Who is advocating on-road safety in Delaware, Part 4

In wrapping up this series, we take a closer look at Delaware on the Es of Education and Enforcement, as defined by the League of American Bicyclists. First, it is important to know that the LAB has a long history, and has been very outspoken on these critical facets of bicycle advocacy. From their own website, all 5 are explained:

The Essential Elements of a Bicycle Friendly America: Each Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University recognized by the League is different. Each with their own natural benefits and challenges from climate and topography to culture and population density. But there are essential elements across five categories known as the Five E’s that are consistent in making great places for bicycling.

Though we touched on several of the efforts below in Part 2, we felt it was important to put an additional spotlight on Education and Enforcement, because we have made a lot of progress in Delaware. It is ironic that the State's only Advocacy organization recognized by the LAB fails to actively advocate within these guidelines. As a result, with minimal support, the Delaware Bicycle Council has been the key player when it comes to defining bicyclists as legitimate road users, and keeping Delaware State traffic laws on the side of bicycles and other vulnerable road users. At 1st State Bikes, we read news daily from other states, how most fail to prosecute distracted and aggressive drivers who injure or kill bicyclists. Yet, it comes as no surprise that study after study puts drivers the most at fault when crashing with a bicyclist.

Legislation (label)

• Vulnerable Users Law
• 3 Foot Passing Law
• SB-120 (legalizing right turn lanes as continued shoulders for bicyclists)

Enforcement (label):

• Information about bike laws and bicycling in DSP Cadet Training beginning in February 2014
• Efforts to publicize laws within police departments (more needs to be done)
• Monitoring crashes to ensure that V.U. Law is applied appropriately

Education (label)

• Information on bicycling as part of high school driver’s education classes beginning in 2014.  Curriculum includes a power point presentation and a video (below) produced by the League of Illinois Bicyclists, one of the most balanced advocacy organizations in the country.
• Information for bicyclists and motorists about sharing the road on the electronic message boards at the DMV
• “Bob Wheeler” motorist awareness video: It Only Takes a Second
• Currently working on ensuring that information about sharing the road with bicyclists is included in defensive driving classes. The presentation has been submitted to the Department of Insurance for consideration.
• Support and participate in bike rodeos and safety check points (DelDOT is taking the lead on these).
• Educate the public about recent laws. Driver’s education, DMV, and Bob Wheeler video should help with this effort.

Other Group Efforts:

• B.E.S.T. (Bicycling Education and Safety Together) has developed a curriculum to teach active transportation in the schools at all grade levels and is in the process of recruiting schools for a pilot program. B.E.S.T. is also coordinating with the various programs that are already in the schools under Safe Routes to School, DelDOT, etc.
• Nemours, Christiana Care, Safe Kids, and the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension work on teaching bike safety to kids.
• LCI programs to teach bike skills and safety to adults.

Though most laws designed to protect bicyclists and other vulnerable users remain grossly insufficient, these are still significant milestones that we can and will build on. They are a big step in the right direction and have resulted in penalties not seen in other states. Combining these efforts with solid education opportunities for kids, aspiring adults, and police officers will combine for a more just and safer riding environment throughout the State of Delaware.

One simple aspect of education and enforcement is trail and pathway crossings. In Massachusetts, crosswalk enforcement is taken very seriously - and the results are immediately obvious. With few exceptions, cars begin stopping immediately when bicyclists or pedestrians approach a crosswalk. This is anything but the case throughout most of Delaware. This sign is an example of where Funding Pools can be utilized - an inexpensive safety improvement to existing infrastructure. Sadly, to date, Bike Delaware has failed to support the DBC in the effort to secure these funds.

Related:
Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (Part 1)
Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (Part 2)
Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (Part 3)

Who is advocating on-road safety in Delaware, Part 3

The third of a 4 part series, we will now highlight the specific on-road infrastructure improvement projects going on around Delaware.

1st State Bikes and the Delaware Bicycle Council both believe that on-road bicycle safety and infrastructure is at least as important - if not more important than off-road or segregated (i.e. bike path) facilities. The successful planning of any bicycle-friendly network comes with an understanding that we must rely on our roads and arterial highways, if we are to ride from home thus reducing auto dependency. In this regard, a balanced approach to advocacy is vital in the success of any bike-friendly community, city, or state.

