Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
false

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

Friday Video: Why Are America’s Roads and Bridges ‘Crumbling’?

Americas dangerous, crumbling roads are bridges didn't happen by accident — and it's not too late to fix them, the latest Streetcraft video says.

October 4, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Are For Local Control

It's playing out all over the country: A city wants to make a street safer for everyone, only for the state DOT to step in and say no. Learn more about the trend + more stories in today's headlines.

October 4, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Transit Themed Rock Music

Meet a band that writes exclusively about the car-free life on public transit. And it rocks!

October 3, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines Are Down on the Corner, Out in the Street

Bring a nickel, tap your feet as you avoid having to get into your car to drive out to the big-box strip mall.

October 3, 2024

Room for Improvement: What New York’s Subway System Can Learn from Cities Around the World

New York’s subway was once an international model of modernity. But it's not anymore.

October 3, 2024
See all posts