Stay Safe, Wear A Helmet; New Bike Helmet Loaner Program For Jack A. Markell Trail Underway

The helmet loaners will be available at three locations along the Wilmington trail.

WILMINGTON — Bicyclists hitting the scenic Jack A. Markell Trail can now borrow helmets for free, thanks to a new safety initiative from Delaware Greenways.

The nonprofit has launched a bike helmet loaner program aimed at ensuring riders—especially visitors renting bikes—have proper head protection as they travel the popular route between the Wilmington Riverfront and Historic New Castle.

Helmets are available at three key trail access points: the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitor Center and the DuPont Environmental Education Center, both located on the Riverfront, and the New Castle Courthouse Museum.

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The initiative is particularly targeted at those using rental bikes from Fin Outdoor Recreation stations along the trail.

Many visitors arrive without helmets, according to Delaware Greenways.

Funded by a grant from the William Penn Foundation, the program provides adult and child-sized helmets, which are cleaned and sanitized after each use.

To borrow a helmet, cyclists must present a driver’s license or credit card—held securely until the helmet is returned—and sign a waiver.

Borrowers will also receive trail safety guidelines. Helmets must be returned to the original loan location by closing time the same day.

Only adults (18+) may rent helmets, though they may do so on behalf of minors in their group.

Helmet locations

Loan locations operate on varying schedules:

Greater Wilmington Visitor Center: Thurs–Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (920 Justison Street)
DuPont Environmental Education Center: Tues–Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sun, noon to 4 p.m. (1400 Delmarva Lane)
New Castle Courthouse Museum: Wed–Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.