Cyclists looking to pedal their way to Cape Ann beaches but want to avoid the traffic backups and fuel and parking costs that accompany a drive to the shoreline may instead consider taking the commuter rail this summer.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company (MBCR) have announced the onset of summertime weekend "Bike Coach" service on the Newburyport/Rockport line.
This popular "bike-to-the-beach" service — the bike coach trains transported over 600 bikes on the Gloucester branch on weekends between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2009 — allows bicycle and outdoor enthusiasts who regularly travel to reach beaches in Gloucester and Rockport to transport their bikes on a specially equipped bike coach.
Conversely, riders living in Rockport and Gloucester who are looking for a change of scenery can hop the coach to bike in Boston. A favorite spot among cyclists is along the Charles River.
Typically, there would be only 10 to 20 bikes on the weekend trains, MBCR officials said; and only foldable bikes are regularly permitted on "peak" trains.
"The MBTA is pleased to offer cyclists a convenient, comfortable way to travel to North Shore beaches along with their bicycles," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey in a prepared statement.
The bike coach service began last weekend and continues through Columbus Day weekend, said MBCR spokesman Tom Halkin on Wednesday. Each coach can accommodate up to 39 riders and 42 seated passengers, he added.
There is no additional fee to bring a bike onboard under the program.
"The bike coach is another example of MBCR's commitment to providing rail service that meets our customers' needs," said Donald Saunders, MBCR's interim general manager.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at 978-283-7000 x 3451 or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
Trains offering 'Bike-to-the-Beach' service
Outbound From Boston (Saturday and Sunday)
Train 1105 (Saturday service); 2105 (Sunday service). Departing time — 10:15 a.m.
Train 1113 (Saturday service); 2113 (Sunday service). Departing time — 2:15 p.m.
Inbound From Rockport
Train 1112 (Saturday service); 2112 (Sunday service). Departing time — Noon
Train 1120 (Saturday service); 2120 (Sunday service). Departing time — 5:10 p.m.
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