route. So don't hesitate; RSVP today!

This ride has become an annual tradition in Delaware, as you meet, greet, and ride with one of the most, if not the most bike-friendly governors in the nation.

Governor Jack, 2nd from right, at the Delaware City rest stop during the 1st edition of the ride in 2007

A Warm Welcome for a Bike Rack

By Amy Wilburn -- Once upon a time, there was one small wheelbender rack in the parking garage shared by the Carvel State Building and the Redding City/County Building in Wilmington. Bicycles were crowded together, and some unfortunate souls were turned away for lack of space. The wheelbender rack supported the bicycles only by the front or back wheels, which risked deforming their lovely round shape. U-locks were useless. The bicycles were sad. But in August of 2013, the little wheelbender rack was joined by a brand new modern bike rack.

Wow! The new bike rack supports the bicycles by the frames instead of the wheels, and makes it possible to lock up both the frame and the wheels with a U-lock or a cable lock.

 

But not to worry. The little wheelbender rack is never lonely because it still has one loyal adherent. Lets just hope no one knocks it over!


 

Amy Wilburn is Chair of the Delaware Bicycle Council

Exciting new event Oct. 5 celebrates River Towns

From the event website -

River Towns Ride & Festival

Celebrating historic New Castle & Delaware City

The first annual River Towns Ride & Festival is a one-day event that is the first joint festival held between the two historic Delaware waterfront towns of New Castle and Delaware City. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, from noon-5pm.

The two towns are 10 miles apart and connected by the bike-friendly corridor of Route 9. Therefore, the event will feature a bicycling component that will have riders cycling between the two destinations. Competitive cyclists will be encouraged to participate in the River Towns Time Trial for cash and prizes while recreational cyclists can pick their distance and ride for fun or to earn a distance medal

While cyclists traverse between the two towns, festivals will be held in each town’s main square: The Green in Historic New Castle and Battery Park in Historic Delaware City. Activities include live music, rides, attractions, games, tours, vendors, food and drink.

A highlight of the event will be a craft beer festival held at Battery Park in Delaware City from 1-5pm. More than a dozen craft breweries will be participating. Those same craft beers will also be available at the restaurants located in Historic New Castle. Program, registration info, etc HERE.

Poster's note: This section of the Route 9 corridor does contain generously wide shoulders and few turn lanes for most of its length, and is thus seen as bike-friendly. However, conditions are in significant disrepair just south of Old New Castle. Unless this stretch has been repaved or repaired recently, expect a temporary loss of shoulder, cracks and potholes, debris, etc for about a 1 mile stretch.

Come visit, volunteer with NBP at Newark's Community Day

Newark Community Day is Sunday, September 15 from 11am to 4pm on the University of Delaware’s Green. The Newark Bike Project has space number 1542 which is immediately adjacent to Delaware Ave next to Sharp Hall (see map below). If you are available to volunteer or stop by the event, please do so and help spread the word about NBP!

If the weather looks questionable, you can call the Leisure Time Hotline at (302) 366-7147 to check if the event has been cancelled (Rain date next Sunday). Hope to see you there!

Angela Connolly tabling at the Trabant Center during Earth Week, April 2013.

Upcoming Education and Awareness Opportunities

Bicycle Safety Checks have been a big part of our bicycle safety outreach, especially to UD students, to provide safety information, free bike lights and helmets when warranted, and minor bicycle repairs. It also gives us an opportunity to preach a bit about the importance of riding with the direction of traffic, not wearing headphones while riding, etc.

This year the event has been expanded to four (4) dates!  East at a different locations to reach a board range of riders on campus.  See the dates/times/locations below and please volunteer to come out when you can!

