Dover — The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is ‘pedaling’ Bicycle Month in May. During the month, DelDOT will sponsor a variety of events to raise public awareness about bicycling as an inexpensive and environmentally sensitive alternative to driving.
“Studies show that most motorists take trips that are three miles or less. For these people, bicycling is maybe a viable means of transportation for some of these trips. It’s more affordable and greener than driving a vehicle. There are health benefits and environmental benefits for bicyclists,” said DelDOT Senior Planner Anthony Aglio.
According to Aglio, the State Legislator’s Ride along with Walkable Bikeable Delaware Summit will kick off Bicycle Month. On May 1, state legislators will ride their bicycles in the annual Legislative Bike Ride to Legislative Mall. Bikers will pedal 60 miles from Newark, 30 miles from Middletown, 24 miles from Milford, and 37 miles from Milton, to the finish line in Dover. Cyclists can register for the ride at www.bike.deldot.gov.
May 8 will feature “Bike to School Day,” in which local school children will be encouraged to bike their way to school and then back home. DelDOT also supports those communities like Wilmington, Lewes, Dover and Newark which are conducting Bike to Work Days.
These events are designed not only to encourage people to bike, but also to promote safer roadways. Both bicyclists and motorists are asked to be more aware of each other and “see it both ways” while sharing the streets. DelDOT is also promoting better safety by installing new bicycle lanes on many roads, adding bicycle racks and lockers at Park & Ride facilities, and installing bike racks on fixed route buses. In Fiscal Year 2012, DelDOT invested $10 million for pathways and trails throughout the state.
Last year, Delaware leapt eight places in the League of American Bicyclists ranking of “bicycle friendly” states. Delaware was also the only state that the League chose to profile in its recent “Bicycle Friendly America” publication.