So, what is going on around Delaware in terms of on-road safety improvements? Several key projects are nearing fruition - or ongoing - that will not only help our current cycling population, but perhaps encourage others to start riding. According to a study conducted in Portland OR, the "Enthused and Confident" are the best hope for growing bicycle mode share.

Failure to improve our roads for bicycle safety will only result in more car trips, as folks will rack up and drive with their bikes over to the nearest bike path facility. The below on-road infrastructure projects are designed to help turn things around (you can preview an acronym definitions list HERE).

Enforcement of Bicycle Facilities with the New Castle County Building Code
A bike lane and bike parking are required with new developments in New Castle County that contain a right turn-only lane entrance. It appears too many waivers are issued, however. The following was recently provided to Delaware Bikes by Delaware's Bicycle Coordinator.

• As of January 28, going forward, Bicycle/Pedestrian Staff will be the deciding factor on bike lane requirements. This includes environmental, ROW, and safety limitations.
• Current policy states that if there is no shoulder, or there is an existing right turn lane, a bike lane is not considered if current requirements are met.
• If a right turn deceleration lane is not warranted for new development, we don’t get a bike lane.

Without something in writing, we cannot legitimately confirm this. We must also advocate for a change to the policy, that it shall include the bike lane if a right turn lane pre-exists or it is a redevelopment plan. Anthony Aglio, Delaware's Bicycle Coordinator, has been a true friend and ally to bicycle advocates going back many years. Working in Planning, he will help us stay on top of this. Stay tuned for more.

Funding Pools for Small-Medium Size Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects
Funding Pools are a proposal by the Delaware Bicycle Council to restore funding for small-medium sized bicycle and pedestrian projects.

• Slush funds are allocated to each county to pay for smaller projects that can greatly improve on and off-road bicycle networks and connectivity.
• Not long ago, Funding Pools were a regular part of DelDOT's budget.
• The Paper Mill Road bike lanes were made possible by Funding Pools, and are a favorite among area bicyclists connecting Newark and Pike Creek.
• Re-establishment of Funding Pools received the support of Governor Markell and Sec. Bhatt in 2012, as well as most other bike related organizations in the State. Bike Delaware and Delaware Greenways were the only two that did not support Funding Pools.
• The Funding Pools were to be a part of the $13 million dollars that the General Assembly voted to allocate to bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
• Although efforts were made towards developing the logistics of the Funding Pools, the funding never materialized. Instead, virtually all of the $13 million went to trail planning, design, and construction over the next several years.

Funding pools remain stalled, although they are an active Delaware Bicycle Council goal. It will be difficult, if not impossible to create viable bicycling networks without them.

Pavement and Rehabilitation

With the help of 1st State Bikes and the State’s cyclists, the Delaware Bicycle Council continues to review upcoming pave and rehab projects, and to issue recommendations to install bike facilities along bike routes and other roads that are a valuable part of the state’s bicycle network. This has been an ongoing struggle since 2009, much of it related to our lack of the shared right turn-only lane treatment described below, which is very much in progress. Stay tuned as this effort continues to grow, given added tools in the toolbox.

Removal of "Share the Road" Plaque (from Bicycle Warning Signs)
A consensus was reached among advocates that many drivers were misinterpreting "Share The Road" as only applying to bicyclists. In addition, it is not possible to share a sub-standard width lane (under 13 feet, which accounts for most) when factoring the 3 foot passing law.

• A complete history of DelDOT's Bicycle Warning Sign, and the eventual removal of "Share the Road" wording as part of it, can be found by clicking the above link.
• DelDOT's Chief Traffic Engineer, Mark Luszcz, listened to Delaware bicyclists and advocates and did not wait for an active campaign to address this topic.
• Mark Luszcz solicited comments from multiple advocates and bike related organizations.
• As of 2014, the Share The Road "Plaque", will no longer be included with Bicycle Warning Signs.

This was a great example of consensus building among our state's cyclists and bicycling organizations.

Secretary Bhatt's Bucket List 
This is a special projects list that was requested by Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt, and acted upon by the Delaware Bicycle Council.

• Several recommendations are in progress now, including the addition of bike lanes on Limestone road north of Millcreek.
• Most of the improvements listed will be seriously considered with future Pave & Rehab projects.

The approval of the Shared Right Turn-Only Lane treatment below will help produce more complete projects and retrofits.