• Weds, Sept 4th,  9 - 12,  Delaware Ave at the Mall
• Mon, Sept 9th,  1 - 4,  bridge to north campus
• Thurs, Sept 19th, 9 - 12, underpass to Rodney dorms
• Tues, Sept 24th, 11 - 2, Del Ave at the Mall

For further information, email Mike Fortner, Newark's Principal Planner at: MFortner@Newark.de.us

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

Newark Bicycle Project Mechanics Classes - next round will begin Monday, Sept 9th, from 6:30-8:30. Tentative Mechanics Class schedule as follows:

• Monday, Sept 9th: Basics (beginner)
• Monday, Sept 16th: Wheels + Brakes (intermediate)
• Monday, Sept 23rd: Drivetrains (intermediate)
• Monday, Sept 30th: Bearings + Bottom Brackets (intermediate)

Classes are $10 each, and do not need to be taken in order (although we strongly recommend that the basics class is taken before any of the intermediate level classes if you are new to bikes). The Park Tools "Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair" will also be available for purchase for $20. TO REGISTER: Please e-mail training@newarkbikeproject.org with your name, phone number, and which class(es) you plan to attend. Spaces are limited, so make sure to sign up soon!

For 2013, Three Bike Tours and a Surgery...

By Angela Connolly, Certified Medical Assistant -

There is nothing more frustrating for anyone to endure than chronic pain. When you lead an active lifestyle, and are a transportation/recreational cyclist, it seems even more unbearable to endure. Sometimes it takes a brave decision and a leap of faith to become fully functional again, and that is what Frank Warnock, this Blog's Admin, was inspired to do, by his desire to become as proficient a cyclist as he had been before his chronic low back and leg pain began to slowly take away the high level of cycling that he had enjoyed all of his life.

Disc rupture at the L4/L5 and
L5/S1 levels. Blackening of the
discs indicates dehydration.

Frank had suffered from chronic low back pain due to problems at the L4/L5/S1 levels. This is a common site for disc herniation, and in Frank's case, both levels had ruptured, with L5/S1 off alignment and in a "bone on bone" state. Although there are several possibilities, including cumulative trauma, his Doctors were unable to determine the exact origin of the problem. Two prior Discectomies and multiple steroid injections did not bring permanent relief, so a decision had to be made. Had he taken a conservative approach to the pain and done nothing, he would have risked becoming incapacitated someday. The vertebrae could have eventually fused over time, but in an inappropriate position, causing deformity and debilitation, and increased pain. An avid cyclist who looks forward to a lifetime of cycling, well into his advanced years, Frank found this possibility unacceptable, and he began to realize that a permanent solution had to be found.

Because Frank wasn't in constant pain, however, it was tempting to put off the decision. He would be reminded of the problem only when he hurt his back (which was so easy to do), most recently while on an almost thousand mile round trip tour to Lake Erie, PA. On this occasion, the simple action of lifting the front wheel of his bike over a curb set off the terrible pain. With each new injury, he would have to cope with moderate to severe pain for several days. It didn't take much to cause pain, only a simple movement, like lifting something, which, when he was unprepared for, would set off yet another attack of pain.

Frank, en-route to Lake Erie - via the Allegheny
Mountains - in mid June.

Before making the decision to undergo surgery, Frank had set three goals for himself to achieve for the year. Knowing that he faced a lengthy recovery, he wanted to enjoy touring with his friends from the White Clay Bicycle Club. The Hershey Weekend Tour and the Hawk Mountain Weekend were the tours that provided the preparation for the 12 day long Tour of Erie in June, combining for a total of 1,440 miles. Filled with hills and challenges, completing these Tours successfully gave Frank the encouragement to seek a surgical solution to his pain, so that he could continue to have many years of touring in his future.

Dr. Louis Quartararo

The journey to surgery began with the decision to seek out the best, state-of-the-art procedure that modern medicine has to offer. Traditional Spinal Fusions are routinely done through invasive, "open" procedures, which are very difficult for patients to recover from. Through an online search, we learned about the NJ Spine Institute, and Dr. Louis Quartararo, who specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery. "Dr. Q", as everyone calls him, is confident, reassuring, and very kind, and his office staff is exceptionally professional and helpful. Also caring for Frank was Jenny Reyes, Dr.Q's Physician Assistant. With this award winning and experienced team in place, Frank felt confident and certain that he had made the right decision to go undergo a PLIF procedure, which means Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Done Endoscopically, this highly sophisticated procedure is only performed by a few Surgeons around the country, as it takes additional training and expertise for a surgeon to master. Unfortunately, this advanced level of care is not available in Delaware, but it was well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive to Paramus NJ, one town over from Fair Lawn and the lovely planned community of Radburn, where he grew up.

