Bourne Rail Trail Receives $285,000 from the MassTrails Program
Dear Friends,
The dream of connecting the Cape Cod Canal and the Shining Sea Bikeway via the Bourne Rail Trail took a huge step forward earlier this week with the announcement of $285,000 in state funding to support the design and engineering of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the BRT!!!! The Town of Bourne, in conjunction with the Friends of BRT, will receive the grant through the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s MassTrail’s Grant Program.
The BRT is one of 71 projects funded across the state this year, and the grant award of $285,000 is one of the three largest MassTrails grants ever awarded.
“Our administration is proud to prioritize the state trails system, which builds community pride, connects municipalities, and improves quality of life throughout Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito at the awards ceremony on Wednesday in Lowell. “By working in partnership to support these 71 trail projects, we are able to invest in the enhancement of our communities, and ensure natural resources are protected and available for all to appreciate and enjoy.”
We are thrilled and honored that the state has recognized the BRT as a high priority project. In the last month, the Trail has received national and state-level grant awards! There is no question that your frequently and enthusiastically expressed support has played a huge part in these successes. We look forward to continued progress and we hope to see you on August 17th for our second annual TrailFest at Aptucxet Trading Post in Bourne!
Save the Date: TrailFest 2019!
The rumors are true - TrailFest is making a comeback! Our 2nd Annual TrailFest is set for August 17th at the Aptucxet Trading Post in Bourne. The Friends are busy planning the best TrailFest yet - stay tuned for further details!
Interested in volunteering at TrailFest - submit an interest form!
Action Alert: BRT Needs Your Support
Dear Friends,
The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has now released its draft Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) detailing a whole series of projects for funding over the next five years across Cape Cod. Thanks, in large measure, to the overwhelming number of messages received last year in support of the Bourne Rail Trail (BRT) during the comment period for the 2019-2023 TIP (in which the BRT was merely identified in the appendix as a project requiring funding sometime in the future), the proposed 2020-2024 TIP now includes funding the construction of the first phase of the BRT in 2024!
The second exciting development concerns the MPO’s Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), that lists planning activities anticipated to be performed by MPO staff over the next year. Study and formation of a Bourne Bicycle Transportation Plan is on the potential project list for 2020! Such a plan would involve studying existing conditions and recommending measures that could be taken to improve non-motorized transportation options within the town of Bourne. The BRT is, of course, anticipated to be a major component of that plan.
We are in the public review/comment period for the proposed TIP and the draft UPWP right now, and it is critical that you voice your support for the Bourne Rail Trail. Comments must be received no later than next Monday, May 13. We would like to let the MPO know of our strong endorsement of the inclusion of the BRT as a project to be funded within the timeframe of this TIP, and our great interest in the proposed Bourne Bicycle Transportation Plan. Please help us deliver that message by emailing the following email template (feel free to copy and paste) or a similar message to Steven Tupper of the Cape Cod Commission at stupper@capecodcommission.org. Be sure to put “TIP and UPWP” in the subject line of your email.
Thank you for your continued support,
The Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail
Dear Mr. Tupper,
As a community member who is an ardent supporter of the Bourne Rail Trail (Shining Sea Bike Path Extension), I am writing to applaud the inclusion of the Bourne Rail Trail in the upcoming Transportation Improvement Program funding cycle (FFY 2020-2024 TIP).
The Bourne Rail Trail is currently a 6.25 mile “missing link” that could be a magnificent, safe multi-user path, and will connect the Cape Cod Canal path in Sandwich and Bourne to the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth and Woods Hole. This unbroken path, from the town of Sandwich to the village of Woods Hole, will tie multiple villages to one another, as well as providing an uninterrupted non-motorized transportation option to Martha’s Vineyard. It will provide an extraordinary transportation and recreation facility for users of all ages, skills, and interests. Based on the experience of the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth, it will provide economic benefits to all the villages will increase property values.
This is such a great project that it clearly deserves its inclusion in the TIP – FFY2020-2024!
I am also writing in support of the proposal to include formation of a Bourne Bicycle Transportation Plan in the MPO’s Unified Planning Work Program for 2020. With the plans for the Bourne Rail Trail moving forward, it is the perfect time for a broader study of the options for maximizing the benefit from the Bourne Rail Trail.
Thank you very much for your support of this exciting project.
