The Ocean Pines Bike and Pedestrian Work Group proposes changes to Ocean Parkway to enhance safety for individuals who use the shoulder to access various destinations in Ocean Pines, such as mailboxes, school bus stops, or for walking their dogs, as well as to destinations outside of Ocean Pines (to work or shopping, for example). This lane is intended for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and riding abilities, for those without cars or licenses, and aims to promote biking and walking amongst all age groups.

The proposal suggests narrowing the existing vehicle lanes to expand the current shoulder into a clearly marked shared-use bike/pedestrian path. Ocean Parkway generally measures 13-14 feet in width, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recommends a minimum width of 10 to 11 feet for lower speed areas (less than 35 MPH) with significant bike and pedestrian activity. This recommendation does not involve paving over the median or cutting down trees.

Narrowing travel lanes is not a new concept. Several studies highlight the benefits of narrower streets, including one by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Narrower Lanes, Safer Streets | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health. Their research compared 12-foot lanes with 9 and 10-foot lanes and found that wider lanes are more hazardous, particularly 35 MPH or less, as they encourage faster driving and increase the number of incidents. The full report is available here: JHU-2023-Narrowing-Travel-Lanes-Report.pdf.

You may have noticed many new bike/pedestrian lanes have been created across Delaware. They are a result of Delaware Department of Transportation participation in the Johns Hopkins Study and implementing the recommendations.

In 2023 Worcester County contracted with national transportation planning firm Mead & Hunt to develop the county's first Master Trails & Greenways Plan. The plan, approved by County Commissioners in February 2025, recommends as a short-term priority (<5years) an on-road bike lane on Ocean Parkway.

Ocean Pines Administration has participated in the Ocean Pines Bike and Pedestrian work group since November 2023 and agreed to a demonstration project that would clearly paint the shoulders of Ocean Parkway with bike and pedestrian stencils and arrows showing appropriate direction of travel.

Funding for implementing temporary signage in Ocean Pines was secured through a grant from the Coastal Association of Realtors. Funds from the grant were used to purchase paint and materials for the temporary bike/pedestrian lanes and symbols. However, volunteers from the Ocean Pines Bike and Pedestrian Work Group were instructed to halt their efforts due to legal concerns about the creation of a bike lane without a full 4-foot width. When asked if Ocean Pines could re-stripe the shoulder to meet this requirement, an Ocean Pines Board Member said that the Board was not inclined to narrow travel lanes for vehicles. No other alternatives were proposed to improve the safety for the bikers/pedestrians who use the shoulders every day.

Consequently, Ocean Pines residents are biking and walking on Ocean Parkway at their own risk, as there is no designated 4-foot bike/pedestrian lane. This issue poses a significant challenge for a community that is over 50 years old, and it will continue to become more difficult to manage if not addressed promptly.

Respectfully,
Ocean Pines Bike and Pedestrian Work Group:
Patti Stevens
Mickey Lobb
Pam McGregor
Paul Rogers
Kathy Wig