Shared Right Turn-Only Lanes
This goal was originally conceived during the early years of Bike Delaware by a former member of Bike Delaware. The below list was compiled by DelDOT's Traffic Section, and provided to 1st State Bikes, and we tip our helmet to them.

• Aug 2012: First meeting of Research Advisory Panel.
• Fall 2012: Survey efforts undertaken, including data collection and analysis.
• Feb 2013: Progress report including results of part 1 (survey) of research.
• Mar 2013: Second “advisory panel” meeting.
• Apr 2013: DelDOT/UD discuss in more detail possible field study locations and make selections for first 3 locations, one for each option.
• May 2013: DelDOT staff assigned to review 3 field locations to confirm “before” conditions are acceptable and meet current MUTCD standards. 2 of 3 are good. 1 requires minor signing/striping modifications.  DelDOT staff begins developing detailed signing/striping plans required to implement experimental RTOL conditions.
• June 2013: Minor signing/striping modifications complete; all 3 locations good for “before” data collection.
• July-Sept 2013: “Before” data collection undertaken.
• Nov 12, 2013: Implementation complete for experimental RTOL conditions at all three locations.

We are now in the final stage of approval, which includes collecting the "After" data at all three locations. Stay tuned for more, as this exciting project concludes.

Sweeping Reform
Details provided by Randy Cole, DelDOT's Environmental Program Manager

• Sept 2012: A former Bike Delaware Advocate collected comments and submitted a database of sweeping "hot spots" to DelDOT's Maintenance and Operations Division.
• As fate would have it, DelDOT was due for a new NPDES permit, and submitted an outline to DNREC describing an improved strategy for implementing the Storm Water Management Plan (SWPP&MP), due by May 7, 2014.
• The SWPP&MP will lay out the specifics and measurable goals for the various elements, including DelDOT's Sweeping Program. This includes additional emphasis on "reflection" zones (those with curbs/barriers, such as bridges) that typically collect more debris.
• As of Oct 2013, a pilot study was in progress.
• When the sweeping plan is finally submitted to DNREC, it may go through several iterations before it is approved.

Still a few months away from full implementation (as of Oct 2013). We can expect an update on this project very soon, by Spring at the latest.

That's all we have for now. Stay tuned to DelawareBikes.org, your #1 source for advocacy news in today's built environment. And tell your friends!

Related:
Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (Part 1)
Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (Part 2)

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)

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.

Delaware Bicycle Council's Stunning New Driver Awareness Video

In June of 2012, long time cyclist, Bob Wheeler, died immediately following a crash with a motorist at the intersection of Marsh Rd and Baynard Blvd in North Wilmington. The motorist was making a left turn and failed to yield to Bob. She was sentenced under the Vulnerable Users Law. The following video is the product of the community service element of her sentence which required her to participate in the making of a motorist awareness video under the auspices of the Delaware Bicycle Council. Click on the image below to open the video:

In 2010, Delaware passed a law to protect vulnerable users, including bicyclists and pedestrians. The law creates additional penalties, including education and community services, for motorists whose careless or inattentive behavior contributes to the serious injury of a vulnerable user who is lawfully in the public right of way.

Road safety, in terms of education and enforcement are not the most glamorous aspects of bicycle advocacy. Without the efforts of the Delaware Bicycle Council, and advocates working alongside them on these issues, Delaware would not have come close to achieving its award as a Bronze top 10 Bicycle-Friendly State. For a complete rundown of who's advocating for on-road safety and infrastructure, and a list of current projects and proposals, check out our ongoing series "Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware"

We Love Senator Karen Peterson - Here's Why

Because she has an eye on our safety and gets things done.

On November 10th, I contacted Senator Peterson concerning bicycle and pedestrian safety, crossing Route 273 at Red Mill Road in Ogletown. I live about a half mile from this arterial intersection, which hasn't changed much since the highway was built almost 20 years ago. The following email exchange took place between the Senator, myself, and DelDOT.

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

From: Frank Warnock
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013
To: Peterson, Karen (LegHall)
Subject: Rt.273/Red Mill Road Intersection

Hi Karen,
Maybe you can help. I have been advocating for pedestrian/bicycle facilities at the Rt.273/Red Mill intersection for close to 10 years, with little to show for it. I see folks all the time crossing there on foot, and it is my usual way home on the bike. It is very dangerous, especially since the green light phase coming from Old Ogletown is so short, one can't make it through on time without running. And lately it hasn't even been detecting bikes. Twice I asked DelDOT, and they had someone do counts - once 8 years ago and once recently - which apparently didn't produce enough people. Yet it seems common that I see folks out there. I will attach a few photos I took at or immediately adjacent to where there should be a crosswalk.

