Superintendent Colonel William Crotty
Delaware – The Delaware State Police would like to remind bicyclists of safety and laws while riding along the roadways. Troop 7, Lewes has partnered with the DelDOT Bicycle Program to offer complimentary lighting installment on bicycles.
As we enter into the summer months, Troopers would like to provide the following information for bicyclists riding in Delaware. Obey the rules of the road. Drivers and bicyclists are expected to observe traffic rules such as stop signs and red lights. Ignoring these traffic rules can lead to injuries that would have otherwise been preventable. Never ride against the flow of traffic. Drivers and pedestrians alike may not be expecting bicyclists riding in that direction.
On Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in the Lewes/Rehoboth Beach areas, bikes are allowed on the sidewalks and must yield to pedestrians. However, in certain town limits local ordinances prohibit bikes on the sidewalks. Avoid distracted riding much like you would if you were driving a car, and wait to check your cell phone until you’re safely off the road.
Visibility can be an issue for bicyclists in the dark, so take steps to ensure that motorists can see you. Adding white front lights and red back lights to your bike, plus reflective tape or clothing can also help make you more visible in the dark. It is against Delaware law to operate a bicycle at night without a front headlight. And remember, visibility isn’t just an issue late at night; cloudy days and early mornings can impair motorists’ ability to see bicyclists on the road too.
For those bicyclist traveling in and around the beach area, the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit will be offering to outfit bikes with the proper lighting. Lights are available for installment at Troop 7, located at 18006 Coastal Highway, Lewes, while supplies last. Please contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-703-3269 to schedule an appointment.
More information on bicycle safety can be found on the Delaware Office of Highway Safety website and laws can be found on the State of Delaware website under Online Delaware Code.
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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe
Released:041619 1705
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