Check out how you can help the FOCHSP by eating out.
PARK PEDDLERS BORROW-A-BIKE PROGRAM
In 1999 the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP) began providing a free bicycle loaner program for visitors to Cape Henlopen State Park. Since then, thousands of park visitors have enjoyed exercise and fun riding the provided bicycles around the three+ mile loop bike trail of the park.
The program was started with 15 cruiser type bikes, those with 26 inch balloon tires, simple coaster brakes and no gears. By adding to this fleet with used bikes donated to the program and by adding trailers and childrens 20 inch bikes, this bike program has grown to the point where over 1000 bike rides are taken each month during the summer months. Even during the winter months the program averages several rides a day. In total, the program now supports over 6000 rides per year.
The FOCHSP also provides housing for the bikes in a structure located to the east of the Seaside Nature Center. Because the old shed had become inadequate, during November 2009 the FOCHSP replaced the old bike shed with a new 16' x 24' building to accommodate 40 bikes, a repair shop and a storage area for trailers and spare bike parts. The building of this barn was undertaken by volunteers headed by Stan Lemiska.
See pictures of the Friends building the new bike barn.
With such heavy bike usage, a great deal of maintenance is required on the bikes and is provided by the FOCHSP. Currently the chief mechanic for this effort is Gordon Reid who is assisted by the Program Chairman Carl Lofgren.
If you have interest in this program and have a cruiser (in any shape) to donate or would like to volunteer to help with maintenance, please contact the "Friends" by email: FOCHSP@gmail.com or by phone: 302-858-6127.
