Delaware is ranked the 6th most bike-friendly state in the nation, according to the League of American Bicyclists, thanks to state policies, dedicated funding to bicycle infrastructure and trails, safety campaigns, and strong advocacy. May is National Bike Month! Events are happening throughout Delaware to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and to encourage more folks to give biking a try. National Bike to Work Week 2021 will be held on May 17–23. Bike to Work Day is May 21! Updates will be posted on WILMAPCO’s webpage.
Bike Month Events in Delaware
Sussex County
May 1: Trap Pond State Park Bike Rally
The 17th Annual “Get in Gear” Family Bike Rally begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, with a rain date of May 2. It’s a great day to get outside and explore nature and the trails of Trap Pond State Park, in Laurel, Delaware. For registration view the Bike Rally website.
May 21: Lewes Bike to Work Day
On May 21, the City of Lewes will be celebrating National Bike to Work Day! Citizens are encouraged to ride bicycles to work, school, or errands and leave their cars in the garage. The ride will begin at 207 Second Street at 8:00 a.m.
New Castle County
May 7: Urban Bike Project First Friday at the Delaware Contemporary!
On Friday May 7, the Urban Bike Project will host First Friday at the Delaware Contemporary! The ride will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Urban Bike Project (1500 N. Walnut Street) and end at the Delaware Contemporary, with an optional return trip leaving the museum at 7 p.m. Check out the First Friday art exhibits and outdoor activities. Food trucks will be available. Urban Bike Project will have a stand set up at the museum offering free tune ups to anyone who rides their bike to the event!
Open Streets Wilmington Launches May 15
Join Open Streets Wilmington for our inaugural event! On Saturday, May 15 from 2 – 6 p.m., Market Street will be closed to motor vehicles from 4th through 10th Streets. Bring the whole family out for a walk or bike ride downtown. Businesses will be open! Enjoy children's activities, outdoor fitness classes, cooking demos and healthy food giveaways, raffle prizes, and more! Plus, the CarePortMD Vaccine bus will be on site with first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Additional Open Street events will be held monthly this summer. For more information and a full list of activities, visit www.openstreetswilmington.org.
May is Newark Bike Month
Newark is celebrating National Bike Month this May with a social media photo contest. Whatever your reason for riding, enjoy Newark on your bike! Share your favorite destinations and how you get there. Post a biking photo to Facebook or Twitter, tagging @BikeNewark, or send it to BikeNewark@gmail.com. Each post earns you a prize entry. Entries must be shared by May 25. In addition, look for BikeNewark along the Pomeroy Trail near Main Street on Sunday, May 16 from noon-2 p.m. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/bikenewark.
Kent County
May 19: Dover Bike to Work Day
To celebrate Bike to Work Day, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the City of Dover will have their annual Bike-In-Social on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The event includes guest speakers, and the City will provide a light breakfast. Participants will receive a 2021 Bike Month T-shirt.
Celebrate Your Own Way
Can't make it to one of the above events? No worries Celebrate your own way! Choose to commute to work or school by bike, go on a peaceful bike ride through your community, or even try a new trail! Here are a few tools to get you started!
The Jack A. Markell “JAM” Trail
The Jack A. Markell or “JAM” Trail is over seven-miles long and links Wilmington’s Riverfront to Historic New Castle, Delaware. Celebrate bike month by exploring the JAM! Learn more in our Adobe Spark Page!
The Delaware Byways
Celebrate Bike Month by exploring one of the six Delaware Byways! In 2000, the Delaware General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 320, authorizing the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to develop what would become known as the Delaware Byways Program. The purpose of the program is to: identify, promote, preserve, and enhance Delaware roadways with scenic, historic, natural, cultural, recreational, or archaeological qualities. Learn more in our Adobe Spark Page!
Delaware Greenways
Utilize the Delaware Greenway’s “Discover Your Path” search tool to find the perfect biking trail to celebrate Bike Month! Search by length, difficulty level, surface type, environment, and more!
Low-Stress Cycling
Low-Stress Cycling (LSC) refers to the idea that a network may be established to ensure that there are ways in which cyclist can easily access areas throughout a city without being an extremely confident rider. View the summary page and download the Low-Stress Bikeability Assessment Tool, developed for use by Delaware local governments.
Delaware Commute Solutions assists employers and commuters with finding solutions and using alternative modes of transportation in Delaware. Their goal is to reduce the number of single occupant vehicles (SOVs) traveling on Delaware’s roadways, thus improving our air quality. Learn more on their website.
All DART First State buses have bike racks and most Park & Ride locations have secure bike parking spaces and/or lockers.
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