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 USA
Are Friday’s Headlines the New Normal?
Transit ridership hasn't come all the way back from the pandemic, and they're going to need more federal help, along with other changes, says Governing magazine.
Friday Video: How to Make Places Safe For Non-Drivers After Dark
A top Paris pedestrian planner, a leading GIS professional, and Streetsblog's own Kea Wilson weigh in on the roots of America's nighttime road safety crisis, and the strategies that can help end it.
OPINION: Congestion Pricing Will Help My Family Get Around As We Navigate Cancer Treatment
My partner was recently diagnosed with cancer. Congestion pricing will make getting her to treatment faster and easier.
Talking Headways Podcast: Money is a Lot of Different Things
It's Part II of our discussion with Jim Kumon!
If Thursday’s Headlines Build It, They Will Come
Why can the U.S. quickly rebuild a bridge for cars, but not do the same for transit? It comes down to political will and a reliance on consultants.