Above: Xray from the front, post-
op. Note the Spinal Fusion Stimulator
wired in the upper left of the image.

Frank's surgery was performed on July 25th at the International Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery in Wyckoff, NJ. After the nearly four hour long procedure, he stayed overnight at the facility, and was discharged the next day, to recover at home. Dr. Q said that the surgery went very well, and now, at five weeks post op, the recovery period is well underway. In many ways, the surgery itself is only the first step. It will take several months of healing, physical therapy, and a good diet rich in protein and calcium, to insure a fully successful fusion. And there have been some bumps in the road, like severe nerve pain requiring a visit back to NJ, to the Pain Management Dr. Gregory Lawler, who works with Dr. Q to help control patients' post op pain. Dr. Lawler immediately understood the origin of Frank's post op pain and prescribed appropriate medication to help. With the pain under control, we are seeing real progress in his recovery. And although Frank can't wait to get back on his bike, he realizes that by resuming cycling, and other physical activities slowly, he is making an investment in his future health, and that once he is fully healed, he will be back on the bike stronger than ever. He is looking forward in the coming weeks to working with his Physical Therapist, Matt Hanling, to reach that goal. Matt has outlined his treatment plan and goals for Frank, and we are confident that with Matt's expert help and encouragement, the therapy will progress smoothly.

Frank would like to encourage anyone who suffers from chronic pain, and exhausted all conservative options, to investigate all of the surgical possibilities available for treatment. Also consider going outside Delaware if that’s what it takes to find the latest and greatest techniques available. Modern medicine and science have so much to offer, and the success rates are extremely encouraging! You can visit the NJ Spine Institute and learn about all of these treatment options.

Right: View from the side, post-op. Note the re-alignment and gains in vertebral spacing. Nearly 1" in lost height was gained back as a result.

Angela Connolly is a Certified Medical Assistant, most recently in practice with St. Francis Healthcare in Wilmington, DE. With prior experience in Gynecology/Urology, her experience caring for Frank has given her new insight and appreciation into the issues surrounding patients undergoing treatments for Orthopedic/Spinal conditions. As Frank's primary caregiver and companion in the surgical/recovery experience, she is happy to report that her patient has been positive, cheerful, and a pleasure to care for!

Public Workshop: U.S. 40 /SR 72 Intersection Improvements

From DelDOT's Website:

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is holding a Public Workshop to obtain comments from surrounding businesses and the general public for the capital project on SR 72. The project limits run along SR 72 approximately 600 feet south of Del Laws Road to the Belltown Run crossing of SR 72. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, September, 10, 2013 at Keene Elementary School, 200 LaGrange Avenue, Newark. The public is invited to attend any time between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

The project involves reconstructing the intersection of U.S. 40 and SR 72 to provide an additional through lane on each approach to U.S. 40. In addition to improving pedestrian and bicycle access, the project also includes providing double left-turn lanes along both U.S. 40 approaches to SR 72. The project includes installing a new traffic signal and realigning the intersection at Del Laws Road, and revising the intersection geometry at Broadleaf Drive to allow eastbound left-turns with an acceleration lane to access northbound SR 72. These modifications are proposed to address congestion issues through the intersection as well as to address safety concerns.

The proposed improvements have been refined since the original public workshop on July 19, 2005, when a preferred alternative was selected based on public feedback through the public involvement process.

The same intersection, from the middle of U.S. 40 looking south on SR 72, during reconstruction 5 years ago. This project left bicyclists in a much worse situation, as newly added pedestrian refuge islands left little to no shoulder space through the intersection. Fortunately, a policy has since been adopted to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Interested persons are invited to express their views in writing, giving reasons for support of or in opposition to, the proposed project. Comments will be received during the workshop or can be mailed to DelDOT Public Relations, P.O. Box 778, Dover, DE 19903. When applicable, we offer the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire online which will automatically get emailed to Public Relations.

