CCB MEDIA PHOTO
HYANNIS – Smart Transportation Week is underway on Cape Cod.
The annual partnership between the Cape Cod Commission, Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and other service providers promotes smart transportation options for residents and visitors.
A series of activities will be held throughout the week with a different mode of transportation featured each day to encourage methods other than single-passenger cars to help reduce traffic and environmental impacts.
“It’s to promote creative commuting solutions for those getting to work and also promote some of the more interesting ways to get around and see Cape Cod,” said Steven Tupper, transportation program manager for the Cape Cod Commission.
Smart Transportation week showcases the Cape’s world-class bike trails, ferry services, Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority buses and trains.
“Smart transportation is going to work for everyone. Some trips will still be made by car,” Tupper said.
“There are certainly those trips that can be substituted, particularly we find it useful for going to really congested locations if you are going to places where parking is very limited.”
Ferry and Aviation Day is Tuesday, June 26. The important role water transportation plays in linking the Cape to Boston and the Islands will be highlighted with services provided by the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises.
During the summer, Hy-Line will offer an evening special to Martha’s Vineyard from Hyannis for $25 round trip. The trip departs Hyannis at 4:50 and arrives in Oak Bluffs an hour later with returning trips departing for Hyannis later that night.
The role of the Barnstable Municipal Airport is highlighted as it is a regional aviation hub for the Cape and Islands. A regular stop is now made at the airport on the CCRTA’s Sealine.
A commuter rally will be held Wednesday, June 27 in the parking lot of the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable Village. The commission, the CCRTA, MassRides and MassBike are sponsoring the event from noon to 1 p.m.
The rally will feature a free 10-minute “Beach Viewer” bus ride that travels to Millway Beach and returns to the county parking lot. Information and giveaways will also be provided by sponsoring organizations. Participants who bring their bikes will also receive free bike safety equipment, including lights and reflectors.
The Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail will host a scenic bike ride along the Cape Cod Canal during Bike and Pedestrian Day on Thrusday, June 28. Friends will provide an overview of the plans to connect the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth with the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne and Sandwich. The ride begins at 8 a.m. at the Bourne Recreation Area off Sandwich Road. Riders will stop for coffee and a muffin at the Train Bridge before returning to the recreational area around 9:30 a.m.
Smart Transportation Week concludes Friday, June 29 with CapeFlyer Day. A raffle will be held for two CapeFlyer round-trip train tickets. The CapeFlyer is a weekend train service between Boston and Hyannis with stops in Braintree, Brockton, Middleborough, Wareham and Buzzards Bay. Details for entering the raffle can be found at the CapeFlyer Facebook page.
For more information on Smart Transportation Week, visit www.capecodcommission.org/smart or www.capecodrta.org.
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