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Vol. 4, No. 10, May 21st, 2015
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“Bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless.†~ Zapata Espinoza
News & Upcoming Events
Bike to Work Day 2015
Brought Big Announcements for Local Bicycling
Newport's New Clean City Director, Mo McManus, wrote,
"#IBikeBecause the world looks better on a bike!"
Hundreds of Newporters ditched their cars in favor of two wheels last Friday to celebrate Newport Bike to Work Day. The morning saw Bike Newport's 5th annual Bike Commuter Breakfast in Washington Square, where we asked 115 bicycle commuters to share why they bike as they enjoyed breakfast provided by A Market, Washington Square Cafe, and Stop & Shop. Check out more photos of the many reasons our community bikes for transportation on Facebook or here.
In the afternoon, we heard from numerous city stakeholders about bicycle friendly improvements in the coming year:
- Jennifer Booth, Assistant Superintendent of Newport Public Schools, announced the school department's partnership with Bike Newport in introducing a bicycle safety component into the physical education curriculum - we believe the first school district in the state to offer in-school bike education.
- Frank Marinaccio, City Engineer, announced a bike rack parking app using GIS, 1.1 miles of dedicated bike lane striping on America's Cup in June, and 160 shared lane marks on the Ocean Loop!
- Officer Jimmy Winters of the Newport Police Department's Community Policing division shared the police department's commitments to keeping all road users safe.
- Chris Moulding of Zipcar celebrated the installation of four Zipcar-sponsored bike racks on Lower Thames St and urged more local businesses to join in the bike-friendly movement.
Newport County YMCA Awarded Bike Newport's
2015 Bicycle Friendly Business of the Year
(l-r: Bike Newport Exec Dir Bari Freeman, YMCA CEO Mike Miller, YMCA Healthy Living Dir Dave Stinson, local artist Howard Newman)
The afternoon program of Bike to Work Day included the 3rd annual awarding of our Bicycle Friendly Business of the Year - honoring a local business that demonstrates their support of bicycling. This year's award - again designed, constructed and donated by the husband and wife team of Howard and Mary Newman, was received by Newport County YMCA CEO Mike Miller.
In the past year, the Y has promoted biking activities to their membership; added bike programs to their summer camp; ordered a new high capacity bike rack for their property; and they established a dedicated ‘Park & Bike’ section in their parking lot. The Newport County Y is the definition of a bike friendly business. Past recipients include the Jane Pickens Theater (2013) and the Preservation Society of Newport County (2014).
2,028 People Biked to the Volvo Ocean Race
With the help of 30+ dedicated volunteers, our brand spankin' new high capacity event racks, and the amazing spring weather, the Volvo Ocean Race Green Team counted and parked 2,028 bicyclists over the course of the two-week stopover - about 2% of the total attendees. Thanks to all who rode and reduced the traffic congestion!
Registration Now Open for the
3rd annual Elliot Kaminitz Father's Day Ride
 Registration is open for the third annual Elliot Kaminitz Father's Day Ride - June 21st, 2015. Join hundreds of cyclists as we ride the scenic coastline in celebration and support of safer cycling. With 6, 10, and 25 mile ride options, as well as a 2-mile Bay Walk, riders of all levels can participate. Kids will enjoy the "Tour de Fort", inside Fort Adams - sponsored by the RI Department of Transportation. All Bike Newport members receive 15% off registration (forgot the member code? Email Liza)! Register Here.
New this year: FEE WAIVER available on the registration form. We want everyone who wants to ride - to ride. Register Here.
Pro-tip: Get a guest bike(s)!
Memorial Day is here! It's the beginning of guest season - when all our far-flung friends and family come to crash with us and share that RI summer magic. Don't let your guests experience Newport from behind a windshield! Get some guest bikes for your house this summer. You can earn or adopt a restored bike from our Bike Garage fleet, and support Bike Newport's educational programs in the process.
Ladies Night at the Bike Garage
Monday, June 1st, 6pm
Bike making weird noises? Chain need some TLC? Brakes just not what they used to be? Ready to repair your own flat? You can give your bike the love it wants, and it'll love you back - we promise! Mon June 1st from 6-8pm, at the Bike Garage at Rogers High School. Class is taught by women and for women. Minimum recommended donation: $5 for students, $15 for adults - all proceeds go to Bike Newport's educational programs. Space is limited! Email Liza to reserve your spot.
Group Rides!
All Saturdays, 9:15am
Meet at Bike Newport HQ, 437 Broadway, Newport, each Saturday at 9:15am for a 15-25 mile ride of the Newport and/or Middletown towns and coastlines. More info HERE.
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