Delaware moves up to 3rd best Bike Friendly State in U.S.

Date Posted: Monday, May 11th, 2015

 

Moves up from 4th place

Highest-ranked state on the east coast

Dover, DE – Continuing its steady climb to the top, Delaware has once again moved ahead in the rankings of the nation’s most bicycle-friendly states, according to rankings issued today by the League of American Bicyclists.

“We’ve dedicated to improving our trails and pathways and making Delaware a more bikeable state because we know these efforts pay off by strengthening the quality of life in our communities,” said Governor Markell. “Today’s announcement is more evidence of the progress we have made in harnessing the health, recreation, and economic benefits of cycling. It’s all part of our commitment to ensure Delaware is great location for people to live and work.”

“Delaware’s continued improvement in the annual ranking of bicycle-friendly states is due to the continuing hard work and dedication of public servants and many private citizens,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan.

“DelDOT is proud of our role in helping advance Governor Markell’s vision for a statewide network of inter connected trails and pathways,” Cohan said. “In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing collaboration with everyone who shares the goal of keeping Delaware a national leader in advancing safe, accessible and enjoyable bicycling.”

“This recognition highlights the progress we’ve made through  Gov. Markell’s Trails and Pathways Initiative – which DNREC is proud to partner on with DelDOT,” said Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary David Small. “This program is making the state a healthier, more active, and attractive place to live, work, play and visit. Cyclists get the benefit of not only a healthier lifestyle but a closer view and appreciation of the natural wonders Delaware offers.”

In 2008, when Delaware was ranked 31st in the nation for bicycle friendly states, at the first Delaware Bicycle Summit, Governor Markell unveiled an ambitious project to make Delaware the nation’s leader, showing the rest of the country the wide-ranging benefits of having a state that is more bicycle friendly.

In the report card issued by the Bicycle League, among Delaware successes, the state was lauded for a safe passing law to give bicyclists enough space when a motorist passes a bicycle, and for having an aggressive share the road campaign.

This article is a repost from the Delaware.gov The Official Website of the First State. See the original article here!