One of the most popular activities provided by FOCHSP is our Borrow-a-Bike program.  Park visitors can borrow a bike to explore the Park’s trails, but they must stay in the Park at all times.  Bikes can be borrowed for up to 2 hours . . . at no charge! That said, we gladly accept donations to help offset the cost of bike parts, helmets and maintenance.  We have a donation box on the front of the Barn, and you can also make a secure donation on-line.  Just ask our volunteers for help with this. Thanks!
 
Our Fall/Winter schedule is now in effect.  Weather permitting, we are open 5 days per week – closed Monday and Tuesday – until late spring.  Bikes are available from 10 am to 3 pm and can be borrowed for up to 2 hours; however, all bikes must be returned to the Bike Barn by no later than 2:45 pm.

Our bikes are loaned on a first come first serve basis, and there may be wait times during peak season and on weekends. Groups larger than 10 must email:  [email protected] or call us at 302-858-6127 at least a week in advance to discuss your requirements.
 
Note:  borrowers must check in and complete the form provided inside the Park’s Nature Center and leave a photo-ID for up to 5 riders, before coming to the Bike Barn.
 
We recently added two new Adult Trikes to our fleet!  Our Sun Atlas trikes are perfect for riders who need extra stability and support.  Special Rules and Restrictions apply when borrowing the trikes.  Click/touch to download the form for full details, or check in on arrival with the folks at the Bike Barn
 
All riders under 18, by State Law, must wear helmets.  Other rules include:
  • At least one responsible adult must accompany children in each group
  • Bikes and helmets are available at the Bike Barn, which is located next to the Nature Center
  • 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 Note:  Due to concerns for their health and safety, children under the age of 12 months are not allowed on our bikes with infant seats, or in our trailers.
​       The American Academy of Pediatrics states on its website: “Babies younger than 12 months old have relatively weak neck structure. Neither helmet nor bike travelling is recommended for them.”
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Our current fleet consists of 44 adult bikes, two bikes with smaller child “co-pilot” seats on the back, 14 kids bikes ranging from 16 to 20 inch, three commercial grade Burley Trailers which comfortably accommodate two children, and three adult tricycles.
 
​Volunteers – We couldn’t operate the free Borrow-a-Bike program without the terrific support of our Bike Barn Ambassador cadre.  Bike Barn Ambassadors help Park visitors select bikes, adjust seat heights, provide route recommendations, and maintain our fleet of bikes and trailers.  If you’re interested in becoming a member of our volunteer cadre, please send us an email or leave a phone message.
​Since its start in 1997, our Borrow-a-Bike program has been operated entirely by volunteers and funded by donations and donated bike sales.  In a typical year, more than 10,000 Park visitors borrow our bikes and kids’ trailers.  It is important to note that we would not be able to provide this service if it wasn’t for the outstanding support from many of our local bikes shops, including Seagreen Bicycles, Lewes Cycle Sports, and Rehoboth Cycle Sports.

Bike Donations – We gladly accept used bike donations as long as the bikes are in good working condition (minimal rust, working brakes, tubes and tires in decent shape).  Bikes can be dropped off at the Bike Barn any time…if we’re not there, just leave the bike behind the Bike Barn and we’ll secure it the next day.  We can provide a donation receipt for tax purposes if you want one.

Bike Sales – We sell donated bikes which helps us keep the Borrow-a-Bike free for everyone.  We try to maintain an inventory of available bikes on our website, but please feel free to stop in any time we’re open to view the bikes we currently have available.

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