Safe cycling route from Delco to the shore?

Howdy, 

I cant say the best route for sure but I think the only bridge that allows it is the Ben Franklin.  At least that is the only bridge that has pedestrian traffic.  What I WOULDN'T do is ask Google Maps for directions and then click on the Bicycle icon.  The suggested route takes you through some unpaved/hard sand roads.

I did find this http://www.livestrong.com/article/394821-cycling-route-from-philadelphia-to-ocean-city-new-jersey/ and although its not Toms River, perhaps you can use part of this and head north on Route 9

I have ridden from my home to Brigantine for each of the last several years.  You are heading further north, so might not take many of the same roads.  Your river crossing is limited to either the Ben Franklin Walkway or the Tacony-Palmyra sidewalk (supposed to walk your bike on it).  Bikes aren't allowed on other bridges unless you head further north.  To get there, you won't be on the most bike-friendly roads.  And for about the first hour in NJ, the riding isn't the greatest either.  Once I cross 73, the riding is generally very nice (until the final approach to the shore).  I've only used the Ben Franklin and just ride straight into Philly.

Here is the route I took one year:  http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/map.asp?routeid=62553

But, I've also taken some of the roads on the north side of Wharton which would be closer to where you'd want to be.  I don't know if 70 is any good for riding, but that would appear to be the direction you want.

You are one brave soul for riding Lancaster Ave.  I have to assume you did it in the wee hours of the morning?

I've been contemplating the route from W. Philly to the shore.  70 & 73 are beautiful and wide open.  Kind of a chicken and thinking I might drive & park once the road starts to open up.  That should be about a century if I do the round-trip.

Lancaster actually has a bike lane for most of the distance I ride on it.  It's more of a pain due to lots of stop & go riding.  Traffic has never been a major problem, but I do usually leave my house about 7am for this ride.  Probably puts me on the bridge ~8:30am.

While 73 has a good shoulder, from what I recall, there are many other much nicer roads to ride for the most part--once you get out that far.