The Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, referred to in this chapter as “the Department,” is hereby authorized to establish bikeways within this State for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public in nonmotorized bicycling. The routes established for such bikeways shall be designed with consideration for the safety of both cyclists and motorists and may be separate roadways, or may utilize existing roads, streets and parkways or other appropriate thoroughfares. Such bikeways may also be constructed on land acquired by the Department specifically for that purpose.

Bikeway routes shall be clearly marked with appropriate signs to guide cyclists and to alert motorists. Such signs shall be placed at intervals and designed in such form as prescribed by the Department.

The Department may cooperate with federal, county or municipal conservation boards, city or town councils or any private organizations interested in the establishment of bikeways, and may consult with such groups in the planning of appropriate bikeway routes and related activities. The Department shall, where feasible and where it finds the need justified, review all proposals submitted to it by other groups and/or agencies and may provide matching funds from moneys authorized by the capital bond issue for planning, construction and designation of bikeways.

In order to establish a system of bikeways within this State, the Department may acquire real property by gift, devise or purchase. Title to such lands shall be in the name of the State.

The Department shall maintain a planning activity concerned with the near and long-term development of bikeways within the State.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as a limitation of the use of bicycles on existing roads, streets, parkways and other thoroughfares by bicyclists even though such roadways are not specifically designated as bikeways, except as specified in § 4196(c) of Title 21.