Take Action! Example text letter w/send to addresses at bottom HERE. Letter sent on behalf of Bike Delaware HERE. Power Point Presentation, by Mario Nappa HERE. Bikeway feasibility study by DMjM Harris, April 2005 HERE (pdf) Contact Senator Blevins and Senator Miro in Support of HB-40. See current cell phone laws by state HERE or go to our Resources page.
DelDOT Statewide Public Workshops
Represent the cycling community in the planning of infrastructure projects and renovations.
Active Community Transportation Act of 2010 Introduced in House!
March 3, 2010. After years of organizing supporters around the country, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is excited to announce that on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) introduced H.R. 4722, the "Active Community Transportation Act of 2010" (ACT Act), on the floor of the House of Representatives!
The ACT Act is the direct result of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) Campaign for Active Transportation. The Act would create a $2 billion program to fund dozens of communities around the country to improve their trail, walking and biking networks. If this bill is enacted, communities around the country will receive the resources to better allow Americans to walk and bike to the places you live, work, play, shop and learn. New Castle County, Delaware is in a lead position with WILMAPCO's "Active Transportation in Northern Delaware" Case Statement (pdf).
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Contact Delaware's representatives via email, using this convenient, pre-written letter at the bottom of RTC's website, automatically configured when you add your contact information. Or, go to our Resources Page under "Contact Your Representatives" for a more direct approach. There is no further obligation!
WILMAPCO seeks comments on 2011-2014 TIP
February 3, 2010. WILMAPCO and DelDOT seek our input about transportation projects proposed for the next four years. The Draft FY 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) contains federally funded transportation projects for New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland. A public meeting will be held on February 22 to discuss the upcoming transportation projects under consideration. The Open House will invite your comments on projects proposed for the FY 2011-14 TIP. The TIP contains the agreed upon list of specific priority projects. The TIP lists all projects for which federal funds are anticipated, along with non-federally funded projects that are regionally significant. Projects include multimodal, highway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and freight facilities and work to preservation existing infrastructure, as well as improvements and expansions. Meeting invitation HERE (pdf). See the entire TIP on WILMAPCO's web site HERE. If you can't make it, comment via email HERE.
Neighboring Elkton, Maryland Bike Plan: UPDATE
February 1, 2010. WILMAPCO is working with the Town of Elkton to develop a bicycle plan to expand the existing transportation system, support economic activity and growth, and improve quality of life for Town residents and visitors. The Elkton Bicycle Plan will introduce a proposed coordinated bicycle network, which will connect residents with surrounding neighborhoods, the downtown central business district, and other key destinations, along with improvements for bike facilities such as bike racks and signage. This Plan is being developed with the participation of an advisory committee comprised of Town, County and State officials, and citizen advocates. One key task in the planning process is identifying the network, in which cyclist's input will be most valuable. Thus, those who bike in Elkton are encouraged to fill out a Field Worksheet and/or map the route (available online) that they take in and around Town. This input will help to identify improvements that can be made along bike routes, and will be used to better prioritize corridors for improvements. To give input, join the Advisory Committee or email Dave Gula: dgula@wilmapco.org for more information. This is your chance to help create some of the very first Bicycle Friendly Communities in the North East US, and it can only happen with cyclist participation.
Active Communities Transportation Act - where's Mike Castle?
February 1, 2010. Partnering nationally with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation, we still hope to secure funding in the 2010 federal transportation bill to expedite the completion of planned improvements. But Earl Blumenauer, the bill's sponsor, can't do it alone. Our own Mike Castle (R-House), who's support would ensure its success, has thus far remained absent on any decision. The 2010 Campaign aims to fund dozens of communities across the country with $50 million each to promote trails, walking and biking for improved mobility. The campaign builds on the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) in the 2005 federal transportation bill SAFETEA-LU. Learn more about the Active Community Transportation Act of 2009 HERE. View our own, we believe winnable Active Transportation in Northern Delaware Case Statement (pdf). More information on the program from RTTC HERE.