Let me know what, if anything you can do, or how I can better advocate for safety improvements at this location. It's a pretty straightforward intersection and should only be a matter of an upgrade or adding the proper facilities.

Thanks so much, Karen,
-Frank

From: Peterson, Karen (LegHall)
Sent: Tuesday, November 12
To: Shockley, Tina (DelDOT)
Subject: FW: Rt.273/Red Mill Road Intersection

Tina --
Is there any way to make this intersection safer for pedestrians and bicyclists? There might not be a whole lot of pedestrians and bicyclists who try to navigate this intersection (probably because it would be life-threatening to do so) but it sure would be nice to make it less dangerous for those who must use it.

Karen

From: Shockley, Tina (DelDOT)
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013
To: Peterson, Karen (LegHall)
Subject: RE: Rt.273/Red Mill Road Intersection

Sen. Peterson:
Thank you for your email. This location is near the Newark to Wilmington Pathway Feasibility Study, so we can potentially look at it as part of that.  However, there is not a plan for any specific bike/ped changes to this specific location because as you noted the bike/ped numbers don't indicate a need. Unfortunately, when SR 273 was "upgraded" to a quasi-limited access style road 20 years ago, multi-modal infrastructure was not a focus and  not incorporated in the project. Also given the character of the road, we may not have wanted to encourage bike/ped traffic at that time, and I am sure the traffic has even gotten heavier since then.

Unfortunately I don't think there is a whole lot DelDOT can do at this location.

Mr. Warnock is welcome to write to Tom Meyer and request an explanation of the outcome of the recent traffic study....that may provide him with more information on DelDOT's position on this location. He is at 165 Brick Store Landing Road, Smyrna, DE  19977.

Tina Shockley

From: Shockley, Tina (DelDOT)
Sent: Wednesday, November 13
To: Peterson, Karen (LegHall)
Subject: RE: Rt.273/Red Mill Road Intersection

Sen. Peterson:
Update on Rt. 273/Red Mill Road Intersection…..Our TMC is dispatching a signal tech to "tune" the loop detectors along Old Ogletown Rd and Red Mill Rd for bicycle actuations. 

With respect to pedestrian safety and signal timing, there's an upcoming traffic system improvement project at this intersection that can include the installation of a signalized pedestrian crosswalk across SR 273. This project will likely begin this coming winter/spring. Additional signal timing adjustments are not recommended until the pedestrian signals and pushbuttons are installed.

~Tina

The above explains just why the residents of Senatorial District #9 are very fortunate to have Senator Peterson representing them. Studies conducted by DelDOT show that only a small number of pedestrians and cyclists are using this potentially dangerous intersection to help them get where they need to go. However, in our own experiences, and as shown in these photos, we know that folks cross this way by foot and bicycle often. Convincing the Senator of the urgency of the situation was unnecessary. She understands that even a handful of these vulnerable people are worthy of efforts to make them safer. To many people, existing dangerous crossings are the only options available. By helping to resolve this issue so quickly, Senator Peterson has proved once again how dedicated she is to the Constituents she serves, and to the people who travel through her district. On behalf of these people, we thank her!

We also thank Tina Shockly for her investigative efforts on this issue. She took a problem off of the back burner and obtained information for us quickly. Not too long ago, we would have had less confidence in DelDOT's response to bicyclist and pedestrian needs in these circumstances. What a difference a few years have made, since the adoption of a Complete Streets policy, the election of a bicycle-friendly Governor, and the appointment of a Transportation Secretary who not only bikes, but has solid MPO (Metropolitan Planning Org) experience. Hopefully, these positives will remain permanent, and we see the election of many more Karen Petersons in the years to come!

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

The record is clear that, even with supposed bi-partisan
support, this bill still has little chance of passing.

ACTive Communities Transportation. Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act. The American Power Act. Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011. These are are just a few of the bills that could have improved non-motorized transportation over the past several years - some greatly. Yet all failed in one way or the other, and were not enacted into law.