Poster's note:  It appears as though AASHTO compliant bike lanes are to be included in the project. Still, bicyclists are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting, as with all meetings and workshops that have (or should have) a bicycling component. This particular intersection does see a lot of bicycle (and pedestrian) traffic, and it is critical that we not only reverse the damage done 5 years ago, but actually turn it around into something safer.

Drop "Share The Road" Plaque? Yes

Mark Luszcz, Chief Traffic Engineer, DelDOT wrote:

"There have been some discussions about the bike warning sign (W11-1) and supplemental SHARE THE ROAD (STR) plaque (W16-1P). Some have requested that we simply use the bike warning sign and abandon the STR plaque altogether. Some believe the plaque puts more onus on the biker to share the road than the motorist. As far as I know, there is no actual research showing the effectiveness of either the bike warning sign alone or with the STR plaque."

"I would like to get the Delaware biking community’s opinion on the use of the STR plaque."

Greetings, Mark.

We support the obsolescence of the "Share The Road" plaque because:

a) Most travel lanes in Delaware are substandard width (11-12' in most cases) and are impossible to share when factoring the 3' passing law, and

b) misinterpretation, leading to the usual defense of the driver that the W16-1P message is intended solely for bicycles.

We believe we should use W11-1 alone, as much as possible, especially along the more popular roads without shoulders, i.e. Upper Pike Creek Road. We must not forget that usage of this sign has been (to my knowledge) limited to warning drivers that bicyclists may be ahead, i.e. in a trail crossing or other brief road use situation - not actually riding the road as suggested by W16-1P. Therefore, the sooner we get started with this transition, the better.

Thank you so much for this superb effort on bicyclists behalf.

Ride on,
Frank Warnock
Delawarebikes.org

Poster's note: Mark has asked the bicycling community to comment on this issue. In the interest of consolidation, please visit this topic on Bike Delaware's website and comment there. Link HERE.

How effective is the NCC Unified Development Code for bicycles?

The New Castle County Unified Development Code, under Street Standards, provides that space for a bicycle lane "shall" be included in cases requiring a right turn-only lane. As follows, under section 40.21.130, the following is found:

"Where necessary, the developer shall provide acceleration/deceleration lanes along major roads, as determined by DelDOT, as well as right- and left-turn lanes and bypass lanes, depending on local conditions and the amount of traffic generated by the proposed development. Where such lanes are required, they shall be at the expense of the developer. Acceleration, deceleration, bypass, and right-turn lanes shall include space for bicycle lanes, as required by DelDOT."

Yet, it is not hard to find an example where this bicycle safety provision was lost or removed in newly drafted or updated redevelopment plans, even though the New Castle County Unified Development Code under Street Standards says it "shall" be included.

Below are 4 examples where I believe this requirement was disregarded because of a breakdown during the approval process, or, there were circumstances preventing its full or even partial implementation as required in the county code.

Above: Main entrance to the "Traditions at Chistiana" housing development off Chapman Road, Newark. According to an unnamed source at DelDOT, the need for a Right Turn-Only Lane (RTOL) became apparent after the first phase of the development was completed, and was later added by request of residents. Therefore, because the RTOL was not included in the original plans, the bike lane provision fell through the cracks.  

Above: Entrance to the Armed Forces Reserve Center on Rt.273 in Newark, a road designated on Delaware's Bicycle Map as a "regional bicycle route". New sidewalks, curbs, crosswalks, channelizing island, and "wave" style bike racks were installed. However, for reasons unknown, the bike lane provision was omitted. 

Above: Rt.4 entrance to the Delaware School for the Deaf, completed in 2011. This road has a 8' wide multi-use pathway that is also designated as the East Coast Greenway. The design and engineering that was chosen, however, render this as little more than a wide sidewalk that can have negative implications for bicyclists. Below: The condition of the asphalt is dismal at best, yet the fact that this facility exists was enough to forgo the bike lane requirement as part of DSD's final approval. Despite ample lane width on Rt.4 - a road determined to be an ideal bike lane candidate when it was reconstructed using ARRA funding in 2009 - the idea (brought forth by DelDOT Planning) fell on deaf ears.

On a personal note, I had written a blog post for Bike Delaware a couple of years ago on this same topic titled "Should Side Paths Trump Mandatory Bike Lane Requirements?" that was mysteriously deleted at some point after leaving my position on their board.

Above: The rebuilt entrance/exit to a newly renovated 4 Seasons Plaza in Glasgow, off of Rt.896, which will contain a Shop Rite Super Center. According to DelDOT, it is a pre-existing entrance, so the developer was not required to make any changes. However, it was requested that the pedestrian access facilities be brought up to standard, and the developer agreed to pay for it. While this is certainly welcome and likely spurred by concerns over the American Disabilities Act (ADA), it is with great shame that the "Street Standards" section under NCC code 40.21.130 is viewed as having little to no value, despite the fact that this area sees plenty of  bicyclists and pedestrians passing by or entering the shopping center. For those riding past the entrance, the risk of being "right hooked" is especially high.

Above: Kirkwood Highway at Harmony Road, the site of a new WaWa Super Store where NCC Code was met and bike lanes installed. However, as the cyclist in the distance is about to demonstrate, one is forced to move out into the high speed lane to avoid a traffic channelizing island (aka Pork Chop) before entering the properly designed bike lane. This came as quite a surprise, since DelDOT policy requires a 5' offset (4' in exceptional cases) between these islands and the white edge/shoulder line through intersections. DelDOT was notified via email on May 22, and agreed the island configuration is incorrect and will work on a mechanism to get it adjusted. However, no time frame was given.

Poster's Note: In summary, the above examples clearly illustrate that road advocacy must remain a top priority in our state. It is not my intention to blame DelDOT, New Castle Country, or anyone else involved in the development approval process that have led to these failures. But it is my opinion that road advocacy has taken a back seat to the interests surrounding Trails and Pathways, and the notion of reducing the amount of bicyclists on the roads. That said, I acknowledge that these agencies have performed some excellent work in other areas and projects. I appreciate their efforts, and I will continue to highlight these positive examples as well in the coming weeks and months.

Newark Bicycle Comittee Meeting on August 22

Attend a Newark Bicycle Committee meeting and become part of a community of cyclists who are working hard to improve safety and Newark's status as a bicycle-friendly city. Probably the most exciting project at this time is the creation of the city's Bicycle Plan, and beginning the implementation of bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Drop by and learn more!

AGENDA:

1.    Introductions

2.    Newark Bicycle Plan.

a.    Newark Bicycle Plan Update

3.    Community Day – 9/15/13

4.    Old Business

a.    Bicycle Improvements/ Sharrows – Part II

5.    New Business

6.    Adjourn


Volunteers are appreciated for all events and committee work. Meetings are held monthly at WILMAPCO on the 3rd Thursday, 4 p.m., click here for directions. Send us an email to be added to the committee email list.

Visit NBC's homepage for complete details.

Public Workshop: City of Wilmington Bike Facility Improvements

By Tamika Graham -- The City of Wilmington and its Bicycle Advisory Committee is aiming to capitalize on its past success of promoting bicycling with budget-friendly safety improvements. On November 2010, Wilmington successfully installed sharrow lane markings along Market Street in the downtown area - the first installation in the state of Delaware. Sharrow lane markings help convey to motorists and bicyclists that they must share the roads, and indicate a preferred path of travel and positioning for bicyclists relative to parked motor vehicles. This marking was formally introduced through the 2009 version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which provides standards for traffic control devices, and has become very popular among states and cities aiming to encourage the safe coexistence of bicyclists and motorists. Wilmington bicyclists have noted the visible improvements in the downtown area and are often seen positioning themselves along the markings.

An application was submitted through the former Transportation Enhancements program (presently known as Transportation Alternative Program) for a variety of improvements citywide.  Using 80% of federal funds through this source will help the City leverage its limited resources.  Members of the public are invited to comment on a proposed north-south, east-west bicycle route that will consist of sharrow lane markings and bicycle directional signage through several neighborhoods across the City. This proposed project will implement recommendations from the adopted Wilmington Bicycle Plan to promote bicycle usage and safety. An open house public workshop will be held on Thursday, August 22nd, anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the main lobby of the Louis Redding City/County Building, 800 N French Street, Wilmington, 19801. Staff from the City of Wilmington, DelDOT consultants, and WILMAPCO will be present to answer questions. For more information, visit us on line HERE.