Facebook Cyclists Hate Group
January 8, 2010. Outcry against the Facebook Fan Page "There's a perfectly good path right next to the road you stupid cyclist!" (which frighteningly has more than 30,000 fans) is gaining momentum. Just yesterday, efforts to end the group culminated in the response group, "Help Remove this Hate Group Against Cyclists!". The Australian based anti-cyclists page is filled with violent comments about hitting cyclists, who the page refers to as "road hogging rats". The profile picture is even of a car dooring a cyclist. The page claims that bicycles only belong on bike paths and should not be allowed on roads. The about me box states, "No matter how far to the left you are, you're taking up my road. My car is hard, and I am not slowing down!". More . . .
December 17, 2009. We have a tiny window of time - about 72 hours - to convince Mike Castle (R-DE) to co-sponsor with Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) a national bill called the "Active Community Transportation Act of 2009". This bill could bring $50 million (50 million!) for walking and biking infrastructure to New Castle County and additionally $50 million to each of dozens of other communities in the U.S.
Here's the catch: Blumenauer is going to introduce the bill next week. He needs Castle to sign on before then, which means we have to persuade Castle RIGHT NOW that this is something Delaware desperately needs. There's no time for a mailed letter, but a letter can be faxed to his DC office at 202-225-2291. Feel free to use this sample letter (word.doc) - simply add your name and signature at the bottom. If time is an issue, PLEASE send an email (probably less of an impact than a fax) from HERE.
Learn more about the Active Community Transportation Act of 2009 HERE. View our own, we believe winnable Active Transportation in Northern Delaware Case Statement (pdf). More information on the program from RTTC HERE.
December 10, 2009. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) is the lead sponsor of the "Active Transportation Act of 2009", which would direct the secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to "carry out an active transportation investment program ... to encourage a mode shift to active transportation within selected communities by providing safe and convenient options to bicycle and walk for routine travel. New Castle County, Delaware stands an excellent chance of of being selected, given WILMAPCO's hard work and dedication in the creation of an ActiveTransportation in Northern Delaware Case Statement. More information on the program from RTTC HERE.
Rep. Blumenauer will soon be introducing the Act on the House floor. To aid his effort, RTC has authored a group sign-on letter and partnered with America Bikes to develop an impressive list of supporting organizations. Please consider having your organization and other local groups sign this letter, which Rep. Blumenauer can then use to bolster support for this legislation. Should Northern Delaware be selected, it could send millions in funding our way for the enhancement of non-motorized transportation (bike infrastructure, paths, parking, etc).
To sign the letter, an e-mail must be sent including the name and title of a representative from the signatory organization, including the corresponding city/county and state, to Kartik Sribarra at kartik@railstotrails.org by 12 p.m. EST next Friday, Dec. 18. Please spread the word! There is no further obligation whatsoever.
December 7, 2009. The Delaware State Senate has already approved SB-168, but the House may be a more difficult sell. The need for written support from Delaware cyclists cannot be overstated. It is now time to start contacting members of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee to ensure its passage in both chambers. You can simply go HERE and open each committee member's page, which includes their email address, and write an email expressing your support (be sure to mention the bill by number: SB-168). Please try to CC as many as possible, but if time is a factor, please consider emailing both the Chair, John L. Mitchell: john.l.mitchell@state.de.us, and Vice Chair, John C. Atkins: john.atkins@state.de.us at minimum.
Some might think this is "another useless law that will never be enforced, why bother". SB-168's primary goal is further awareness of bicyclist's legitimate participation in vehicular traffic, and to provide additional protections in car-bike altercations, incidents and/or accidents. We consider it critical to pass this bill, on our way toward Delaware becoming a bicycle-friendly state. Read about Rhode Island's own version of the bill, now passed HERE.
November 24, 2009. With more than 400 pedestrians killed every month in America, the desperate need for safe, "Complete Streets" in our communities is abundantly clear. In response to your emails and our advocacy, the Obama Administration is taking notice of the bike/ped safety crisis, but many in Congress have yet to make a stand on the issue. We need to demand safer streets from leaders in Washington. New roads should be built for all the people who use our streets - motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists - of every age and ability. Help make safer streets the law: Ask your representatives and senators to get vocal in support of the Complete Streets Act of 2009. Use this convenient, pre-written letter automatically configured when you add your name and email address - there is no obligation except you consider informing others.
