Bike Safety Events Scheduled for July 28 and August 4; 50th Anniversary Celebration for Province Lands Bicycle Trail Slated for August 4

2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Province Lands Bicycle Trail, the first bike trail developed in a national park. The trail was dedicated in 1967. Celebrate the anniversary, take a ranger-guided bike ride, and learn about bike safety.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 13, 2017

Contact: Nicole Taylor, Environmental Protection Specialist/Safety Officer, [phone]

2017 marks the sixth year that Cape Cod National Seashore has hosted bike safety events to help reduce the occurrence and severity of bike accidents in the national seashore, and to promote the National Park Service “Healthy Parks Healthy People” initiative. These events, which are hosted by the national seashore’s Bicycle Safety Committee, will be held on Friday, July 28 from 9 to 11 am at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham, and on Friday, August 4 from 9 to 11 am at the Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown. The Provincetown event on August 4 will also include a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Province Lands Bicycle Trail.
 
The national seashore’s bike safety events are free and open to the public. They include helmet fittings, fun activities for kids, bike safety checks, and displays.  Event support is provided by PTown Bikes, Idle Times Bike Shop, Ben and Jerry’s, Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and local towns. Prizes for participation, such as helmets, bike accessories, and coupons may be available while supplies last. Topics include how to fit a helmet properly, preparing for a ride with an ABC bicycle quick check, and the consequences of a bicycle crash. Come for these fun-filled events and leave with vital information for having a safe and enjoyable biking experience in the national seashore.
 
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the spectacular Province Lands Bicycle Trail, the first bike trail developed in a national park. Dr. Paul Dudley White, who had served as President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s personal physician, dedicated the trail on September 17, 1967. Dr. White promoted a national program to improve heart health through exercise. 

The 1967 dedication event included a ride on the trail with Dr. Dudley and participation by local Girl Scouts. During the August 4 bike safety event at Province Lands Visitor Center, there will be remarks from a ranger who attended the 1967 dedication, a special presentation by local Girl Scouts (including cookies!), and a ranger-guided tour of the trail at 10 am.
 
IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at 50 Nauset Road at the intersection with Route 6 in Eastham. Province Lands Visitor Center is located at 171 Race Point Road, off Route 6, in Provincetown.