Delaware Named Third Most Bike Friendly State in Country

(Photo: Bikedel.org)

May is National Bike Month and Delaware has now been named the third best Bike-Friendly state in the country, moving up one spot from 4th place last year.

The League of American Bicyclists began in 1880. For generations past and to come, the League represents bicyclists in the movement to create safer roads, stronger communities, and a bicycle-friendly America, working to preserve the freedom cycling brings to our members everywhere.

Every year, the League ranks all 50 states on their bikeability based on a multi-faceted Bicycle Friendly State questionnaire that is answered by each state’s Bicycle Coordinator. The League looks at five categories: Legislation & Enforcement, Policies & Programs, Infrastructure & Funding, Education & Encouragement, and Evaluation & Planning.

Delaware has made several initiatives to improve their biking accessibility over the years.

Governor Markell has been dedicated to upgrading the states trails and pathways for walking, biking and hiking. This effort seems to be paying off due to the fact that just seven years ago, at Delaware’s first Bicycle Summit, the First State ranked 31st in the nation for bicycle friendly states.

Bike Delaware is one initiative in place to make sure these upgrades are possible. Bike Delaware is an independent, non-government, member-supported non-profit advocacy organization. This organization’s mission is to make bicycling a safe, convenient, and fun transportation option in Delaware by working in partnership with government, business and community groups. Bike Delaware’s vision is bikeway networks that everyone can use to get where they want to go on a bike.

In May of 2011, the Delaware General Assembly unanimously passed “Walkable Bikeable Delaware,” which directed the Delaware Department of Transportation to make strategic investments in walking and bicycling. For years to come, millions of dollars were voted on to support this cause.

In January of 2012, Governor Jack Markell proposed over $13 million to “make Delaware one of the most walkable and bikeable states in America.”

Markell isn’t the only official to help the cause.

Senator Coons and Representative Carney co-sponsored the Bicycle and Pedestrian Road Safety Act in 2014. Bike Delaware has worked to ensure road safety in Delaware and to reduce the number of dead pedestrians in the state.

Bike Delaware continues to work throughout the state to make the First State more bicycle friendly. They hold events throughout the year and invite the public to functions throughout Delaware promoting a walkable and bikeable state.