History aside, we applaud Bike Delaware's lobbying efforts at the National Bike Summit. They will be meeting today with Representative John Carney, as well as Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and asking for their endorsement of HR3494 and S1708. Known as the "Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Act", this bill directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) - under the highway safety improvement program - to establish performance measures for states to use to assess significant reductions in the number of serious injuries and fatalities for both motorized and non-motorized transportation.

It is difficult, if not impossible to have confidence that this bill will pass, and not end up like the others before it. It should be noted that when 2013 began, members of Congress introduced 6,366 pieces of legislation. 12 months later, with the session nearly over, less than 1% of these bills actually passed. By December 21, 2013, the House and Senate had approved only 58 measures - the lowest for a single year since 1947.

In a word, the U.S. Congress is functionally useless, and bicycle & pedestrian safety (at the national level) and any funding it requires is is no exception. An internet search reveals nothing in terms of successful legislation in at least the last 5 years. Only the stripping of Transportation Enhancements in favor of MAP-21, along with several other assaults aimed at the elimination of bicycle and pedestrian funding from the Federal Transportation Budget.

We believe that energy expended on Capitol Hill would be far more effective at the state level. There are multiple on-road safety projects and proposals here in Delaware that would benefit greatly from Bike Delaware's (as well as the League of American Bicyclist's) interest and support.

Related: Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (4 part series)

1st State BIKES 2014 Year In Review

2014 was the first full year of 1st State BIKES (formerly known as Delaware Bikes) existence. It was a year full of challenges, and hard earned successes. Much work remains to be done; 2015 promises at least as much, if not more action. Below we highlight the highs - and a few lows - of the past year in bicycle advocacy. Some are joint projects with the Delaware Bicycle Council and the White Clay Bicycle Club.

January-March:

• DelDOT Pave & Rehab Projects opened for comment
• Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware (series)
• Building the case for the Newark to Wilmington Bikeway Proposal

April:

• Bicycle-unfriendly rumble strips first brought to DelDOT's attention
• Bike Delaware hires attorney, demands Delaware Bikes forfeit name and domain
• SUCCESS: Promoted Cycle for Cecil for land conservation in neighboring Cecil County
• Building the case against bicycle-unfriendly rumble strips

May:

• Building the case for updating the penalty for failure to yield in a crosswalk
• SUCCESS: New crosswalk and bike lane added at key Ogletown intersection
• Petitioned DelDOT to Save Our Shoulders (cease adding rumble strips) 

July-August:

• Petitioned DelDOT to create a Newark to Wilmington on-road bikeway
• Building the case for updating the penalty for failure to yield in a crosswalk
• Survey: Is Route 13 in Dover safer with Bike Lanes?
• SUCCESS: DelDOT sweeping reform comes to fruition
• Building the case for complete crosswalks at Elkton Road/Christina Parkway

September:

• New DelDOT rumble strip design opened for comment  
• SUCCESS: First bicycle-friendly rumble strips installed south of Middletown
• Building the case for bollards instead of gates in New Castle County

October:

• Building the case for Share the Road signs on Route 896 in Cecil County
• EZ Roller Rides introduced
• SUCCESS: Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs to be installed on Route 896 in Cecil County

November:

• Petitioned DelDOT to upgrade bicycle warning sign to include "On Roadway"
• SUCCESS: Inaugural EZ Roller Ride
• Building the case for bike lanes with the next Elkton Road resurfacing project

December:

• Building the case for safe bicycle facilities with the Route 72 widening project
• FAIL: Too late to add 4th crosswalk at Elkton Rd/Christina Parkway 
• Building the case against bicycle parking waivers in New Castle County
• Petitioning New Castle County to enforce APBP compliant bicycle parking in the UDC
• SUCCESS: Test sites for bicycle warning signs, to include "In Lane" goes forward

Want to know more? 1st State BIKES is a committee made up of advocates from different organizations that believe in on-road infrastructure and safety. In the quest for a balanced network of bicycle facilities, our advocates also support the surveys, petitions, and projects from trails and pathways organizations such as Bike Delaware, Delaware Greenways, Trailspinners, etc. We also support education, including B.E.S.T. (Bringing Education and Safety Together).

Who really has the back of road bicyclists in Delaware?

1st State BIKES is disappointed to see this recent claim attributed to Senator Dave Sokola:

The following is the list of Sokola-sponsored bills related to bicycle safety in Delaware, and who was actually responsible.

