If you don't know the most bicycle-friendly governor in America, you don't know Jack

If you don’t know the most bicycle-friendly governor in America, you don’t know Jack

Staff January 16, 2017 Cool People 15

In the slideshow below, we look back with gratitude and affection at the most bicycle-friendly governor in America:

If you don't know the most bicycle-friendly governor in America, then you don't know Jack Markell.
For many years, the state's annual discretionary budget for cycling was about $40,000. But in 2011, after the passage of Walkable Bikeable Delaware by the Delaware General Assembly, Governor Markell recommended $2 million to complete the Castle Trail and $5 million more for other state bike routes. (Click on slide to read article by League of American Bicyclists.)
The incredible Castle Trail now extends all the way from one side of Delaware to the other, connecting Delaware City all the way to Chesapeake City along the C&D Canal! (Click on slide to read more about the Castle Trail.)
Governor Markell announced the First State Trails and Pathways Initiative to create a world-class interconnected network of shared-use trails and pathways for non-motorized travel and recreation opportunities for Delawareans and visitors. (Click on slide to read more.)
The beautiful Gordons Pond Trail in Lewes is arguably the most scenic trail on the East Coast. (Click on slide to read more.)
In January of 2012, Governor Markell made a bold proposal in his annual State of the State speech: "[O]ne of the best ways we can improve our quality of life, and promote healthy lifestyles at the same time, is to make our state more walkable and bikeable....I am proposing that we dedicate $13 million to build miles of new and enhanced trails throughout our State." (Click on slide to read more.)
With critical help from Senator Robert Venables - the powerful co-chair of the legislature's capital budget committee - the Delaware General Assembly approved every dollar of Governor Markell's request in June of 2012. (Click on slide to read more.)
A 1.1-mile section of trail from Gills Neck Road to Savannah Road in Lewes is the first phase of what will eventually be a 10 foot wide paved trail that extends a total of 17 miles all the way to Georgetown, creating an even longer trail than the Castle Trail! (Click on slide to read more.)
Governor Markell proclaimed "We are going to help make Delaware the most Bicycle Friendly State in America." (Click on slide to read complete proclamation.)
For five years in a row while he was governor, Delaware advanced in the Bicycle Friendly State rankings (farther and faster than any other state ever). Delaware is now officially ranked as the #3 most Bicycle Friendly State in America. (Click on slide to read more.)
It's the largest bicycle project in the history of Delaware, including a football field-long bike bridge which will complete a 7-mile trail connecting the Wilmington Riverfront to downtown New Castle. (Click on slide to read more.)
Governor Markell was awarded the Golden Bicycle Helmet, Delaware's highest award for service to cycling. (Click on slide to read more.)
We know Jack.

First State Trails and Pathways Plan Georgetown to Lewes Trail Markell Wilmington-New Castle Greenway

15 Responses

Johanna Platteschorre Bishop on Facebook says:

January 16, 2017 at 3:54 pm

Thank you, Governor Markell!

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Michael says:

January 16, 2017 at 4:07 pm

Riding with the “GOV” was a highlight ride
he will be miss!

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Brian Givens on Facebook says:

January 16, 2017 at 4:16 pm

Wish dover area was a little more bike friendly.

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Branan Cooper on Facebook says:

January 16, 2017 at 5:21 pm

Thank you Jack Markell

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Michael McClure says:

January 16, 2017 at 6:22 pm

Really enjoyed the Governor’s ride in October. Does Carney ride? If not, how do we get the motorcycle escorts this year’s ride?

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James Jones says:

January 16, 2017 at 9:29 pm

Thank you Governor Jack Markell for all that you have done for our community, state, and nation.

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Barbara Brahaney Amodio on Facebook says:

January 17, 2017 at 5:41 am

We had the pleasure of meeting the Governor on our East Coast Greenway tour. So far, we have biked from Maine to Myrtle Beach and Delaware was one of the highlights of our tour. Thank you. Barbara Amodio – CT

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Bill Batchelor on Facebook says:

January 17, 2017 at 5:45 pm

Thanks Jack for all you’ve done for cycling, you are welcome on a Henry’s Bicycle Shop ride anytime!!

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- Linda Roland on Facebook says:
  
  January 17, 2017 at 6:31 pm
  
  This is a little off the subject, but I think, I remember my Mother taking me to Henry’s, when she was looking for slightly risky greeting cards. They used to keep them in drawers, if I remember correctly. Is this the same place?
  
  Reply
- Bill Batchelor on Facebook says:
  
  January 17, 2017 at 6:52 pm
  
  New ownership in the past 5 years.
  
  Reply
- Röbby Sanfranciskö on Facebook says:
  
  January 17, 2017 at 10:40 pm
  
  …Check those drawers though. Just to be safe
  
  Reply
Brandon Smith on Facebook says:

January 17, 2017 at 6:21 pm

Kimberly Smith

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Nigel Pond on Facebook says:

January 17, 2017 at 8:09 pm

Thanks Gov and enjoy your cross-country ride!

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Jack Berberian on Facebook says:

January 17, 2017 at 8:18 pm

Thank you Governor Jack Markell for everything you have done for the State, our communities and for our families!!!!

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Rick Strohm on Facebook says:

January 17, 2017 at 10:04 pm

My goodness, Jackie M. lovefest going on here. Just don’t ride off the limited bike paths at the beach. You will be squashed, street pizzaed, road rashed and air lifted to Christiana Medical Center. ZERO BIKE LANES in all town to town routes..

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If you don’t know the most bicycle-friendly governor in America, you don’t know Jack

If you don’t know the most bicycle-friendly governor in America, you don’t know Jack

15 Responses

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