Delaware Drops “Share the Road”
Following a push from cyclists around the state, Delaware has agreed to stop using "share the road" signs. Beginning immediately, the DOT will use signs that convey less ambiguous messages confirming cyclists' right to the streets.
Bike Delaware has been lobbying the state for this policy change since this summer. In August, in a letter to DelDOT's Chief Traffic Engineer, Bike Delaware's James Wilson wrote:
Many motorists believe that “sharing” means giving up part of something they believe is rightfully theirs while cyclists tend to think of sharing as referring to a commonly owned asset that belongs to them just as much as it does to motorists. This confusion causes motorists and cyclists to trade pointless and time-wasting accusations back and forth.
Bike Delaware's post on the topic set off a barrage of Facebook "likes." In an admirable show of government responsiveness, today Bike Delaware announced that the state DOT has complied with the request:
On Friday, DelDOT’s Chief Traffic Engineer released an official memo to DelDOT staff and contractors:
“…effective immediately, DelDOT is discontinuing the use of the STR ["Share The Road"'] plaque. For projects that have not yet reached the final plan submission, the STR plaque should be deleted from the plans. For projects past the the final plan submission or in construction, the STR plaque does not need to be installed. When bicycle warning signs and STR plaques are being replaced for maintenance purposed…the STR plaque should be omitted...”
It will be interesting to see if Delaware cyclists notice an improvement following the installation of the new signs.
Elsewhere on the Network today: Cincy Map explores the complicated geography of cul-de-sacs. Strong Towns riffs on the superiority of bottom-up "chaotic and smart" innovation, versus the top-down "orderly but dumb" approach. And Streets.mn recounts the history of streetcar development in the Twin Cities from 1880 to 1954.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog New York City
Popular Fort Greene Open Street Fizzles After City Pulls Support
DOT reassigned its contractor, and this open street — which once hosted rollicking dance parties — is history.
Monday’s Headlines: Thin-Skinned, Anti-Restler Mayor Edition
Under fire for how he handled the storm, the mayor found a familiar target: Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler. Plus other news.
Two Paths Forward: Broadway Shows What Could Be on Fifth Avenue
It's time to widen Fifth Avenue's sidewalks and add a protected bike lane. Delays hurt everyone.
CYCLE OF RAGE: Even Cheap Souvenir Plates Fool NYC Speed Cameras — And Piss Off an Out-of-Town Man
You don't have to be SEXY to fool New York City speed cameras. You just have to pretend to be.
We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now
It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.
