- Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Best Roads and Destinations in Delaware
- 2.1 Brandywine Valley Loop
- 2.2 Delaware Coast Short Run - Route 9
- 2.3 Delaware Coastal Highway
- 2.4 Camden to Redden State Forest
- 2.5 US Highway 113
- 2.6 New Castle Forest Ride
- 3. Motorcycle Laws in Delaware
- 3.1 Delaware Motorcycle Helmet Laws
- 3.2 Delaware Motorcycle Passenger Laws
- 3.3 Delaware Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
- 3.4 Delaware Lane Splitting Laws
- 4. Motorcycle Luggage for Delaware Motorcycle Tour
- 5. Parting Words
1. Introduction
Though not as diverse in its selection of routes and locations that motorcycles can travel on compared to other regions along the eastern coast of the United States, Delaware has a lot to offer for any riders looking for an adventure. Divided into two major regions, the Piedmont Plateau has rolling hills while the Atlantic Coastal Plain has level flatlands. Wherever you venture forth, you will find that this state has no shortage of places with historical significance or possesses rural or urban scenery for you to admire.
This article is intended to provide a list of Delaware’s famous motorcycle roads and destinations including supplementary information on this state’s motorcycle laws and possible luggage options.
2. Best Roads and Destinations in Delaware
2.1 Brandywine Valley Loop
Distance: 29 miles
Time: 59 minutes
Start: Chadds Ford, PA
End: Chadds Ford, PA
Starting in Chadds Ford, you have the opportunity to check out the exhibits at the Sanderson Museum and the Brandywine River Museum of Art. If you are feeling hungry before embarking, you may want to grab a bite to eat at Agave or OsoSweet Bakery Café.
Heading southward alongside the Brandywine Creek, you will eventually enter the Brandywine Creek State Park after crossing the Pennsylvania-Delaware border. This wilderness area has plenty of interesting sites for you to visit including Winterthur Enchanted Woods, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Brown’s Woods, and Duck Pond Woods.
Turning towards the west onto Creek Road, you will pass by Valley Garden Park. When you make it to Yorklyn, you will be able to visit Center for the Creative Arts, Oversee Farm, and Auburn Valley State Park. You will then proceed to cross back over into Pennsylvania.
Looping around back towards your starting point, you will pass by Anson B. Nixon Park and Longwood Gardens. Within the latter, you will be able to admire the greenery in Meadow, Italian Water, Wisteria, Topiary, and Main Fountain Gardens.
2.2 Delaware Coast Short Run - Route 9
Distance: 53 miles
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Start: Kitts Hummock
End: New Castle
After departing from Kitts Hummock, you will be able to check out the aircraft and history of the Dover Air Force. As you begin to head northward, you will pass by the Little Creek Wildlife Area, Marshtown Hunting Preserve, and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge before abruptly turning towards the northwest.
Continuing on your way via Harry Point Landing Road and Fleming Landing Road, you should be able to catch sight of Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, Mallard Lodge, and Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area.
After completing a wide curve via Taylors Bridge Road and Silver Run Road, you will continue heading northward while staying close to the Delaware River’s coast. You will pass through and beside Augustine Wildlife Area, Silver Run Wildlife Area, Fort DuPont State Park, Fort Delaware State Park, Dragon Run Park, and First State National Historical Park.
2.3 Delaware Coastal Highway
Distance: 38 miles
Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Start: Ocean City, MD
End: Lewes, DE
At the southern end of the peninsula, you can explore Ocean City by checking out the exhibits at the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum or trying the rides at Trimper Rides of Ocean City. Heading northward, you will encounter Northside Park and Maryland Beach as you draw closer to the Maryland-Delaware border.
Making it into Delaware, you will be able to examine maritime artifacts at the Discoversea Shipwreck Museum or take a walk through Fenwick Island State Park. The road becomes slightly narrower at this point due to passing between the Atlantic Coast and Assawoman Wildlife Area.
Getting in close proximity to Bethany Beach, you will be greeted by a large totem pole referred to as Chief Little Owl. Head over to the Bethany Beach Boardwalk if you are interested in checking out shops, restaurants, etc.
Continuing to head up the Coastal Highway, you will pass by Coin Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park, Towers Beach, Indian Beach, and Dewey Beach. After reaching Rehoboth Beach, you will turn west and start to head inland.
If you are looking to spend time off of your motorcycle, you should make sure to bring a swimsuit if you happen to stop at Jungle Jim’s. Or you can drive go-karts on small race tracks if you are looking to operate a different kind of vehicle.
2.4 Camden to Redden State Forest
Distance: 30 miles
Time: 43 minutes
Start: Camden
End: Redden State Forest
Though there are no notable attractions in Camden, you can enjoy a bit of leisure by resting at Brecknock County Park. There is also no shortage of food establishments as you begin to head southward on South Dupont Highway. Such examples include Bee Bowl’d, Bob Evans, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
Eventually, you will turn southeast onto Canterbury Road which will take you beside a collection of parks including Woodbury, Orchard Acres, and Killens Pond State Park. You will cross over a few bodies of water as well such as Coursey Pond and McCauley’s Pond.
The final leg of this route will head straight south on Dupont Boulevard, taking you all the way to Redden State Forest. The scattered clusters of dense forest that circle around the highway provide opportunities to engage in hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching.
2.5 US Highway 113
Distance: 74 miles
Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Start: Milford, DE
End: Pocomoke City, MD
Starting out in Milford, you can check out Milford Museum to learn more about this city’s history or head over to Silver Lake Milford if you want to admire the scenery. Heading out, you will head straight south until you pass through Redden State Forest.
Your next stop will be Georgetown where you can find the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation or the Georgetown Train Station if you have an interest in vehicles. Shortly after you leave this community, you will come across the Marvel Carriage Museum and the Georgetown Speedway.
