Community Corner

Bike Friendly Business of the Year to be Announced in Newport Friday

The announcement coincides with National Bike to Work day on Friday.

Bike to Work Day is the day when cyclists of all stripes and frequencies hop on their bikes to bike to work and beyond. Those who always wanted to give it a try are encouraged to join the regulars - to trade their cars for bicycles, to meet up with friends and colleagues, and to be part of the day-long Bike to Work Day festivities. Bike to Work Day activities in Newport all take place in Eisenhower Park, Washington Square - the historic center of the city.

This year, Bike Newport will present the second annual Bike Friendly Business Award to a local business that epitomizes the meaning of bike support and bike friendliness. The unique award is designed and made by renowned Newport artist and art restorer Howard Newman with his collaborator and wife, Mary Newman, both avid cyclists. The Newmans last year crafted the first Bicycle Friendly Business Award presented to the Jane Pickens Theater. Howard's bronze sculptures can be seen on the grounds of the Newport Art Museum and in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's feature exhibit, Modern American Realism; the Sara Roby Collection, on display through August, 2014.

The Award Presentation and other Bicycle Friendly Newport Announcements will take place at 3:30pm in front of the Courthouse in Newport’s Washington Square.

Find out what's happening in Newportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Speakers at the afternoon Announcements and Awards include Superintendent of Schools Colleen Jermain, Newport Housing Authority Executive Director Jim Reed, City Engineer Frank Marinaccio, Community Police Officer Jimmy Winters, and Sarah Atkins of the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission.

Bike to Work Day in Newport begins with a Commuter Breakfast from 6-9am, with greetings, mini bike tuneups, and plenty of refreshments provided by Jonathan’s Cafe, A-Market, and Teas and Javas. At 1pm,  the Tune-Up Tent returns to the park. Announcements and awards are presented at 3:30pm on the Courthouse Steps. The annual Community Ride City Loop leaves the park at 4:15. From 4:00 on there will be bike decorating for kids of all ages. The day winds up with a Mini Eco-Expo, refreshments from Genie’s Hookah Lounge and Empire Tea and Coffee, and live music by the fabulous footstompin’ Cactus Attack.

Find out what's happening in Newportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Newport,  a Park ’n Bike lot is available for longer distance and bridge travelers. Bike to Work Day riders are invited to park their cars at Bike Newport’s new office - 437 Broadway - and bike the one-mile to Washington Square for breakfast, and then on to their places of employment. All are encouraged to return to Washington Square later in the day for the awards, ride and celebration.

For more information, visit www.bikenewportri.org


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