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Walkability study finds gaps in sidewalks, crosswalks and transit in Bethany Beach
Summary
A volunteer-led walkability audit presented to the committee identified a shortage of crosswalks, inconsistent sidewalks, limited pedestrian signage and missing sidewalk segments along Route 1; presenters urged more audits, grant applications and near-miss cameras to build evidence for improvements.
A committee presentation on a recent walkability study highlighted concerns about sidewalks, crossings and seasonal traffic in Bethany Beach.
Mary Louise Embry, executive director of BBLA, summarized a walk audit conducted with America Walks and AARP resources and said a quick poll showed “72 percent of the 169 respondents stated that they are not comfortable walking and biking in the town.” She described the audit route and said participants used structured walk-audit forms to capture sidewalk conditions, signage gaps and locations where sidewalks end.
The study flagged several recurring problems: too few crosswalks in critical locations, uneven and variable sidewalk conditions that pose mobility challenges for older adults and people using mobility aids, and stretches of Route 1 without sidewalks that force pedestrians to use the shoulder or detour through parkland. Embry also noted a lack of pedestrian-alert signage and recommended pursuing grants and near-miss cameras to collect evidence for targeted improvements.
Committee members said those technical observations align with projects already on the town’s work list (new crosswalks and pedestrian islands) and urged continued coordination with DelDOT and other agencies. Embry recommended more local walk audits (which the group can conduct without the AARP lead), a challenge-grant application next cycle, and partnerships between the committee and citizen groups when seeking funding.
Next steps: committee members agreed to pursue additional audits, explore near-miss camera funding, and consider grant applications with town and community partners.
