FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 12, 2010

For further information, contact:
Lev Malakhoff, Senior Transportation Engineer
Cape Cod Commission
Phone: 508-774-1229
E-mail: trans@capecodcommission.org
www.capecodcommission.org
www.gocapecod.org

BARNSTABLE COUNTY, MA -- The Cape Cod Commission's transportation program supports opportunities that bicycling brings to enhance the region's transportation options. Where and when possible, the Commission has promoted the construction of safe bike paths, the installation of bike racks in suitable locations, the creation of maps and guides for bicyclists, and more.

Complementing the current work to update the Cape Cod Regional Transportation Plan, the Commission staff has reenergized an effort, initiated first in the early 1990s, to create a Cape-wide network of bicycling routes. The vision is for a completed "Cape Cod Bikeways" to extend from Provincetown to Falmouth and Bourne, providing connections between the Cape Cod National Seashore on the Outer Cape and the region's interior. The proposed network will also link historic landscapes and vibrant downtowns.

The creation of a Cape-wide bicycling network is an ambitious undertaking that requires planning, mapping, community organizing, fundraising, special events, publicity, negotiation of land and easements, clearing, and construction work. To raise awareness for the proposed network and for bicycling on Cape Cod in general, the Commission is celebrating Cape Cod Bike Week from May 17 through 21, 2010.

"Bike Week aims to encourage folks to start--or restart!--bicycling," says Commission Senior Transportation Engineer Lev Malakhoff. "It is our hope that, with the resources offered on the Cape Cod Bikeways web site (www.gocapecod.org/bikeways), interested persons will not only learn about existing routes but also gain inspiration to help us plan new bicycling facilities."

Information about bicycling is also available through the MassBike organization (www.massbike.org), which is celebrating Bay State Bike Week during the same period.

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