INSERT NAME
INSERT ADDRESS
May 1st Public Information Session
The Town of Bourne’s Advisory Committee on Pedestrian Bicycle Pathway is hosting an information session regarding the Bourne Rail Trail’s Phase 1 development this coming Wednesday, May 1st. This is a public meeting and we encourage anyone interested in Phase 1 to attend!
Date: Wednesday, May 1st @ 6 PM
Location: Bourne High School Auditorium
Join Our Team!
Community Outreach and Program Intern (Temporary Summer Position)
Job Summary:
The Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail are seeking a Community Outreach and Program Intern to coordinate and spearhead the organization’s program and outreach efforts during the 2019 summer season. The person in this position will help advance the development of a 6.5-mile rail trail on Cape Cod that serves as the “missing link” between the Cape Cod Canal Bikepath and the Shining Sea Bikeway. Completing the “missing link” will create a 25+ mile bike and pedestrian path connecting Sandwich, Bourne, Falmouth, and Woods Hole.
Reporting to the Communications & Outreach Associate, this position is a tremendous opportunity for a dedicated, mature, and responsible self-starter to make a meaningful contribution to a rail-trail project that is still in its development phase, while gaining meaningful professional experience. This position has the potential to be molded to a candidate’s personal interest and overall career goals. College students (undergraduate and graduate) as well as teachers and others seeking temporary summer employment are encouraged to apply.
This is a paid position that is budgeted for 12 weeks. The employee will be compensated at a rate of $16/hour and will be expected to work 20 hours per week. No benefits. A flexible schedule is available.
Primary Responsibilities
Assist with the planning and coordinating the organization’s 2nd Annual TrailFest event;
Assist in the management of the Organization’s Trail Ambassador Program, which includes recruiting volunteers to staff information booths along the Cape Cod Canal and Shining Sea Bikeway; ensuring that the volunteer calendar is appropriately staffed on weekends throughout the summer; work with board members to train volunteers. Result will lead to increased visibility for the organization and a larger support base and subscriber base to the Organization’s subscriber list;
Staff the Organization’s information booth at local and regional events to educate the public about the project;
Assist in the development and implementation of the digital outreach strategy throughout the summer, effectively marketing the #imagineBRT as an inclusive and informative strategy to engage the public with the BRT project;
Special projects based upon the intern’s interest, professional aspirations, and skill set;
Other duties as assigned;
Qualifications and Skills
An undergraduate or graduate student with an interest and demonstrated commitment to building healthy, active, and fun places to live. Others will be considered, including local teachers, with the understanding that this is a limited term position that will not exceed 12 weeks.
College coursework may include: communications, marketing, urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration, business administration, among others;
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate to a broad audience through a variety of communication platforms including email, newsletter, social media, and other platforms;
Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate group meetings and activities
Comfortable speaking in front of small-medium sized groups;
Outgoing and engaging with a diverse public;
Self-starter and highly motivated individual with a demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision to complete tasks;
Above all, the ideal candidate is resourceful, passionate, and takes great pride in their work.
The employee must have their own transportation and be able to travel easily throughout the Upper Cape during normal business hours; the employee must have their own computer or readily available computer access during normal business hours; it is expected that the employee will work remotely, but will be located on the Upper Cape during normal business hours.
This is a part time position that is funded for a maximum of 12 weeks at an average of 20 hours per week. The intern will be compensated at an hourly rate of $16.
Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and a work sample to Nathan Robinson at info@bournerailtrail.org. Please include the following in your email subject line: “Last Name –BRT Summer Associate 2019.” Applications should be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 26, 2019.
Local TrailBlazers: Sandwich Bikeways & Pedestrian Committee
We are excited to present our first Local TrailBlazers spotlight with Sean Polay of the Sandwich Bikeways and Pedestrian Committee. Through the committee, the Town of Sandwich is working to enhance the community with innovative biking and walking resources that will improve local transportation and recreation options as well as the regional economy. Sandwich Bikeways is an important partner organization for the Friends as we work towards our goal of connecting region to the rest of the trails of Cape Cod.
We recently interviewed Sean to learn more about the exciting work being done in Sandwich.
What is the Sandwich Bikeways & Pedestrian Committee?
The committee’s mission is to preserve, promote, and enhance the Town of Sandwich’s biking and walking resources. Appointed by the Board of Selectmen, the committee recently steered a master-planning effort as it works toward connecting the Cape Cod Canal bike path with a planned off-road path along Service Road -- which will join a broader network of trails, both completed and in development, from Woods Hole to Provincetown.
What projects are considered priorities for Sandwich?
The committee will leverage the master plan that was completed last year to explore both near-and-long-term options to expand safe walking and cycling routes to link residential neighborhoods to points of interest throughout the community. Specific areas of focus in 2019 include:
Development of a mountain bike trail system in the Maple Swamp Recreation Area, a key adjunct of the future Service Road bike path and the region’s mountain biking trail network.
Advocating for infrastructure improvements on Freezer Road to better connect the Cape Cod Canal Path to Tupper Road and the community.
Improving pedestrian crossing infrastructure on Cotuit and Quaker Meetinghouse roads to ensure safe pedestrian and bicycle access to the many businesses on Cotuit and existing and future recreation areas on Quaker Meetinghouse (Oak Crest Cove, plus the future skate park and tennis/pickleball courts co-located with new public safety complex).
Why is it important to support bike and pedestrian projects on Cape Cod?
We’re hyperfocused on the economic impact that improved cycling options can have for area businesses. As we work on connecting the canal and Service Road paths, it’s important to our committee that we ensure cyclists can make their way into Sandwich village, which provides a natural point of respite and refreshment for cyclists heading from Bourne to Barnstable and beyond -- or vice versa. It’s equally important to us that improvements in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure improve the quality of life and safety for Sandwich residents for both recreation and commuting.
What does the Bourne Rail Trail represent for Sandwich Bikeways?
The BRT would provide a direct, long-term benefit to Sandwich by directly connecting the Cape Cod Canal pathway with the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth and serve as an important milestone in the realization of Vision 88 -- a regional effort to build a continuous shared-use path from Woods Hole to Bourne, Sandwich, and onward to Provincetown.
Bourne’s effort dovetails with work in our town to connect the Cape Cod Canal pathway through Sandwich village to a planned shared-use path along Service Road. That path will eventually connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail extension in Barnstable.
It is vitally important to us that Vision 88 becomes a reality, and the 6.2 mile gap in Bourne is a critical connection. Completion of the BRT Phases 1 and 2 will have immense short-term benefit to Sandwich cyclists by creating a continuous path from Sandwich to Monument Beach and Monks Park -- two areas frequented by Sandwich residents for recreation. It also will provide greater attraction for cycling tourists who instead of terminating their ride at the Tidal Flats Recreation Area near the Railroad Bridge may continue on into Monument Beach for refreshment at several businesses there. Conversely, cycling residents of and visitors to Monument Beach may more safely reach the Cape Cod Canal pathway, enabling them to bike directly to Sandwich too.
How can BRT supporters get involved with Sandwich Bikeways?
The SBPC recently submitted an application to The League of American Bicyclists to be assessed as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Part of the application process includes an online public survey for residents, cyclists and advocates to share their experiences and perceptions about cycling in Sandwich.
The survey is available now through March 24, and should take 10-15 minutes to complete: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/app_BFC_SP19. Aggregated, anonymous responses will be shared with SBPC as part of the Bicycle Friendly Community Feedback Report. Regardless of whether Sandwich meets the conditions to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community, the assessment provides a road map for making the town more bicycle-friendly.
Of course, we also welcome BRT supporters to attend our bike rodeo in April and Bike Your Park Day in September.
Updates on Phase 1 of the Bourne Rail Trail
Over the past four months, following approval of funds for the design and engineering of Phase 1 of the Bourne Rail Trail, the Town of Bourne has been making actionable progress in bringing a trail to Bourne. This progress, including hiring a firm to complete preliminary design plans, will set the groundwork for the completion of the BRT.
Keep up to date on our website, which we will be updated as the project progresses!
2018 in Review
2018 has been an exciting year for the Friends, with meaningful milestones as we continue our work to bring a Trail to Bourne. As 2018 comes to a close, we want to take a look back on this past year and thank our many supporters for helping to make 2018 such an incredible success!
January
The Friends kicked 2018 off with a visit from the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) during their ‘perambulation’ across Cape Cod. It was great to meet with the MassBike team to share the vision for the Bourne Rail Trail as they explored future and potential trails across Cape Cod.
