Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Delaware Gov Signs Bill to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians

MarkellSign.jpgDelaware governor Jack Markell signs the state's vulnerable users law yesterday. Photo: WHYY

Yesterday brought a big victory for street safety and traffic justice in Delaware, as Governor Jack Markell signed SB 269, the state's vulnerable users law. Jeff Peel, writing on the League of American Bicyclists blog, explains:

The bill, modeled after an Oregon law, enhances the penalty for drivers convicted of careless or inattentive drivers who cause serious physical injury to cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The new law includes sentencing guidelines such as:

  • completion of a traffic safety course
  • perform up to 100 hours of community service related to driver improvement and providing public education on traffic safety
  • fines up to $550
  • suspension of driving privileges

At the same time, a similar law in New York will become law after today, unless Governor David Paterson decides to veto it. Last year, the Texas legislature also passed a vulnerable users law, only to see Governor Rick Perry veto it

The value of these laws, which seem to be spreading across the country, is that they offer prosecutors a charge with some teeth that doesn't rise to the level of a vehicular manslaughter charge. If police and prosecutors are unwilling to throw the full force of the law against a dangerous driver, vulnerable users laws ensure there's still an option with more serious consequences than a speeding ticket. And the laws strengthen the recognition that drivers have a moral obligation to look out for pedestrians and cyclists.

More from around the network: Everything old is new again, as Cyclelicious finds Mark Twain calling for bike-sharing in 1895 (in Portland, naturally). BikeDenver rebrands bike activism by introducing Kidical Mass. And BikePortland points out that downtown is still dominated by surface parking lots. 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Appeals Court Halts Adams’s Impending Bedford Ave. Protected Bike Lane Demolition

The judge's ruling came just as the city was set to begin the bike lane demolition process Tuesday evening.

July 15, 2025

New Yorkers Threaten Legal Action If Eric Adams Makes Bedford Ave. Less Safe for Cyclists

Brooklyn cyclists pledged to sue the city if they are killed or injured on Bedford Avenue after Mayor Adams makes it less safe.

July 15, 2025

E-Bike Fans and Foes Agree: Adams’s 15 MPH Speed Limit Won’t Make Streets Safer

A public hearing about the mayor's proposed speed limit devolved into a debate about e-bike licensing, naturally.

July 15, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Wet Wet Wet Edition

New York City experienced its second rainiest hour in history. Plus more news.

July 15, 2025

Civic Panel Dings Adams For Cutting Bike and Bus Lanes Out of Fifth Av. Redesign

Mayor Adams's scaled down redesign of Fifth Avenue isn't a "real solution" to safety issues on the packed retail corridor, Manhattan Community Board 5 said.

July 14, 2025
See all posts