BICYCLING @UDEL
Newark recognized as silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community
In 2023, the League of American Bicyclists has named Newark a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Newark is the first city in Delaware to be recognized at the silver level and joins 115 communities across the country that have achieved this same level of excellence in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. Newark ranks among the top 157 Bicycle Friendly Communities in the nation. The silver-award recognizes Newark for its commitment over the past 12 years to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, pro-bike policies, and bike infrastructure. The League recognizes four levels of bicycle friendly communities: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. A bronze-level BFC since 2010, Newark was one of only four communities that advanced from bronze to silver status during the past year.
Through this 2022 report and action plan, the coauthors investigate the feasibility of a bikeshare program for the City of Newark and University of Delaware. To be successful, this would require enhanced bicycle infrastructure to ensure the safety of cyclists. With a bike network completed in phases, starting with the inner-most roads in Newark and then gradually expanding outward and into neighborhoods, a bikeshare program with docking stations could be deployed to further promote cycling and all its associated benefits. Ultimately, changes in infrastructure and culture to promote cycling are essential in supporting the broader transition in the U.S. to a low-carbon economy and to aid the City of Newark and University of Delaware in becoming more sustainable.