March
In March, the Friends hosted our first ever Movie Night, screening PBS’s Ten Parks that Changed America, an inspiring story of ten iconic parks from across the United States.
May
In May the Friends received a grant from the Woods Hole Foundation, allowing us to expand our work in support of the BRT and ultimately a Cape-wide trail network that will extend from Woods Hole through Bourne and Sandwich and all the way to Provincetown! We are very grateful for the support of the Woods Hole Foundation!
June
In June, the Friends, along with State Representative David Vieira, hosted a site visit of the BRT Corridor with representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). It was a very productive visit and we appreciate MassDOT staffers for participating in the visit.
In June, we welcomed our new summer interns, Tuck and Meagen, on board! Tuck was leading the way in our TrailFest efforts while Meagen was working closely with our volunteers and developing new outreach strategies for the Friends.
On Father’s Day, Board Members Nate and Alice took to the field and brought the Bourne Rail Trail to a Bourne Braves game! Alice sang the National Anthem while Nate threw out the first pitch!
July
The Friends participated in Phinney’s Harbor Day in Monument Beach! As always, we were energized by the support we heard from the community for the Trail.
August
On August 18th, over 200 people joined the Friends at the Aptucxet Trading Post in Bourne for the Friends’ first ever TrailFest! TrailFest exceeded all of our expectations and we were blown away by the support and excitement for the Bourne Rail Trail. Find the full TrailFest recap here and be sure to be on the lookout for our 2nd Annual TrailFest Save the Date in 2019!
September
In September, the Friends participated in the Upper Cape Chamber of Commerce’s Cape Cod Canal Day in Buzzards Bay Park. It was a great opportunity to meet new Friends and supporters of the Trail, while participating in a fabulous community event.
On September 30th, the Bourne Rail Trail Blazers joined hundreds of other riders for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 2018 Watershed Ride! With 30 riders strong raising over $22,000 for clean water in Buzzards Bay, the BRT Blazers were the largest and top fundraising team of the year. Thank you to all of the BRT Blazers and their supporters!
BRT volunteer and 2018 BRT Blazer, Marc Doucette, received a substantial donation during the recent Watershed Ride courtesy of Kia of Dartmouth. As a thank you, Marc graciously framed our BRT Blazer Jersey for Kia of Dartmouth, hand delivered with a thank you letter. The Friends are incredibly lucky to have passionate supporters such as Marc!
October
On October 1st, voters at the Town of Bourne’s Special Town Meeting approved $50,000 in Community Preservation funds to be used for design and engineering of Phase 1 of the Bourne Rail Trail! The funding marks a critical step in the development of the Trail.
December
The Friends hosted our Volunteer Appreciation night to thank the dozens of volunteers who have donated their time to make the BRT a reality. From volunteering at TrailFest to participating in the Trail Ambassador Program, our volunteers are a huge part of the progress that has been made in making the BRT a reality in 2018.
Thank you for a tremendously successful 2018, we look forward to continued progress in 2019!
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with the Friends!
The Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail are celebrating Giving Tuesday and we’re asking for your support!
This year has been a year of growth for the FBRT with many milestones to celebrate. But there is still a long road of hard work and dedication ahead of us and we will need your help to bring a trail to Bourne!
Learn more about our giving options on our Giving Tuesday page!
Fall 2018 Newsletter
Have you read our latest seasonal newsletter yet? Click the link below to catch up on Bourne Rail Trail news!
Funding Secured for Phase 1 of Bourne Rail Trail
The prospects for completing the Bourne Rail Trail took a significant step forward this week when Bourne residents voted at the Special Town Meeting on Monday night to allocate $50,000 in funding to support the development of Phase 1 of the Bourne Rail Trail. The Town’s CPC Committee, along with the Board of Selectmen, had previously unanimously supported the funding request from the Town Administrator’s Advisory Committee on Pedestrian Bicycle Pathway.
The Advisory Committee has identified a one-half mile segment—stretching from the Canal Path at the Railroad Bridge to the intersection of Monument Neck Road in Gray Gables—as a modest, but significant first phase for the project. This extension will directly connect Gray Gables and nearby residents of Mashnee Island with the Canal Path.
Thank you to all the Bourne residents who came out to the Special Town Meeting and overwhelmingly voted in support of the project. This is a tremendous next step and we look forward to continued progress in making the BRT a reality.
-Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail
Nate Robinson, President
Russell Salamone, Treasurer
John Carroll, Clerk
Ken Cheitlin
Michael Finegold
Alice Howe
Kathleen Regan
Support the BRT at Bourne Special Town Meeting - A Message from the Friends
As we hope you’ve already heard, the first piece of funding for creation of the Bourne Rail Trail is within reach…if we all vote to make it happen.
In August, the Town’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC) unanimously approved a grant application for $50,000 for the design of the first segment of the trail, running from the Railroad Bridge to the intersection of Presidents and Monument Neck Roads. This funding must now be approved by a majority vote at Bourne’s Special Town meeting, which will be held on Monday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m.
We have made tremendous progress towards making the Bourne Rail Trail a reality over the past two years. Approval of funding at the Special Town Meeting is an essential concrete next step. If approved by voters, the project will take the next steps towards development. Failure to approve the funding will delay development of the project and bring uncertainty to the Trail’s future. The Town’s failure to financially support the project will affect the availability of future state and federal funding.
The Special Town meeting is a critical juncture for the project. We respectfully request that you make it a priority to attend the meeting and cast your vote in favor of funding for the Bourne Rail Trail.
The Special Town Meeting is on Monday, October 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Bourne High School. Due to Town Meeting rules, our place on the agenda will only be determined by lottery at the time of the meeting, so we cannot advise you of exactly when the vote on the CPC grant will take place. In fact, it is possible that it will not be considered until a second day of meeting, in which case we would ask you to be prepared to return the next day on October 2.
Thank you for considering this important request and for all you have done to support the Bourne Rail Trail.
-Nate Robinson, President of the Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail
CPC Approves $50,000 Funding Request
An exciting step was made this month in the prospects of completing the Bourne Rail Trail. Following the overwhelming success of TrailFest, our board members attended Bourne's Community Preservation Committee meeting. During this meeting, the CPC members voted unanimously in support of a $50,000 funding request to support the design and engineering of the first phase of the Bourne Rail Trail!
The funding request will now be included on the warrant of the Town of Bourne Special Town Meeting that is scheduled for Monday, October 1st. In order for the funding to be made available to the project, voters must approve the funding request on October 1, 2018.
We are thrilled by this step forward and ask all BRT supporters to mark their calendars and plan to attend the Special Town Meeting to support the next phase of the BRT's development. The Bourne Rail Trail is making exciting progress and we have our community of supporters to thank for advocating for the BRT!
TrailFest Recap
The Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail would like to extend a huge thank you to the hundreds of community members who came out this past Saturday to celebrate TrailFest along the banks of the Cape Cod Canal! We were overwhelmed with the show of support for the project and the enthusiasm that exists for paths and trails across the Cape. The afternoon was filled with excitement about the BRT in addition to summer traditions like lobster rolls, oysters, beer, ice cream, bikes, live music and one heck of a raffle! We had over 250 people in attendance and raised over $4,000 for the Bourne Rail Trail project - a true success that exceeded all of our expectations!
Our intent with TrailFest was to celebrate existing paths and trails across the Cape and to raise awareness about projects still in development. While we are dedicated to making the Bourne Rail Trail a reality, there are a number of other groups working across the region to create a Cape-wide trail network that will extend from Provincetown all the way to Woods Hole. Dubbed “Vision 88” - to represent the total miles of paths and trails – by the Cape Cod Commission, the Bourne Rail Trail is the critical link on the Upper Cape to help complete the regional network. There was certainly a buzz of excitement at TrailFest about the future of the Cape Cod and we are thrilled that the BRT is part of this enthusiasm.
TrailFest would not have been possible without the help of our amazing team of volunteers and partners including Bourne Historical Society, Naukabout Beer, Monks Cove Oysters, Barking Claw, SailWorld Cape Cod, MassBike, Buzzards Bay Coalition, and Jim Decatur.
A huge thanks is also due to all the businesses that donated items for the raffle!
-The Bike Zone
-Pocasset Country Market
-Art's Bike Shop
-HotLocks
-The Chart Room
-Periwinkles
-The Lobster Trap
-Gray Gables Market
-Laura Harden
-Yakima
-Bell Lap Coaching
-Cabo Cado
-SE Bikes
Winning TrailFest Raffle Tickets
We're looking for 6 lucky TrailFest raffle winners! If one of these numbers is yours, email mcolon@bournerailtrail.org a photo of your winning ticket to receive your prize!