• SB-269, Vulnerable Road Users Law. On August 12, 2010, Delaware’s Governor Markell signed SB 269 into law. The bill, a project of the Delaware Bicycle Council, enhances the penalty for drivers convicted of careless or inattentive driving who cause serious physical injury to cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Other than a blog post reporting its passage, there was no formal support from Bike Delaware.
• SB-38, 3 Foot Passing Law. On July 25, 2011, Governor Markell signed SB 38, Delaware’s 3 Foot Passing bill. A project of the Delaware Bicycle Council, Delaware became the nineteenth state to have a passing law to protect cyclists. The law not only provides additional legal protection, it provides an important educational opportunity. Bike Delaware's Executive Director made it clear that Bike Delaware would "support" the bill, but not "babysit" (be present) when the bill came up for vote in the General Assembly.
• SB-120, an amendment to Title 21 that legalizes the use of right turn-only lanes as shoulders for bicyclists. This bill was required by DelDOT in order to proceed with experimental right turn-only lane/shoulder treatments, which at the time was a Bike Delaware project. Bike Delaware's Executive Director James Wilson publicly declared that the bill was unnecessary and refused to assist in its passage until the 11th hour, when he helped usher it onto the House floor at the insistence of the Delaware Bicycle Council Chair. He has also referred to bike lanes as "human meat grinders" and never actually advocated for converting shoulders.
• HB-235, cycling as Delaware's official sport. Does this even effect "rules of the road?"

That said, Bike Delaware did have the back of a road bicyclist who was following the rules of the road as stated in Title 21, 4196. They helped him prevail after being ticketed for putting safety first while biking in a sub-standard width lane.

Also visit our 4 part series: Who is advocating for on-road safety in Delaware?

1st State Bikes followers demand update. We deliver.

Seasons Greetings, Delaware Street Bicyclists, and Happy New Year 2017!

In the face of popular demand, it has been decided that we should add a post that reflects our ongoing bicycling and pedestrian (and more recently, land use) advocacy in the Greater Newark area since early 2015. It's been a busy and productive time! Here are the projects that we at 1st State BIKES have taken active leads on, along with an update on their status.

• The Shared Right Turn-Only (RTO) Lane treatment is finally approved and being implemented. First was Limestone Rd through Pike Creek, followed by Kirkwood Hwy between Red Mill Rd and Saint James Church. The most recent is Route 4 between Newark and Stanton. These improvements are by no means a panacea, but they do increase safety and comfort for riders today that have no choice but to ride on arterial roads. They tell motorists to expect bicyclists on the roadway, and encourage respect and safer positioning when overtaking on the approach to intersections. Upon the request of advocates, DelDOT has agreed to use the treatment during pavement & rehabilitation projects, but also agreed to "retrofit" one existing corridor (not in need of repave) per year. Route 4 above was for 2016. You can read past posts giving a history of the shared RTO treatment HERE.

• The Multi-Use Pathway running parallel to Route 72 (S. Chapel St) south from Newark will, apparently, be repaved/reconstructed sometime in 2017. We only learned of this recently from the Newark Bicycle Committee's newsletter "Mailbag". Since 2003, rehab of this facility between Route 4 and Old Baltimore Pike was my personal priority, as evidenced by continuous postings in this blog. It began with DelDOT's Bicycle Coordinator Dave Petroski, followed by Joe Cantalupo, and lastly Anthony Aglio. For whatever reason, the last - despite many years working closely together - didn't see it fit to inform us, assuming it's true.

• We were caught completely off guard with a lane expansion project on eastbound Route 4, just east of Harmony Road in Ogletown. To the chagrin of motorists, thru-moving bicyclists must control of the inside of two RTO lanes before picking up the shoulder again east of Samoset Dr. A well designed parallel MUP was also included in the project, but cannot be reached without leaving the street and changing to a pedestrian. We continue to ask DelDOT to apply Sharrows in the inside RTO lane, or provide easy on/easy off ramp access to the MUP immediately east of Harmony Rd (at the onset of the outside RTO lane). As it stands now, this approx two block stretch is a bicyclist's worst nightmare.

• Based on a DelDOT working group's recommendation, they are planning to go ahead with lane expansion (3 lanes in each direction between Otts Chapel and Christina Pkwy) for the Elkton Rd Reconstruction Project, Phase 2. This, in addition to double RTO lanes at Christina Pkway. We do not believe that bike/ped/quality of life advocates were fairly represented in the group. The project does include a parallel MUP and bike lanes, but we are opposing the added 3rd lane. We simply can't solve congestion problems by turning every road into a Route 13 and every intersection into a Hares Corner. That is what our future could hold if DelDOT continues on its current trajectory. There is also induced demand, but most damning is the fact that a significant amount of Elkton Rd traffic is from motorists evading the I95 toll. Projected demand out to 2030 supposedly calls for the added lanes, but we have strongly urged DelDOT - with Wilmapco in CC - not to spend the additional $5M added cost until studies have been conducted. We already know that the police stake out the area, and routinely prosecute commercial vehicles for toll evasion.

• Last year, Delaware was #1 in the nation for per-capita pedestrian fatalities, and to that end, an attempt is underway to reform Delaware's vehicle code. Known as the "Pedestrian Bill", it would be modeled after other progressive States such as WA, MA, OR, etc, bringing it up to date with modern times. As ours stands now, the language is almost totally car-centric, placing most of the onus on pedestrians not to get killed. It actually requires peds to be in the crosswalk before a yield is legally required, whereas other States only require intent to cross as a trigger. There are other issues as well, including an antiquated reference to Father's Day somehow influencing the law's enforcement. An upgrade here would be a monumental step in the right direction, and give pedestrians the confidence they need to use proper crosswalks where available. As members and constituents of the NCC Civic League, we will be looking to them for its first endorsement. A huge tip of the helmet goes to Amy Wilburn for spearheading this effort.

• 1st State Bikes is working with the region's first Lidl grocery store (expected construction in 2018) to become the model for bike/ped/transit-friendliness. Angela Connolly proudly accepted a position in their Community Working Group as an active transportation advocate. Originally, the company had committed to maintaining 70% of the property (now a 3-hole golf course) as dedicated open space. That could drop to 50% if the company decides to include a coffee shop and/or bakery (think Panera) in tandem with the grocery store. But no less than 50% will be set aside regardless. Angela is working very hard to ensure that both have state of the art (apbp approved) bike parking, an outdoor cafe', and site pathways and other important features centered around community building and place-making. Do you live in the area? Have your say with this quick 5-question project survey. A tip of the helmet to Angela for taking this on, and pursuing only the best for current and future Ogletown residents!

• We have repeatedly asked DelDOT to lower the speed limit on Route 4 through Ogletown. Currently, it is 50 mph, with many driving well in excess. Sympathetic to our cause, Senator Karen Peterson requested that a  speed study be conducted and the corridor be re-evaluated from a safety standpoint. It was found that the average speed was 53 mph. Considering the stop and go nature of Route 4, it takes many folks far exceeding the speed limit to create said average, and it shows. Unfortunately, to the average person, 3 mph over doesn't sound so bad. Unfortunately, despite several schools - including one for the deaf (where students can be seen walking the a adjacent pathway and crosswalks) - and multiple intersections and retail centers rich with bike/ped activity, DelDOT refuses to budge on this one - not even a drop to 45 mph. At issue is the "85th Percentile" , a method used to determine speed limits that is actually based on the assumption that most motorists are law abiding citizens (good drivers).

• 
  A major housing development is planned for one of the last remaining significant tracts open space in the greater Newark area. Comprised largely of forests and wetlands - including a few vernal pools - clearing and paving over these natural areas will have major repercussions for threatened and endangered wildlife species. It will also add to existing flood problems, and substantially increase traffic in neighborhood communities and on Route 4. This will have serious
  
  consequences for bike/ped/transit users as well. Our vision is for the State and New Castle County to buy most of the property and add it to the park system. To that end, we created the community Facebook page "Save Ogletown Pond", with nearly 800 genuine likes and dedicated followers. Progress is at a standstill for now, given the holidays, but we expect the good news to come sometime in early 2017 (we hope). A park here would be the region's first, possibly modeled after Glasgow Park with all its amenities (pathways, pavilions, courts, bike parking, etc).

