Winter Opening Hours start November 1st, for the Bike Barn and
Nature Center: Wednesday thru Sunday ( closed on Mondays & Tuesdays) 10am – 3pm for the Barn, 10am – 4pm Nature Center Bikes can be borrowed for up to 2 hours weather permitting, with last bikes out at 2 pm. All bikes must be returned to the Bike Barn by 2:45 pm.
We will be enforcing new procedures to ensure safety for our Bike Barn volunteers and visitors. This will include restricting access to the Bike Barn buildings – visitors will pick up and return bikes and helmets outside the Bike Barn. We provide free loaner bikes…One of the most popular activities provided by FOCHSP is” Borrow-a-Bike”. Here people can borrow a bike to ride within the park and see the sights for up to 2 hours…at no charge! That said, we do gladly accept all donations to help us offset the cost of new bikes, helmets and maintenance. There is a secure donation box on the left front of the Barn.
Since its start in 1997, Borrow-a-Bike has always been operated entirely by volunteers and funded by donations. In 2014, bikes were borrowed by around 13,000 people and that number continues to grow, reaching more than 14,000 in 2019
Borrowers must complete the form provided inside the Nature Center and leave a photo-ID there for up to 5 riders, prior to picking up bikes.
Groups larger than 10 must email or call us ahead of time to schedule your requirements – FOCHSP@gmail.com 302-858-6127 - All riders under 18 must wear helmets.
- Orange cones will be placed at 6-foot intervals; groups must stay at the next available cone until it is their turn to pick up bikes.
- Bikes will be available for pickup at the bike racks located between the Nature Center and Bike Barn.
- Bikes and helmets are to be returned on the opposite side of the Bike Barn.
- Bikes must stay on trails and in the Park at all times
- Bikes must be returned within 2 hours, but no later than 2:45 p.m.
- Please check back here regularly as days and hours of operation may be subject to change
Find more great park info: https://destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen
The Story of Borrow-A- BikeThe Borrow-A-Bike program began with a plan in 1997 and has always been operated by volunteers. In 1999, a $3,000 grant from The Delaware Bicycle Council enabled the purchase of 15 bikes that were housed in a shed built by the Lion’s Club. Additional donations — including $1,000 from Dupont — increased the program to 35 bicycles operated from a new shed supplied by the Friends. The current “Bike Barn” which stands next to the Nature Center was built from scratch in 2009 by Friends volunteers under the leadership of Stan Lemiska, Chuck Moore, and Carl Lofgren. Today, the program includes more than 40 adult bicycles, including 2 with baby carriers, 12 children’s bicycles, and 2 double baby trailers. Due to the popularity of the program a second Bike Barn has recently been built behind the existing one. This will also free up much needed space for the ongoing maintenance and repairs of the bikes. Interested in Volunteering? We always need volunteers to act as “ambassadors” who help our visitors select the right bike for their needs, and/or as mechanics to service and make running repairs to our fleet. If you would like to volunteer and want to know more about what is involved please stop by the Barn which is next to the Nature Center anytime we are open , or go to “contact us” on this site and call or email us. You will receive a very warm welcome to our group for however much or little time you are able to give.
Info and pics from Friends of CHSP website |