View Larger Map

Trails and Pathways Left Behind: Commons Boulevard

Some Trails and Pathways projects will serve as important connections for existing commuters, and some will create opportunities for new commuters where it was previously unsafe or impossible. But it is more likely that most, if not all Trails and Pathways projects will enhance Delaware from a recreational standpoint. Car trips eliminated from any new crop of commuting cyclists may be offset, or even increase as a result of folks racking up and driving their bike to a trailhead. Certainly, biking for exercise is important from a health and wellness standpoint.

What about projects whose main objective is to circumvent dangerous roads? The Industrial Track Rail Trail does just that. When complete, it will allow bicyclists to avoid Route 9 - and everything along Route 9 - between Old New Castle and Wilmington. But noticeably absent from any consideration is Commons Boulevard in New Castle. AASHTO grade bike lanes installed on Airport Road in 2007 disappear into a 4 lane high speed arterial road, where traffic is especially hostile and intolerant of bikes during peak times. Except for the brazen, there is no safe way to reach Reeds Way – home to Wilmington University, Wesley College, and New Castle County’s Govt Center – as well as the New Castle County Airport by bike.

  

View Larger Map

Above: The point at which the bike lanes on Airport Road disappear into the curb at the start of Commons Blvd. Few cyclists would attempt this during peak travel times unless riding in a group. Right lane Sharrows are out of the question given the high speed environment. You can advance forward or circle around by clicking on the arrows.

Here is a pathways opportunity that would put a significant area of NCC back on line for bicyclists. Such projects should be high priority when it comes to patching together real bikeway networks that use both on and off-road facilities.

Reporting a road condition or safety hazard - does it work?

Newark area bicyclists have a few options for reporting hazardous road and pathway conditions. Below are the 3 most common:

DelDOT Report a Road Condition
DelDOT Public Relations monitors this on-line form, and forwards the maintenance alert to the appropriate district. In my own experience, success varies depending on the nature and challenge involved. But more times than not, they answer the call - it just might take a few weeks. Debris in the shoulder is probably the most common request, but hopefully, sweeping reform is on the way.

Newark Report a Road Condition
A new service under the direction of Tom Coleman, Assistant Director of Newark's Public Works Department. Requires log-in to access. No personal experience as of yet, but several fixes (potholes, cracks, etc) were quickly performed upon email request after Tom took office. Evidence suggests that the City is putting a sharper focus on bicycle safety, and is even willing to perform surface repairs on DelDOT maintained roads. Thanks so much, Tom!

New Castle County Property Maintenance Complaint System
Many are unaware of this valuable service offered by New Castle County to address code violations. Mainly for issues related to adjacent property, including pathway maintenance, overgrowth, litter/debris, etc. A description of the violation is recorded, then assigned a case number and investigator. The case number can be used to track the complaint as it moves through the system, and to monitor it's progress.

I successfully used the NCC service in the repair of potholes and clearing of loose gravel along the Route 72 sidepath just south of I95. Only drawback was the turn around time. After about 6 months, and despite tracking results showing "still in progress", I had given up hope anything would happen.

 

Then, one day out of the blue, the gravel was removed, potholes filled, and there was a confirmation email from NCC closing the case. Thank you, NCC!

In the interest of safety and consideration, bicyclists should bookmark these reporting services and actively use them. If a property owner is involved, as seen above, it is best that they be contacted first and given the opportunity to rectify the situation.

Do you have any experience with the above services? Tell us in the comments section below.

NO to Super WaWa at Apple and Elkton Roads in Newark

A super WaWa here, with as many as 12 gas pumps, would seriously impact bicycle safety in the area. Both Elkton and Apple road are popular bicycle routes.

By Carol R. McKelvey -- The SMSCS, South Main Street Coalition for Safety is a concerned group of residents who are opposing a Special Use Permit for WaWa to put gas pumps on the parcel at South Main Street (Elkton Road) and Apple Road.

The parcel is located across from the City Municipal Building.

