Greetings all. There have been a few participants inquiring about biking during the in-person Academy. As the local host, I'm happy to help answer your questions about biking (or any other down-time activities).

We don't have much downtime, but if you want to bring a bike, you are more than welcome.

On the UD campus, we are very bike friendly, we have areas to secure bikes and a great paved trail (about 0.75 miles) adjacent to campus that is a nice, safe, quick out-and-back jaunt.

Overall, the city of Lewes is pretty bike-friendly. That said, both of the roads leading to the UD campus have no shoulder, so be warned. Most cars give you a wide berth, but be advised that some do not.

We are very fortunate, though, that the current and former Governors were very bike-friendly, so we have an AMAZING mixed-use (mostly paved or hard-pack gravel) trail system not far from campus. The trails are all part of Cape Henlopen State Park, and while most are in-park, there is a fantastic trail called the Junction and Breakwater Trail, located outside the park, that has an official trail head with free parking and restrooms at the Lewes Library (other trail heads at Cape Henlopen High School and Tanger Outlets-Seaside, both free parking, neither have designated restrooms). This trail connects Lewes to the summertime metropolis of Rehoboth Beach. While you can make your way around Rehoboth on bike, the trail does end and vehicle traffic begins, so be careful!

Beyond downtown Lewes and the trail system, most other roads have shoulders, however, you will have to eventually cross Route 1, which, this time of year is pretty dicey. Long-distance riders can find miles and miles of roads west of Route 1, but again, traffic is a concern. Check your favorite biking sites for more info on long-distance rides.

If you are going to bring your bike, please adhere to all safety precautions and local bike/traffic laws (e.g. head/tail lights after dark), and always secure your bike when not in use.

See you soon!

Chris