November 24, 2009. The Town of Elkton, in conjunction with WILMAPCO, is working to develop a bicycle plan which will include a bicycle route network that will link to and coordinate with other modes of transportation in and around Elkton. The (plan) will expand the existing transportation system and will support economic activity and growth by integrating land use and transportation planning through coordinated bike routes. You are invited to join the advisory committee of which the first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 1pm, Elkton Municipal Building (map). During this initial meeting we will discuss the plan's vision, scope of work, schedule, and other items such as the role and responsibilities of the advisory committee. To RSVP, contact Dave Gula, Project Manager at dgula@wilmapco.orgor 302-737-6205 ext. 122 by Monday, November 30th. If you would like to participate but can not make this date, please let us know.
October 28, 2009. Thousands of Americans of all ages have been struck down in the simple act of walking. These "accidents" overwhelmingly occur on roads that are dangerous by design, with little or no provision for people on foot, in wheelchairs, or on a bicycle. With the 52 largest metro areas spending just $1.39 per person of federal funds on bicycle and pedestrian projects, it's no wonder our streets are so dangerous. To make our streets safer, we need better design. And just as importantly, we need leaders who will drive those improvements. Make sure Transportation Secretary LaHood hears your voice - and the voices of thousands of regular Americans - calling for bicycle and pedestrian safety as a priority.
Use this convenient, pre-written letter automatically configured when you add your name and email address - there is no obligation except that you consider informing others.
October 11, 2009. Now is your chance to reveal the truth, what it's really like riding Delaware's roads and dealing with motorists. As we approach the signing of a state-wide Complete Streets policy, we are asking cyclists to report on the current state of affairs. A simple 12 question, multiple-choice survey is all it takes, and it's totally anonymous. Everything from deficient infrastructure and lack of facilities to motorist attitudes and behavior. Results will be reported on Bike Delaware's home page and used in future efforts as supporting data. Begin the survey HERE.
Tell Delaware State Parks: Equal level of service for bicyclists!
October 9, 2009. Former roads and abandoned railroad beds in White Clay Creek State Park - excellent paths for non-technical off road riding - are growing more and more uninviting and dangerous. One major cause is DNREC's choice of maintenance and surfacing materials - or lack thereof. While other trail systems use crushed limestone or cinders for an almost road-like feel, cyclists here are left with a virtually unridable golfball or marble-size ballast stone. At the same time, muddy bogs, often created by cyclists attempting to circumvent park gates instead of bollards, are another hazard. While plenty of stone dust patchwork is provided on adjacent vehicular access roads, little or no attention is given to park visitors who choose to bike or use other wheeled conveyance, including wheelchairs and strollers. Contact Delaware State Parks and let them know your feelings on this matter. Or email Chaz Salkin, Director, at: Charles.Salkin@state.de.us
Transportation Enhancements saved - thank Senators Carper, Kaufman
September 18, 2009. Senator Coburn withdrew one of his amendments (S. Amendment 2370), therefore it was not voted on. The Senator's other amendment (S.Amendment 2371), failed by a vote of 39-59. Had this amendment passed it would have eliminated the 10% set-aside for the Transportation Enhancement (TE) program, thereby effectively decimating federal funding for hundreds of trail projects, sidewalks, bicyclist education programs, bike rack on bus programs, and roadway improvements for bicyclists. However, we can be sure that this will not be the last time that Senator Coburn, and others will seek to cut, or even eliminate, funding for programs that are important to the non-motorized community such as TE.
