LEWES, Del. - The City of Lewes is a bicycle friendly community, but local leaders are expressing concern with some cyclists' riding habits. The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee says select bicyclists across Lewes are not following the laws intended to keep them safe.
Marta Nammack, member of the Committee, said "Canal bridge there on Savannah, cars are piling up waiting at the stop light, but bicycles are creeping up to the stop light instead of waiting their turn.”
Cyclists have also been going the wrong way down Second Street.
"Any Saturday, Sunday, it's the wild west. People are going every direction riding the sidewalk, some on the wrong side of the road, right turn on red,” said Chip Davis, another member.
The owner of Lewes Cycle Sports says educating the public could help solve the problem.
"It’s a mixture of people knowing the rules but also feeling safer by not following them. I think it's bicycle infrastructure, and the other part is better education of people of why it's safer to ride with traffic as opposed to traffic,” said Brian Kellman.
Chairperson Don Long mentioned incorporating one DelDOT practice for Second Street cyclists.
"They put a small red sign with a bicycle on it that says ‘wrong way’, on the back side of signs,” said Long.
The Sidewalk Stencil Program, which reminds cyclists to stay off the sidewalk when riding, will be on hold until the spring.
"If there is rules, there's laws. They need to be known by cyclists, pedestrians, vehicles, and reinforced so people know what is and isn't law,” said Davis.
Many are hoping the future bike ambassador program can help enforce the law.
"We're going to be challenged with this bike ambassador program, but [there] will be ways to have more eyes and ears out there and support the police department too,” said Long.
City Manager, Ann Marie Townshend, will be following up on the signs for Second Street. The next committee meeting will be held on January 26, 2021.