We feel it will negatively effect Traffic safety of the area, and the safety of Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and the residents of the nearby community. We are meeting together to keep abreast of the facts and processes of city government regarding this parcel of land. Please join us to learn and understand the impact these gas pumps will have on your community.

We have had about 7 meetings and will have another July 15th at 12:30 pm at our home. We are planning to organize a complete presentation for the Planning and City Council. We want to include data like Heather Dunigan presented at NBP's Community Meeting to demonstrate that this will be unsafe.

The applicant, WaWa, has to prove it will be safe ... and conversely we have to prove it will be unsafe. We will produce a bicycle section, a traffic section, an environmental section and a pedestrian section. We want it before these groups on an equal basis with WaWa.

We need to enlarge our emailing list so that we have the ability to reach more people. If you would like to get involved, or stay abreast of the details as they unfold, contact:

Carol R. McKelvey, 48 Winslow Road, Newark, DE  19711
(302) 369 8711, or (302) 743 7796
mckelveycarol@gmail.com

The new Super WaWa at the corner of Rt.273 and Marrows Road. In typical fashion, this retailer shows little to no interest in bicycle or pedestrian safety. At this particular location, advocates - in conjunction with the City of Newark - had to enforce mandatory bicycle parking and ADA compliant sidewalk access to the parking lot.

Biking into - or past this WaWa requires advanced vehicular bicycling skills, and knowing where to position one's self in the lane of traffic.

Poster's Note: Not only are these Super WaWa stores inherently unsafe for bicyclists and pedestrians with their cars-only design, it is totally out of character with the downtown Main Street environment that the City says they promote. It is difficult to believe we even have to fight this battle, but short term profits often trump common sense.

In Memory of Bicyclists

Cross-posted from Bike Delaware's website

Three days short of a year after Bob Wheeler died tragically, after being hit by a car while out on a recreational ride, a new area in the Smyrna Memorial Garden was dedicated. On June 25, six WCBC/Bike DE members, Amy Wilburn (chair of the Delaware Bicycle Council), and Anthony Aglio and Jim Westhoff from DelDOT met at the Memorial Garden to place a sign identifying an area as a Bike Memorial. In addition, we placed a brick along the sidewalk “In Memory of Bob Wheeler – June 28, 2012.”

Three days short of a year after Bob Wheeler died tragically, after being hit by a car while out on a recreational ride, a new area in the Smyrna Memorial Garden was dedicated.  On June 25, six WCBC/Bike DE members, Amy Wilburn (chair of the Delaware Bicycle Council), and Anthony Aglio and Jim Westhoff from DelDOT met at the Memorial Garden to place a sign identifying an area as a Bike Memorial.  In addition, we placed a brick along the sidewalk “In Memory of Bob Wheeler – June 28, 2012.”

I shared a few thoughts at the dedication of the memorial.

“Bob was a giant when it came to bicycling and the White Clay Bicycle Club. He was a founding member of WCBC in the 1970’s, and contributed to the development of some of the major rides.  More recently, Bob helped us learn how to use the GPS, taught us how to make cue sheets using his tool “Googly Cue”, searched out shady roads to ride on hot days and bike paths tucked away in secluded corners, and he shared cue sheets on his website.  He fixed our bikes, sometimes in his home shop but often on the road, adjusting brakes, replacing gear cables, changing tires. At the time of his death, Bob was 81 years old, but still riding strong. [full story ...]

LAB Traffic Skills 101 Course: Dover

On Saturday, July 13th, Paul Hess, along with Ceci & John McCormick will teach a Traffic Skills 101 Course for bicyclists at the DelDOT Administration Building in Dover.

This one day class is designed to increase your confidence while cycling on the road. Classroom instruction and skill drills will be followed by a group ride to practice what you've learned.

To register or ask questions, email the McCormicks at: johnandcecimcc@gmail.com or call 302-528-1773 or 302-668-8749.

Bicycle-Friendly Infrastructure, Education, and Stupid People

Stumbled across this excellent quote from the WashCycle:

"Sharrows imply that cyclists are not allowed on other roads"

Do they? I used to hear this same argument about bike lanes. And drivers also think that a bike path means we should not be in the road. I suppose cycletracks could imply the same thing, no?