Please send a note thanking Senators Kaufman and Carper for saving Transportation Enhancements, and that we must do so in the future. It is very important we let our elected officials know when they are in the right, not always the wrong. You can use LAB's interactive form HERE, or go direct to their own email forms: Tom Carper, Ted Kaufman
September 4, 2009. The Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the citizen-member Council on Transportation (COT), the Dover/Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) and Sussex County invite the public to attend the Capital Transportation Program (CTP) hearings set for Sept. 9 in New Castle County, Sept. 16 in Kent County, and Sept. 21 in Sussex County. Each hearing format will be an open house setting beginning at 4 p.m, and we'll need a strong showing by Delaware cyclists if we are to keep non-motorized funding alive. See the full DelDOT press release HERE (pdf) for locations, dates, and further information or call Public Relations at 800-652-5600 (in DE) or 302-760-2080.
August 19, 2009. Area residents and cyclists alike attended a meeting of the Cecil County Planning Commission concerning the application to change zoning from residential to "Business General" for a parcel of land at the Valley and Barksdale Road intersection. Despite lack of shoulders on either, the area is favorable to cycling given low traffic volume, and serves as a "gateway" west from Newark en-route to Cecil County, MD. The meeting commenced with a representative of the developer making the argument for change. They propose putting in a mixture of office buildings and shops with entrances both on Barksdale and on Valley Roads. The impact on cycling in the area would be negative, as increased traffic volumes would incite altercation and be a detriment to safe cycling in the area. Email Alan Coffey to find out how you can help, or for more information.
July 1, 2009. SB 168 has now moved to the House and was assigned to the Public Safety committee on June 30. The first session of the 145th General Assembly ended last night, so action by the House must wait until the GA reconvenes in January for the second session. Feel free to email sponsoring legislators with a show of support: Terry.Schooley@state.de.us David.Sokola@state.de.us Deborah.Hudson@state.de.us Helene.Keeley@state.de.us
Write in Support of Complete Streets on the St. Georges Bridge!
June 17, 2009. At present there are no truly safe non-motorized crossings of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, creating a huge impediment to connecting Delaware's networks of safe routes for bicycles. Fatalities have been recorded on the Reedy Point Bridge, as well as near misses on the Summit Bridge and the St. Georges Bridge in its current lane configuration. The benefits of this proposal go well beyond bicycling. Pedestrians, runners, even those with disabilities will have access to breathtaking views of the canal, its ships, the Route 1 Bridge and Delaware's scenic vistas for as far as the eye can see. People will be drawn by the span's magnificence, a technological marvel of its day. When the C&D Canal Park is completed, there will be even more demand for a safe non-motorized canal crossing. This is a historic opportunity, but will require a strong showing by Delaware cyclists and sponsoring organizations. Please email Carol Ann Wicks, Secretary of DelDOT, with your support of this proposal: carolann.wicks@state.de.us
Call for big, bold change! Sign the Petition
June 9, 2009. Every six years, Congress sets the country's transportation and infrastructure priorities - allocating hundreds of billions of dollars for projects that shape our communities for generations. This year's reauthorization of the federal transportation bill is our country's best chance to create a system where cyclists and pedestrians are safe, trains are faster and run cleaner, public transportation is widely available and efficient, roads and bridges are in good repair, and Americans everywhere benefit from a smarter network of transportation alternatives. Our new platform shows our leaders how to use this extraordinary opportunity to create the 21st Century infrastructure we need.
Make sure your representatives and senators hear your voice - and the voices of thousands of regular Americans - calling out for big, bold change. Use this convenient, pre-written letter automatically configured when you add your address!
Senator Patti Blevins cosponsors House Bill 40 with Rep. Joseph Miro to limit cell phone use while driving.
March 9, 2009. This Bill enhances driving safety by establishing distracted driving standards and allowing mobile telephones to be used while operating a moving motor vehicle only when equipped with built-in speakers or a hands-free accessory; to prohibit placing or receiving text messages, sending or receiving e-mails on mobile telephones or other electronic devices, to require the State Police Department to include on motor vehicle accident reports information about the use of mobile telephones or other distractions by drivers involved in an accident; and to establish penalties for a violation of this Act. This is a civil violation with a $50 assessment. It also preempts municipalities from passing any ordinances to the contrary, including greater penalties or violations, regarding the use of a cell phone or other electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.