Vision 88 - Improving conditions for Cape Cod cyclists

Whether commuting to work or school, riding for fitness, or just enjoying the outdoors, there are plenty of reasons to hop on a bike. May is Bay State Bike Month, a celebration of two-wheeled transportation organized by MassBike, the state's bicycle advocacy organization. This month-long event highlights the many benefits of biking and encourages more people to try it.   

On Cape Cod, a number of projects are underway to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians, bringing the region closer to realizing Vision 88, an effort to create a network of off-road shared use paths from Woods Hole to Provincetown. 

Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) Extensions  

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is an off-road paved bike and pedestrian trail that winds 25 miles between Yarmouth and Wellfleet. A recent extension included the construction of a bridge over the Bass River in Dennis and from LeCount Hollow Road to Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, bringing the CCRT closer to Provincetown and improving access to the Cape Cod National Seashore. Construction of the newest extension is underway to expand the trail further westward into Barnstable, terminating at Mary Dunn Road, including a new bridge over Willow Street. Future plans include expansion from Mary Dunn to Route 132, eventually extending through town to the Sandwich town line.     

Shining Sea Bikeway Upgrades (Falmouth)  

In 2024, a section of the Shining Sea Bikeway from Ter Heun Drive to Locust Street was widened and repaved in coordination with a utility upgrade project. The path just recently reopened in May 2025 with an enhanced experience for cyclists and pedestrians.   

George Ryder Road Multi-Use Path (Chatham)

Completed in 2024, the George Ryder Road Multi-Use Path connects two sections of the Old Colony Rail Trail, providing safer off-road accomodation for cyclists and pedestrians. It also connects the Old Colony Rail Trail to the multi-use path on Route 28.

Bearse's Way Shared-Use Path (Hyannis, Barnstable)  

Currently under construction, this 0.72-mile paved path along Bearse's Way will include a new signalized pedestrian crosswalk at Enterprise Road and upgraded crossings at Pitcher's Way, improving safety and accessibility for non-motorized users.  This new path will connect users with existing facilities at Route 28. 

Harwich Port Sidewalk Project  

In 2024, construction began on a new sidewalk along Route 28 in Harwich from Bank Street to the Saquatucket Harbor parking lot. The project includes curb ramps, crosswalks, and a pedestrian bridge over an existing culvert, enhancing pedestrian safety and connectivity.   

Wellfleet Route 6 Bicycle Lanes and Transit Stop Upgrades 

Currently under construction is a Route 6 repaving project that will include the striping of new buffered bicycle lanes from the Eastham town line to Main Street. Additionally, the project will install four new bus stop pull-offs complete with sidewalks, connecting crosswalks, and flashing beacons. 

Sandwich Service Road Shared-Use Path   

In Sandwich, work is nearly complete on a shared-use path that skirts the Service Road from Route 130 to Chase Road. The project is wrapping up, with landscaping and site cleanup work happening now. The Town of Sandwich is also actively working on future designs to connect a shared use path between the Service Road and Canal Path facilities.   

All of these projects will help make Vision 88 a reality. Vision 88 envisions a network of off-road, paved paths that run from the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth to the Canal path in Bourne and eventually to the Province Lands in Provincetown, 88 miles of protected path for bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy.