Bike Newport to Help City Be More Bike Friendly

The Newport City Council passed a resolution Wednesday night commending Bike Newport for its initiatives and achievements, and inviting the organization to assist the city in making Newport more bikeable.

The resolution requested Bike Newport to assist in educating motorists and cyclists on how to share the road, and helping Newport achieve recognition as a bicycle friendly community.

Rhode Island is one of only two states in the country without a certified "Bicycle Friendly Community," defined by the League of American Bicyclists, as a community that "welcomes cyclists by providing safe accommodation for cycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation." 

The Bicycle Friendly Community Program provides incentives, hands-on assistance, and award recognition for communities that take an active role in supporting bicycling. 

Overall, Rhode Island ranks 28 out of 50 for bicycle-friendly states. Rhode Island received a C for bicycle legislation, an F for policies and programs, an F for infrastructure, a D for education and encouragement, a D for evaluation and planning, and a B for enforcement. 

Bike Newport works with city schools, community organizations and the League of American Bicyclists to educate the community on bicycle safety skills. The organization also trains bicycling advocates to be certified cycling instructors.

Bari George, founder of Bike Newport, thanked the council for its support and involvement during the meeting. “Thank you for recognizing biking as more than a fun pastime,” she said.

George said biking has a positive impact on just about every aspect in the community, from health to preservation to transportation. Nearly everywhere in Newport is within biking or walking distance, she added.

Friday, May 18, will be Newport’s second annual

View the schedule here.