COLCHESTER / SOUTH HERO CAUSEWAY

BIKE FERRY RUNNING WEEKENDS IN AUGUST 2007

The four-weekend demonstration “Bike Ferry” at the cut in the Colchester/South Hero causeway will operate August 4&5, 11&12, 18&19, and 25&26 – enabling trail users to walk, run and bicycle across Lake Champlain. This event is organized by the South Hero Rec Path Committee and Local Motion. As progress continues toward the goal of daily service throughout the season, these non-profit organizations have been making limited demonstration crossings possible since 2001.

The ferry will operate continuously on August Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6pm. A suggested donation of $5 per person covers round-trip boarding on the ferry and helps fund a permanent link across the cut. For those driving to the event, please park at Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, Airport Park in Colchester or Leddy Park in Burlington.

Traverse Lake Champlain by bike and by foot! Make a whole day family event of exploring the Islands’ orchards and vineyards, Colchester’s lakeshore, and Burlington’s waterfront attractions. The ferry will operate in rain but not in severe weather or high-wind conditions. For ferry status, call 652-2453 or 316-6382.

This demonstration service relies on over 30 volunteers each year. Volunteers are needed for half-day shifts. Boating experience a plus, but not at all necessary. Call 652-2453 to sign up.

With the conclusion of four successful Winooski River bike ferry seasons (due to the construction of the new trail bridge), Local Motion is now focused on initiating ferry service across the 200 foot “cut” in the Colchester-South Hero causeway.

The 200-foot open water gap in the Colchester / South Hero Causeway is the missing link in a continuous trail connecting Burlington’s downtown, Colchester’s natural areas, and South Hero’s orchards.

It remains Local Motion's goal to offer daily service throughout the season; however, a prerequisite for that level of service is the completion of South Hero's South Street improvement project which will add 3-4 foot shoulders for bicycles and pedestrians. Completion of that project is at least two years away.

Bike Ferry Charter Service Available!

New this year, we have received approval to offer our service to private groups on a pre-arranged basis anytime between June 4th and Labor Day. This will allow us to accommodate the bicycle tour companies and other groups that have been patiently waiting to add the Colchester/South Hero Causeway and the Bike Ferry to their itinerary. For details, contact brian@localmotion.org or 316-6382.

For historic information on the former Winooski River Bike Ferry service, click here.