Bicyclists around the shore will soon have access to a network of trails- ranging from 8-1,000 miles- through every county on the peninsula. To help promote low-impact nature tourism, DLITE is working to create a Delmarva Biking Trails- originally envisioned by the Delmarva Advisory Council some five years ago. DLITE took over the project this year.

To expedite the process, DLITE has formed the "Delmarva Alliance for Bicycling" to help seek members to fund the ambitious $30,000 project. Connectingover 70 wildlife havens, the stops along the way include the Bombay Hook, Prime Hook, Blackwater and Chincoteague wildlife refuges, Assateague Island, Pocomoke River State Forest, Deal Island, 15 state parks, and 25 wildlife management areas.

All told, the trails cover more than 2,000 miles of rural roads through cypress swamp, upland, tidal marsh and coastal plain forest. Each county in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia will have its own set of trails called flyways. Capable cyclists will be able to take a primary route from the C & D Canal down the rural roads on the east side of the peninsula to Cape Charles and back up the west side through the extensive marshes and forests along the Chesapeake. Weekend warriors can try the county routes which range from 8-30 miles. All routes are fit for road bikes as well as mountain bikes.

On the backside of the map is information on points of cultural interest, birding sites, cycling safety, kayaking trails, and crabbing, clamming, and fishing spots. So far, 10 of the 14 Eastern Shore counties have allocated funds for the project. The biking map is due out in April. DLITE will post updates on the cycling project as they come in.