Bike Rental Opportunity Opens at Cape Charles Trailhead as Rail Trail Nears Completion

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation is seeking a business partner to provide bicycle and e-bike rentals at the Cape Charles Trailhead, a move aimed at expanding visitor access and enhancing the experience along the growing Eastern Shore Rail Trail.

The foundation has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a one-year concession agreement at the trailhead adjacent to Rayfield’s Pharmacy, 2 Fig Street in Cape Charles. The selected operator would provide bicycle and/or e-bike rentals for residents and visitors using the trail, with the option to renegotiate the agreement after the initial term.

The concession is intended to make the trail more accessible to visitors who do not own bicycles while supporting tourism and recreation in downtown Cape Charles.

Under the proposal, businesses must hold a Town of Cape Charles business license and assume responsibility for the installation, maintenance, repair, and cleanliness of the rental operation. Operators must also provide liability insurance and indemnify both the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation and Canonie Atlantic Corporation, which owns the property hosting the concession. Those organizations will assume no liability for either the facility or customer use of the rental equipment.

Businesses responding to the RFP are asked to provide detailed proposals outlining:

• The proposed location and a site drawing.
• The number and types of bicycles or e-bikes to be offered.
• Required infrastructure, such as concrete pads or bicycle racks.
• Whether helmets will be included with rentals.
• Proposed hours of operation.
• Maintenance and inspection procedures.
• Rental pricing.
• Any concession fee payable to the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation.
• Any additional information the applicant believes would strengthen the proposal.

Proposals must be submitted by July 31, 2026, either by email to info@esrailtrail.org or by mail to Canonie Atlantic Corporation, P.O. Box 1027, Eastville, VA 23347.

The bike rental concession represents another step in preparing the Cape Charles trailhead for increased recreational use as additional sections of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail come online. Earlier this year, paving was completed between Cape Charles and Cheriton, and work continues on expanding the multi-use trail northward. When completed, the trail will connect communities across Virginia’s Eastern Shore, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, and outdoor recreation while encouraging tourism and supporting local businesses.

Foundation officials say the concession is intended to complement the trail’s public use by providing a convenient rental option for visitors exploring Cape Charles and the surrounding area. Businesses interested in submitting proposals or seeking additional information may contact the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation at info@esrailtrail.org

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Wayne Creed

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