NORTH BETHANY, Del.- DelDOT is accepting public input regarding measures to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians between Bethany Beach and the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
Concerns over safety have escalated following tragic accidents involving cyclists in the area, prompting community members to question the adequacy of road safety measures.
Seth Hamed, a longstanding advocate for safer biking and pedestrian infrastructure on SR1, has been vocal about the urgency for action. Reflecting on his personal experiences, Hamed emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, "I have witnessed two of those deaths myself while I was biking and you will never forget it."
DelDOT's North Bethany Bicycle and Pedestrian Study proposes various traffic calming measures, including the reduction of speed limits and aesthetic enhancements such as vegetation along the four mile stretch.
Hamed expressed concerns about the current state of the road, likening it to a "drag strip" and questioning its suitability for family outings, asking, "Would you ride your bike here with your kids to get an ice cream?"
Neil Grammer, a cyclist from Ocean View, highlighted the importance of protected bike lanes as a crucial step towards improving safety, advocating for barriers between cars and cyclists to mitigate risks.
Meanwhile, others, like Allura Svenson, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance regardless of implemented precautions.
"I can't trust drivers so for me it is about making sure my music is down and that I am always looking out," Svenson said.
The public workshop held at the South Coastal Library concluded at 7 p.m. DelDOT has scheduled a virtual Q&A session regarding the project for Monday, May 20.
According to a study by DelDOT, despite speed limits ranging from 35 to 55 miles per hour, the average pace of traffic on SR1 remains at 65 miles per hour.
Additionally, the state plans to install three new pedestrian crossings on the road equipped with rapid rectangular flashing beacons. This initiative has already received approval and is slated for installation within the coming year.