• 
  November, two advocates from 1st State Bikes accepted positions on the Executive Board of the Coalition for Natural Stream Valleys. If you haven't already heard of this org, the CFNSV was the main advocacy force behind White Clay Creek SP, Middle Run Valley, the recently State acquired Deerfield Golf and Country club, etc. It consists of several legendary land use advocates, including Arabella Bianco, Richard DuPont and Donald Sharpe. The hope is to strengthen our alliances in the face of non-support from other bicycling-related orgs. We also see this as an opportunity to better position ourselves in the fight to Save Ogletown Pond (orphanage property). We already joined forces with the CFNSV back in April, in an unsuccessful attempt to have open space funding (originally legislated at $10M for farmland and $9M for open space) reinstated in the bond bill. We also worked hard to convince the Democratic Party to include open space as a plank in their campaign platform, and are still waiting for their decision. If led, please visit and like their Facebook page!

• 
  An opportunity to eliminate a dangerous crosswalk design with a pave & rehab project in Glasgow (across Route 896 at the jct of GBC Dr) appears to be lost. DART Bus Route 55 drops Siemens Healthcare transit commuters at a bus stop just north of the intersection. The existing crosswalk (to nowhere) crosses on the south side, and sees virtually no users because of the added time and steps involved. Rather than cross two legs of crosswalk and back again without one (3 legs total), commuters find it much simpler to run across 896 either from the bus stop or on the non-crosswalk side. Unfortunately, it wasn't until after the concrete was laid did we realize that no redesign was in the works. We informed both DelDOT and DART officials, and informed them of this rare opportunity to right a potentially deadly design flaw. DelDOT claims that they reached out to DART without a response, and DART claims no such actions were taken. It is not clear if DelDOT will consider moving the crosswalk to the north side - where it belongs - at this late stage of the rehab. We are still waiting for a formal decision one way or the other.
• 
  As always, we continue to monitor pave & rehab projects for opportunities to improve multi-modal safety. We asked for and won bike pocket lanes on Elkton Rd (between Newark and the MD line) with a recently completed interim repave project. We have asked for shared RTO treatments (first item above) on Route 72/Sunset Lake Rd south of Newark, and believe DelDOT will come through for us with a repaving next year. Each year, more and more opportunities arise, within the confines of what can be achieved with a basic pave & rehab project (beyond that, it becomes capital reconstruction) and re-striping. It is up to road safety advocates to take the lead on this, in the face of refusal by our State's LAB sanctioned advocacy org.

• Finally, it is critically important that we monitor all car-bicycle crashes, and rally to the cause of bicycle safety. Only this way can we make the Vulnerable Road Users law an established penalty by the court, and draw attention to the price we all pay for reckless, aggressive, and or distracted driving. Sadly, again, our State's nationally sanctioned (and hugely popular) advocacy org had this to say regarding a high profile case in 2015: "We will announce the sentencing dates for [name withheld] but not actively promote "packing" the courtroom. Our position is that it's up to each cyclist to decide about the value of them personally attending".
  
  "Packing the Courtroom" is a strategy that has been used with much success elsewhere. Even a few cyclists helps, as it is unusual for people who did not know a victim to attend hearings or write impact statements; the more the better. Yet, though said org was the lone recipient of memorial funds, they went on to ignore an advocate's request to post the date of the sentencing and encourage attendance (they also refused to support the 3' passing law PR campaign, but that's another story). This is unacceptable. The first thought should be getting bicyclists to the courthouse that day, after having written even the simplest of impact statements beforehand. The following excerpt from Bicycling Magazine makes an excellent case. Excerpt:
  
  
  
  A lawyer named Oren Noah, one of the group's founding members, proposed a campaign similar to one that had been waged five years earlier in Marin County, after a rider named Cecily Krone—an occupational therapist who worked with handicapped children—was killed at 9:30 a.m. on a Sunday by a drunk driver searching for a cigarette. Cyclists packed county courtrooms at every hearing related to the case, and the driver was sentenced to six years in jail for vehicular manslaughter. Noah now suggested that Sonoma cyclists follow that example, not only to draw the attention of judges and the media, but also to show the perpetrators themselves "that they killed humans with friends and robbed from the community.... [and to] maintain the focus where it should be: on the drunk killers"
  
  That's all for now, folks. This article does not signify a return to regular blogging, however, occasional updates on the efforts listed above, or the addition of new ones may appear from time to time. And as always, we at 1st State BIKES will continue to advocate for safer facilities for all bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as advocating for land conservation/preservation and responsible land development where necessary.  -FW-