That people are stupid is not an argument against them.

Not to overcharge this, but people used to argue that dressing a certain way implies that a woman is "asking for it" but we know that she is not.

This same argument has also been used to undermine Share The Road signs, which we know have issues concerning standard lane width and true sharing (in the sense that bikes and cars cannot co-exist within a 11-12' lane considering the 3' passing law). But clear majorities would agree that, overall, there is a net positive in STR for on-road awareness.

It has also been argued that some drivers interpret STR as not applying to them - just to the bicyclist.

Excellent quote continued:

We can't make decisions on what the ignorant are going to imply from those decisions. We have to make the decisions that are best and then try to educate people.

Words of wisdom!

Here is the latest Delaware Driver Manual (pdf), available both on-line and in print. Check out the sections on bicycling, which offer tips for both drivers and cyclists to promote understanding and help all of us to safely share the roads. And because it is used in the schools, it is promoting a more enlightened generation of motorists and cyclists. Most info related to bicycles can be found starting on page 93 under “Other Highway Users”. The manual was updated as a result of Delaware’s recent Vulnerable Road Users Law, which offers enhanced legal protections for bicyclists, as well as other non-motorized users of the public right of way.

Will this alone increase respect for bicyclists as legitimate road users? Not likely. But it is a major step in the right direction. We also need to reform the driver license renewal process to include re-education, increase many fold the liabilities for striking a non-motorized road user, and enforce distracted driving penalties commensurate with DUI. Only then would I feel safer sharing the road with Delaware drivers, some of whom spend more time looking at their i-pad, i-phone, i-whatever, than through the windshield.

That said, a huge tip of the helmet to Amy Wilburn and the Delaware Bicycle Council, and to Anthony Aglio, the State Bicycle Coordinator, for pushing through the above reforms in what amounted to a wonderfully cooperative effort with DMV. Delaware cannot, and should not be ranked highly as a Bicycle Friendly State without taking a holistic approach to bicycle safety, as found in other state's advocacy organizations. This includes education, enforcement, and the encouragement of roads - not just Trails and Pathways - as a means of multi-modal transportation. We salute those of you out there working tirelessly to make this happen.

Report: Cellphones cause far more crashes than recorded

From the Washington Post -

Cellphone use is a factor in far more fatal crashes than anyone realized, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Safety Council.

The council found that even when drivers said they were using their cellphones at the time of a crash that admission was not recorded in accident reports that have been compiled for use in the national debate on distracted driving.

“We believe the number of crashes involving cellphone use is much greater than what is being reported,” said Janet Froetscher, the council’s president. “Many factors, from drivers not admitting cellphone use, to a lack of consistency in crash reports being used to collect data at the scene, make it very challenging to determine an accurate number.”

Researchers reviewed 180 fatal crashes over a three-year period where there was evidence that the driver was using a cellphone. In one of those years, 2011, only 52 percent of the crashes were recorded in the national data base as cellphone-related.  [full article ...]

NY Times: The End of the Car Culture

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ambitious goals to curb the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions, unveiled last week, will get a fortuitous assist from an incipient shift in American behavior: recent studies suggest that Americans are buying fewer cars, driving less and getting fewer licenses as each year goes by.

That has left researchers pondering a fundamental question: Has America passed peak driving?

The United States, with its broad expanses and suburban ideals, had long been one of the world’s prime car cultures. It is the birthplace of the Model T; the home of Detroit; the place where Wilson Pickett immortalized “Mustang Sally” and the Beach Boys, “Little Deuce Coupe.”

But America’s love affair with its vehicles seems to be cooling. When adjusted for population growth, the number of miles driven in the United States peaked in 2005 and dropped steadily thereafter, according to an analysis by Doug Short of Advisor Perspectives, an investment research company.  As of April 2013, the number of miles driven per person was nearly 9 percent below the peak and equal to where the country was in January 1995. Part of the explanation certainly lies in the recession, because cash-strapped Americans could not afford new cars, and the unemployed weren’t going to work anyway. But by many measures the decrease in driving preceded the downturn and appears to be persisting now that recovery is under way. The next few years will be telling.  [full article ...]