On May 15, BikeNewark partnered with the City of Newark, the University of Delaware (UD), DelDOT, WILMAPCO, and Delaware Commute Solutions to celebrate National Bike to Work Day in Newark. The weather was ideal.
More than 50 people registered for and attended the hour-long, early-morning event, which has been held for more than 10 years now on the UD’s main campus. At Mentors’ Circle attendees enjoyed light breakfast items, free Bike Month t-shirts (courtesy of DelDOT and the Delaware Bicycle Council), commuting and local biking info, great networking, and brief speeches by local and state officials.
BikeNewark’s Vice-Chair Michael Smith acted as the event’s emcee. Introduced first was UD’s new President, Dr. Laura Carlson. She is a serious athlete who trains for triathlons, and BikeNewark was delighted to have had her share some encouraging words about biking at this event. Dr. Carlson welcomed everyone on behalf of the host institution.
BikeNewark Chair Bob McBride spoke briefly about its shared vision for the Newark community, in terms of advancing a bicycling culture.
Having taken office just a year ago, Newark Mayor Travis McDermott spoke about the many ways the City of Newark has improved conditions for bicyclists over the past few years.
Next at the podium was the event’s keynote speaker, State Rep. Mara Gorman, who represents a sizable portion of the Newark area. She talked about her experience of bicycling and, in particular, bicycling in Newark. She also emphasized the important role the state legislature has played and can play in improving conditions for bicycling.
Newark Parks & Recreation director Paula Ennis then announced and presented the annual Bicycle Friendly Community Leader Award. This year’s recipient was BikeNewark Treasurer Karl Hassler. Hassler was selected because of the hours of personal volunteer work he has put in to improve and maintain the city’s four bicycle-information kiosks.
BikeNewark Chair Bob McBride was joined by Bike Delaware’s Executive Director James Wilson to present a special Bicycle Friendly LIfetime Leader Award to a surprised State Sen. Dave Sokola. Bike Delaware had also arranged for a personalized bike shirt, which Wilson presented to Sen. Sokola.
Following the awards presentations were the random giveaways to lucky event registrants, totaling approximately $400 in value.
To close out the event, attendees gathered at the footsteps of Hullihen Hall for a group photo.
Special thanks to UD photographer Evan Krape, who captured these images.
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