Wheels of Time: The Legacy of Arnold’s Bike Shop in Provincetown

Arnold’s Bike Shop in Provincetown, is more than a place to rent a bike—it’s a beloved local institution with a legacy that spans generations.

The shop was founded in 1937 by Arnold F. Dwyer. It began as a small radio and bicycle business inside a relocated schoolhouse from Long Point, set on Commercial Street. That building, which had once served as the town’s post office, became both the store and the Dwyer family’s home.

By 1938, Arnold had established his shop at 329 Commercial Street. Over the years, the business expanded to include household appliances, bottled gas, furniture, and even real estate rentals. But in 1949, tragedy struck when an arson fire destroyed the building. The family was shaken, but undeterred. “Flames were licking at my feet,” Mrs. Dwyer recalled. “We’re not going to cry—we’ve got to pick ourselves up and get back to work.” They rebuilt on a smaller scale and focused solely on bicycles.

From there, Arnold’s grew steadily into Provincetown’s go-to bike shop. Arnold ran the business for more than 60 years before passing it on in 1998 to his grandson, Robert “Robb” Beaton. Under Robb’s leadership, the shop has modernized and expanded. Today, Arnold’s maintains a rental fleet of over 400 bicycles, including beach cruisers, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, tandems, and road bikes. They also rent strollers, beach chairs, and umbrellas.

Arnold’s is now the only authorized Raleigh dealer in Provincetown and also carries Giant and Diamondback bikes. The shop is known not just for its selection, but also for its customer service and community connection.

Many customers first visited Arnold’s as kids and now return with children or grandchildren of their own. The shop has become part of Provincetown’s summer tradition. Friendly policies like no large deposits, free helmets, maps, locks, and roadside assistance add to its trusted reputation.

Located just east of MacMillan Wharf in the lively center of Commercial Street, Arnold’s is perfectly positioned for exploring town and the Cape Cod National Seashore. From here, cyclists can ride through the Province Lands dunes, wetlands, and along scenic coastal trails.

Still, Provincetown’s growing popularity as a biking destination has come with challenges. With increased bike traffic—helped by the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway ending in town—accidents have also gone up. Robb Beaton has spoken out about the need for safer streets, urging local officials to improve bike lanes and infrastructure.

Through it all, Arnold’s Bike Shop remains a pillar of the Provincetown community. From its early days selling radios to today’s sprawling bike fleet, the shop is a story of resilience, family pride, and love for the open road. As cyclists return each summer, Arnold’s stands ready—rooted in tradition, moving forward on two wheels.

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