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Bethany Beach committee outlines 'Wave 3.0' safety campaigns for 2026 season
Summary
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Committee adopted a prioritized 'Wave 3.0' outreach plan for 2026 focused on visibility, helmet use, e‑bike/scooter expectations and targeted communications (videos, trolley signage, business outreach) ahead of the summer season.
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Committee in Bethany Beach on Feb. 9 laid out a prioritized set of safety campaigns for the 2026 season centered on visibility, helmet promotion, and clearer rules for e‑bikes and scooters.
Committee leaders said the effort — branded internally as "Wave 3.0" — will use short digital videos, trolley signage and business outreach to reach both residents and the seasonal visitor population. Julie, the town staff member coordinating outreach, will draft a rollout schedule and work with a videographer to produce 30‑ to 90‑second clips tailored to bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
The committee identified five recurring themes for 2026: (1) being seen (reflective gear, lighting), (2) correct side riding/walking and crosswalk etiquette, (3) helmet use (required for those under 18 and strongly encouraged for adults), (4) clarifying rules and expectations for e‑bikes and scooters, and (5) better interpersonal communication on the road (waving, announcing passes). Chair members emphasized that many visitors arrive with different habits and the outreach must connect with their motivations, not only cite rules.
"People will tell you, 'I've been coming here for 30 years. I've never worn a helmet,'" the committee chair said, urging messaging that highlights personal reasons to protect oneself rather than relying solely on enforcement. Members proposed rotating trolley posters and short handouts at checkpoints; the Office of Highway Safety (OHS) also may provide free brochures and materials.
Committee members also discussed materials and branding (t‑shirts, stickers) and agreed to inventory existing supplies and consider brighter or reflective designs for new shirts. Business outreach will ask downtown employers to help distribute materials and encourage seasonal staff to attend the June foreign‑student safety seminar.
A public idea discussed during the meeting — piloting orange handheld crosswalk flags on Route One — will be coordinated with neighboring towns and requires DelDOT blessing, committee members said. Julie will return with a campaign schedule and production needs for the videographer ahead of the March planning meeting.
Next steps: Julie will draft a 30/60/90‑day rollout plan for the three priority campaigns and report back at the next committee meeting.
