First Dedicated Bikes Lanes Over The C & D Canal Cross St. Georges Bridge

Political leaders, DelDOT and Army Corps of Engineers celebrate new lanes by pedaling across canal

St. Georges -- Governor Jack Markell and Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks were joined today by Federal and state officials, and bicycle advocates at a ceremony to recognize the newly completed bike lanes on the St. Georges Bridge across the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. Governor Markell led the excited group of cyclists on the 2.5 mile ride over the bridge and back.

Senator Thomas R. Carper, Congressman Michael N. Castle, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Commander, Lt. Philip Secrist, and Amy Wilburn, Chair of the Delaware Bicycle Council took part in the event on the grounds of the Commodore MacDonough School, where they discussed why it is so vital to provide infrastructure for more than just cars.

"These bike lanes are a testament to the power of the community to work together with state and federal government to find practical solutions," Governor Markell explained. "Enabling cyclists to cross this bridge safely helps promote public health, protect our environment, and improve quality of life to make Delaware more attractive to employers."

"Anyone who has renovated an old home knows too well the challenges of making changes to an existing structure," said Secretary Wicks. "Fortunately, this bridge has good bones. Like most of our roads and bridges they were designed and built well in the first place, so with a little coaxing, we can change them to serve the next century as well as they served the last century."

"Many Delawareans have no other option than to use their cars, trucks, and vans for every trip," said Senator Carper. "Today we are providing them with additional options. By adding bike lanes to the St. Georges Bridge - for recreational bikers or those looking for a way to commute back and forth to work -we are reducing congestion, improving our air quality, and giving people an opportunity to get some great exercise."

Congressman Castle also said the bike lanes are an opportunity for Delawareans. "I am proud to be a part of the bike ride to celebrate the new bicycle lanes on the St. Georges Bridge, which will unquestionably enable Delawareans to enjoy and explore the C & D Canal, Lums Pond and other recreational facilities in the area," he said. "Living an active lifestyle is the best way to promote health and I applaud Governor Markell and the Army Corps of Engineers for making this bike path a reality."

The Corps of Engineers owns the bridge and financed the recent repair project of the bridge. "This project is just another example of the great working relationship between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia
District and the state of Delaware," said Lt. Col. Secrist, Together, we identified a need for bike lanes and made it a reality. It's truly a sign of the cooperativeness and hard work of our organizations employees."

Representing the bicycling community, which lobbied hard for these lanes, was Amy Wilburn, Chair of Delaware Bicycle Council. "A safe crossing over the C&D Canal has been one of the bicycling community's major goals for over twenty years," Wilburn said. "This is a great day for bicyclists in Delaware and a milestone along the road to making our state a green and bike friendly place to live."