I agree with your editorial that ran June 20, "Sidewalk Cycling requires increased vigilance." This winter after attending the Movies at Midway I was driving out of the shopping center heading north and I was looking south for a break in traffic, and when I got the break I started out on the highway and I almost hit a cyclist heading south on the sidewallk without any light on his bike. I did not think about the possible cyclist on that side of the sidewalk going that direction, and it surprised me.
As your editorial mentioned, the state has spent a lot of money ($10 million) on sidewalk improvements and new traffic lights and this has helped safety. But maybe additional signage is needed to warn both motorists and cyclists of the potential dangers of cyclists riding on the sidewalks in both directions on both sides of Route One.
I realize that this can not be done overnight, but signage could be done before the start of summer 2018.
Signs should warn motorists to look for cyclists before entering Route One and before turning off the highway in both directions. Cyclists should be looking for motorists turning off and on the highway, and when necessary to stop and walk their bike across the road as mentioned in your editorial.
It would also help keep cyclists safe if signs could encourage use of bike helmets for any age rider and the use of bike lights at night.
A copy of this letter has also been sent to Rep. Steve Smyk, Sen. Ernie Lopez and Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf in hopes that can help make this highway even safer for cyclists and pedestrians. The sidewalks have been a big help and I thank you for getting this done, but I believe good signage may make it even safer for cyclists and pedestrians and help eliminate possible accidents and deaths.
Ray Quillen
Lewes
vice president, Bike Delaware Board of Directors
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