Carolann Wicks, Secretary, DelDOT
P.O. Box 778
Dover, DE 19903

carolann.wicks@state.de.us


Dear Secretary Wicks,

I strongly support the conversion of the two unused motor vehicle lanes on St. Georges Bridge to non-motorized lanes that could accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians and even people with disabilities.  At present there are 14 lanes for motor vehicles on the four bridges in Delaware across the canal, but no safe non-motorized crossings of the C&D Canal.  The central location of the St. Georges Bridge makes it an ideal choice to correct this major gap in Delaware's networks of safe routes for bicycles.

The St. Georges Bridge has been limited to one lane in each direction for motor vehicles for more than a year, with no negative impact.  We have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this situation, creating a safe non-motorized crossing over the canal by converting the unused lanes to bike lanes or multi-use paths.

Benefits of such a safe passage include:

* Promoting recreation.  We will be able to enjoy a view of the canal and its activities and surroundings that is unaccessible today. 
* Promoting commuting by bicycle, particularly for residents in the rapidly developing Middletown/Odessa area who work north of the canal.
* Promoting tourism, especially once the C&D Canal Park is completed.

Please take this big step towards making Delaware more bike-friendly.

Sincerely,

[your name]


CC:
* Senator Tom Carper: Beth_osborne@carper.senate.gov
* Senator Ted Kaufman: Jim.Catella@mail.house.gov
* Rep. Mike Castle: Jeff.Dayton@mail.house.gov
* Amy Wilburn, Chair Delaware Bicycle Council: dioglaert@verizon.net
* Anthony Aglio, Bike/Ped Coordinator, DelDOT: Anthony.Aglio@state.de.us


You may also go directly to their web pages, and copy/paste your letter there:

Carper Home: http://carper.senate.gov/contact/
Kaufman Home: http://kaufman.senate.gov/services/contact/
Castle Home: http://www.castle.house.gov/Contact/