TrailFest Partner & Vendor Spotlight
With TrailFest a little more than one week away, we’re excited to spotlight some of our vendors and partners for our August 18th event. We’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing local businesses and organizations to make TrailFest a fun-filled event. See below for a preview of what we have to offer!
You probably recognize the signature styling of our TrailFest poster, created by Bourne illustrator, Vinnie Arnone of Cabo Cado. Vinnie is the talent behind our logo and is a big supporter of the BRT. We will have limited number of Vinnie’s BRT and TrailFest posters available at TrailFest!
Naukabout Beer, a local brewery based in Mashpee, will be offering a beer tasting at TrailFest! Located just 10 miles from the Bourne Bridge, Naukabout strives to craft beer that reflects the uniqueness of our Cape Cod community and we can't wait to try out some of their brews!
The husband and wife team of Pat and Jenny Ross are the founders and owners of Monks Cove Oysters. Dedicated to local and sustainable shellfish production, and honoring Bourne’s history, we are thrilled that they will be shucking at Trailfest!
Tom of Barking Claw will be serving up lots of lobster rolls next Saturday! As a local favorite in Falmouth, the Barking Claw balances tradition and quality while never shying away from trying a new recipe. Looking for something other than seafood? Try one of their amazing hot dogs or sausages!
We’ve teamed up with our friends at MassBike to provide bike valet and secure bike parking at Trailfest. Whether you’re planning to ride your bike to TrailFest or plan to take a ride on the canal, MassBike has you and your bike covered with free and secure parking!
In need of a quick adjustment or tuning on your bike? After a ride on the Cape Cod Canal, stop by our bike tune-up station at TrailFest courtesy of SailWorld of Buzzards Bay!
We're Headed to the Falmouth Farmers' Market
Next Thursday, July 26th, the Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail are headed to Falmouth to participate in the Falmouth Farmers' Market! Every Thursday, from May to October, some of the finest farmers, bakers, and artisans come together at Marine Park by Falmouth Harbor to sell their goods directly to consumers. They have just about everything, from fresh veggies to flowers to apple cider donuts!
Next week, we are thrilled to be able to join the market and spread the word about the Bourne Rail Trail in Falmouth! We're bringing plenty of postcards to hand out and t-shirts to sell, so stop by and say hello.
Interested in joining in on the fun as a volunteer? Contact Meagen at mcolon@bournerailtrail or sign-up on our volunteer opportunities page!
Photo via the Falmouth Farmers' Market Instagram.
Tremendous Public Support For TIP
This past spring, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) released a draft of the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) detailing a series of projects throughout Cape Cod for funding over the next five years. And while the Bourne Rail Trail project was mentioned in an appendix as a project requiring funding, our project was not included in the funding for this coming TIP.
For the BRT to move forward within the next five years, it was crucial to have our project included in this TIP. During the review/comment phase of this plan, we called on BRT supporters to use their voices as citizens and advocates to reach out to the Cape Cod Commission asking for the Bourne Rail Trail Project be included in the next five years of planning. And our supporters came out in full force!
The Cape Cod Commission received over 150 letters of support for the BRT project, astounding officials and proving to the planning committee that the BRT project is wildly supported by the Cape Cod community.
We were truly humbled by this level of support and feel even more sure that the BRT project will be a success!
Thank you!
The FBRT Join Cape Cod Smart Transportation Week
This past week, the Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail joined in on Cape Cod Smart Transportation Week! In collaboration with The Cape Cod Commission and Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, Cape Cod Transportation Week is an annual week-long event designed to promote transportation options that reduce traffic impacts. We were both honored and excited about the opportunity to organize a bike ride on the Cape Cod Canal in honor of smart transportation options for Cape Cod.
While the weather turned out to not work in our favor, the rain didn't stop us from bringing our bikes out on the Canal! Gray Gables Market provided our riders with Cape Cod Coffee and delicious muffins as we discussed how the Bourne Rail Trail could potentially offer a whole new transportation option for the Upper Cape. We left the rainy day excited about the impact this project will have alongside the other forward thinking transporation offers throughout Cape Cod!