Kudos to Gov. Jack Markell, former Rep. John Schroeder, DNREC Secretary Collin O'Mara, former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, former DNREC Secretary John Hughes and the many others responsible for the long awaited completion of the Gordons Pond Trail that completes the 15-mile regional trail loop connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

The new trail section from the wildlife observation platform at Gordons Pond to the Walking Dune Trail near Herring Point is breathtaking and the trail as a whole is one of the most spectacular and family-friendly bike trails I've seen - flat and easy to ride while at the same time protecting environmentally sensitive areas.

As word of this treasure spreads, the 15-mile regional trail loop connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach will surely become one of the region's most valued attractions. Thousands will now have an opportunity to witness and gain an appreciation of aspects of the natural beauty of the Cape Region that may have been overlooked in the past.

This past weekend I was pleased to see a representative slice of our diverse community enjoying the trail. Families with young children, couples, serious cyclists and hikers were all out and enjoying the trail at their own pace. The overwhelming majority of those using the trail were respectful and courteous of others.

While there were a few cranky cyclists who seemed bothered by the pace of others, I expect that these outliers will adapt to the "relax, you're at the beach" lifestyle soon enough. I also hope that the continued success of Gov. Markell's Trails and Pathways Initiative will inspire Rehoboth Beach to continue implementation and expansion of the Rehoboth Beach bicycle/pedestrian master plan developed in collaboration with Delaware Greenways.

Michael Bednarek
Rehoboth Beach