SOUTH BETHANY, Del. - A bike rack shortage has plagued South Bethany for years during the summer season. Some homeowners have been frustrated with cyclists parking in front of their beachfront properties, while others say there just isn't room for more bike racks near the road.
Mayor Tim Saxton says there will be a significant increase in bike racks before summer. New locations were approved in December and some have already been placed throughout town. The town's goal is to educate the community on where they are with flyers and signage.
"North 6th Street, we have used the shoulder there to put multiple bike racks on that street," says Mayor Saxton. "We plan to lease a lot as well. We also will be putting a few bike racks on the Anchorage Forebay."
Chris Housman rides his bicycle everyday. He says there aren't enough bike racks, especially during warm holiday weekends.
"That's one of the reasons why I and my neighbors purchased houses here, because we could be on the beach with our bikes within 5 minutes, no cars needed," says Housman. "We've already had people been hit and killed by cars out here."
The town is doing its best to keep people from tethering bikes to private property and leaving them in the way of emergency vehicles. In Thursday's workshop town council talked about adding more signs and handing out flyers to show people where to park their bikes.
"I don't know how the town could find more room to put more bike racks," says Martha Lowe, who has lived in South Bethany for 20 years.
Lowe enjoys walking her dog, Tessa, and thinks if more people traveled by foot to the beach or chose beaches with more parking there wouldn't be a need for more bike racks.
"They could be dropped off and picked up," says Lowe. "I think it's a manageable problem if you plan ahead."
For those who do want to bike to the beach, the town wants to point people towards the proper parking spots. According to the towns website, it is unlawful for bicyclists to park on private property and homeowners have the right to remove them off their property.
The town manager hopes to have flyers ready, showing people where to park within the next couple of weeks. South Bethany Police plan to help remind people about the rules for parking their bikes, but no enforcement will be taken just yet as no ordinances have been set.