As an avid local cyclist I want to personally advocate for the safer route through Grove Park instead of the route voted on by the city of Rehoboth along Rehoboth Avenue.
When using the Junction & Breakwater Trail and also the Gordons Pond trails I use The Grove park on a regular basis because it is safer than biking along Rehoboth Aveune coming off the traffic circle.
Some motorists still have problems navigating the circle, and placing cyclists near this area is not safe. I understand that the mayor has concerns about cyclists going behind the museum but think if all parties sit down and discuss possible options this could be resolved to the satisfaction of all. No one wants to see someone get hurt either by a car or a pedestrian hit by a cyclist, so let's discuss how this can be avoided. I have some ideas.
On April 4 the Cape Gazette ran an editorial calling for a separate bike and pedestrian bridge over the canal. I used to think that this was a pipe dream, but maybe now is the time to start planning for this type of bridge. New Castle County is actually building a much larger bike bridge right now (half mile in length).
Therefore, why can't we build something much smaller in Sussex County to the state's biggest resort area that would connect two of the best trails on the East Coast that are more popular than anyone ever dreamed?
In the meantime let's take the safer approach of routing cyclists through Grove Park, and talk about how we can make this a good solution for all parties involved. Again, no one wants to see anyone get hurt and believe DelDOT can help the City of Rehoboth do this.
Ray Quillen
Lewes
Bike DE Board of Directors and vice president