Teaming Up to Bring a Bike Shuttle to the Outer Cape

Date: June 12, 2012
Contact: George Price, Superintendent, 508-771-2144

Cape Cod National Seashore, in partnership with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) and Cape Cod Commission will kick off a new pilot program to give more people a reason to leave their cars in the garage.Starting Saturday, June 16, and running on weekends through September 2, two vans with bicycle trailers will shuttle between the seashore's headquarters at Marconi Beach in Wellfleet and Macmillan Pier in downtown Provincetown, with stops along the way at beaches, bike trails, bus stops and town centers.The shuttle will operate on a 90 minute schedule between 8AM and 6:15PM.

An opening ceremony will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, June 14, at the Flex Bus stop on Macmillan Wharf.The leaders of the three partner organizations and elected officials including Congressman Keating and State Representative Sarah Peake are expected to participate.

National Seashore superintendent George Price noted "this is yet another in a series of efforts by this partnership to relieve congestion, enhance the quality of the experience for visitors and residents alike, and provide safe alternatives to personal vehicles on the Outer Cape.It's a natural outgrowth of the seashore's efforts at incorporating sustainable practices in our day to day operations."

The Bike Shuttle is modeled on Acadia National Park's popular Bicycle Express.Commuters bicycling to work and families interested in exploring the Outer Cape by bicycle will now have an alternative to riding along congested Route 6. The operation will be evaluated at the end of the summer and is intended to operate seven days a week next summer.

Other collaborative efforts by this partnership include the creation and operation of the Flex Bus and the Provincetown Shuttle, an Integrated Bicycle Plan for Cape Cod, efforts to extend the Cape Cod Rail Trail along the entire length of the Cape, and coordination of public transit with alternative commuting efforts.

CCRTA Administrator Thomas Cahir said "the CCRTA is proud to operate the Bike Shuttle, recognizing the need for this type of commuter and recreational service.The CCRTA continues to look for ways in which we can promote biking and transit collectively, and this service combines them both.We look forward to our continuing partnership with the seashore, as together, we carry thousands of passengers each year throughout the park."

The Bike Shuttle has been enabled by a Paul Sarbanes Transit in Parks grant received by the National Park Service, operating funds from the CCRTA, and staff support from the Cape Cod Commission.Congress established the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program to enhance the protection of national parks and federal lands and increase the enjoyment of those visiting them. The program helps fund alternative transportation systems such as shuttle buses, and bicycle and hiking trails in national parks and public lands.

Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Paul Niedzwiecki noted "Currently the Flex buses can carry two bicycles; if you are a family of three or more, this service will provide an option for families and other groups to riding on the shoulder of Route 6 to enjoy the many bicycling experiences between Wellfleet and Provincetown."

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