Continuing to head southeast along the highway, you will eventually pass the Delaware-Maryland border. When you arrive in Berlin, you can check out the exhibits at the Calvin B. Taylor House and the Mermaid Museum.
As you travel on Worcester Highway, you will pass through Pocomoke River State Park. Places of importance within this wilderness area include Shad and Milburn Landings. From there, it should only be a short ride until you arrive in Pocomoke City.
2.6 New Castle Forest Ride
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 27 minutes
Start: Skyline Ridge, Pike Creek, DE 19808
End: Skyline Ridge, Pike Creek, DE 19808
From Skyline Ridge, you will start to head northwest on Upper Pike Creek Road which will take you beside Linden Way. As you transition onto North Star Road, the route will begin to straighten out while passing by North Star. Reaching the top of the loop via Valley Road, you will be within the vicinity of Hockessin Valley Falls, Smith Property, and Swift Park.
As you turn southward from Hockessin, you will navigate atop Millcreek Road as you rush back towards the starting point. You will be in close proximity to Gateway Farms/Hickory Hills. When you transition onto Stoney Batter Road, you will be beside Limestone Hills Park and Northpointe. Approaching the last swerves of the loop, you will curve around the perimeter of Carousel Park.
3. Motorcycle Laws in Delaware
3.1 Delaware Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Any motorcyclists up to the age of 19 are required by law to wear an approved motorcycle helmet while traveling on Delaware’s roads and highways. If you are above the age restriction, you are allowed to ride a motorcycle without having a motorcycle helmet strapped on. However, it is best that you have protective headgear since it will help prevent severe or fatal head injuries.
The types of motorcycle helmets accepted in Delaware are three-quarter and full-face helmets. Both models have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, were manufactured by the Snell Memorial Foundation, and provide both ample protection and visibility.
As you select your motorcycle helmet, check that they meet the following requirements and are designed with the proper features:
3.2 Delaware Motorcycle Passenger Laws
If you wish to transport another person on your vehicle, keep in mind that there is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers in Delaware. However, any passengers up to the age of 19 must wear an approved motorcycle helmet to be permitted to ride behind you.
You are only allowed to transport a passenger on your motorcycle if it is fitted with the following equipment: a designated passenger seat, handholds, and footrests.
The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.
Characteristics to look for in potential passengers are individuals who listen to directions, follow your movements, cannot be carrying packages in their arms, are wearing protective attire, and can reach the footrests.
3.3 Maryland Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
If it has been a while since you have closely examined the state of your motorcycle, it would be safer to conduct periodic inspections more often. Especially if you are about to head out on your motorcycle trip throughout Delaware. It would be inconvenient if your motorcycle were to experience mechanical failure while on the road, leaving you stranded on the side. Because even a single primary component becoming faulty could suddenly halt the direction of your trip, it would be preferable to conduct maintenance when you are still in your garage or close to a reliable repair shop.
You need the following minimum requirements fitted to your motorcycle for the vehicle to meet the safety requirements in Delaware. They must be working at optimal capacity to help you quickly avoid obstacles, improve your visibility to other drivers, and increase awareness of your surroundings:
3.4 Delaware Lane Splitting Laws
Because there are no laws that either confirm or deny lane splitting as being legal amongst motorcyclists, it is recommended that riders avoid engaging in this practice. You should avoid riding on top of the dividing lines in between traffic lanes, riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, or attempting to overtake a larger vehicle in front of you while both of you are traveling in the same lane. If you try to bypass heavy traffic, you do so at your own risk.
Similarly, you should act with just as much caution when it comes to lane sharing. Motorcyclists are entitled to make full use of the space within their current lane. They can also share a lane with another motorcycle so long as the vehicles stay apart at least two abreast and both parties consent beforehand. You should refrain from engaging in this practice unless you are alongside someone you trust with riding experience.
4. Motorcycle Luggage for Delaware Motorcycle Tour
Depending on what attractions, sites, and activities you happen to come across while you explore Delaware, you may spend a good amount of time off of your motorcycle rather than spending the entire trip sitting in the saddle. If there is natural scenery or monuments you want to take pictures of, you will need a camera or your phone. If you wish to make quick adjustments to equipment on your motorcycle, you will need to grab your repair tools. If there are restaurants or cafés that you wish to order at, you will need to have your wallet handy. It is easy enough to carry such items when your feet are on the ground. But while riding at high speeds on your motorcycle, you must have secure baggage to store your belongings to prevent them from being carried off into the wind.
Listed below are the motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diverse choices:
- Motorcycle Saddlebags
- Motorcycle Trunk Bags
- Motorcycle Sissy Bar Bags
- Motorcycle Seat Luggage
- Motorcycle Tail Bags
- Motorcycle Windshield Bags
- Motorcycle Tool Bags
5. Parting Words
If you are looking forward to going on a Delaware motorcycle trip sometime in the future, your thoughts are likely focused on the swerving roads you will maneuver, the beautiful natural scenery you will see, and the businesses within the quaint communities you will visit. But before you can head out and experience the thrills of touring Delaware, you will need to make necessary preparations.
Motorcyclists have to abide by the general traffic laws that apply to all drivers, but there are additional regulations and restrictions to consider depending on which state they are currently in. You may find the rules on motorcycle helmets, passengers, equipment, and lane splitting to be more restrictive or lenient compared to where you usually travel.
Having a list of notable motorcycle roads and destinations will help make it easier to locate the more exciting places in Delaware. Knowing the sites, attractions, and establishments along the routes will help you determine which locations are worth visiting and which you should pass by.
Remember to be responsible when handling your motorcycle and try to have fun as you prepare to head out on your Delaware motorcycle trip.
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