In the fall of 2011, when first considering a run for the Delaware Senate, I sat down with the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker, who at the time was the pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach. He shared with me the importance of the new 6th Senate District needing a facilitator who was willing to do the heavy lifting to bring various groups together to discuss difficult topics, then craft improvements toward the greater good.
I thought about that conversation while standing in front of 150 Delawareans gathered at the Lewes library July 9 while facilitating a meeting about pedestrian and bicycle safety on our local trails. After months of hearing about rude, unsafe and disrespectful interactions on Cape Region trails and at crossings between bikers, walkers and motorists, I felt it important to bring all concerned parties together for a conversation which also included local law enforcement and officials from the Delaware Department of Transportation.
The discussion was respectful yet concerning, as it became apparent early in the meeting that many lacked an understanding of Delaware code regarding proper stopping and yielding at crossings. This issue is one that I will address and work to change along with my fellow legislators in order to ensure that clarity and common sense dictate what our law actually states.
With that said, what was truly troubling over the course of the discussion was the lack of understanding as to the purpose of the shared investment being made in order to ensure that all feel welcome on our trails. Let me be clear: These trails belong to all Delawareans. Not just cyclists. Not just walkers and joggers. Everyone.
Along that vein, simple courtesies, respect and common sense are measures that must be taken by all users in order to ensure both safety and enjoyment. Most in attendance agreed after the meeting that close to 75 percent of the original concerns about trail safety could be addressed by these simple things: courtesy, common sense, awareness and respect.
Legislation isn’t needed to make this happen, and we can all agree that in this world, kindness, decency and thoughtfulness are in short supply in many aspects of our daily lives. With that said, we must not let our trails, which are taxpayer-funded amenities created for recreational enjoyment and safe travel by individuals of all abilities, succumb to that lack of consideration.
I’d like to personally thank those who spent a beautiful summer evening at this important meeting and give special acknowledgment to members of our local law enforcement community for their attendance, in addition to our safety specialists from the Delaware Department of Transportation.
Dr. Ernesto B. López
Delaware Senate
District 6, Lewes
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