Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition

It’s been two and half years since Bike Newport moved into 62 Broadway, so we thought it was about time we had a revamp and treated our trusty space to a lick of paint. It took five staff three days to scrub, mop, paint and polish and this is the result. Come and see it for yourself, it’s quite remarkable what new paint and reorganization can do! The post Bike Garage Revamp – Before and After appeared first on Bike Newport.

The post below first appeared on the Bike Newport blog. This post has been edited to correct the proposed cuts to Transportation, which is 17% (not the previously reported 47%.) Bike Newport A major amendment to the STIP (State Transportation READ MORE

Did you know Rhode Island and Massachusetts have draft statewide Bicycle Planning Guides? Massachusetts Department of Transportation has a ‘Draft Municipal Resource Guide For Bikeability,’ and Rhode Island has a draft ‘Bicycle Mobility Plan.’ Give them a read and see the future when all road users are treated equally and we leave car-centric planning behind. These plans share missions: Biking will be a safe, comfortable, and convenient (MA) and safe, fun, and practical (RI) option for everyday travel. They are encouraging and informative documents that assist people in choosing bicycles, and municipalities in planning for bikeable places. Well done, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We hope to see them adopted soon! The post Statewide Bicycle Planning Guides appeared first on Bike Newport.

The post below first appeared on the Bike Newport blog. View the original here:  A Great Start For Our 2019 Interns

It’s Friday morning in Newport. The Bike Newport office that’s home to the Bike Garage is buzzing with Rogers High School interns. Teenagers are spread out across the garage floor, working on bicycles in different stages of repair. The sound of gear changes and a steady clank of pedal wrenches fills the room. An assortment of vintage, road and mountain bikes hang from bike stands awaiting further repairs to become road ready steeds. The teenagers are participating in an internship program, the result of a partnership between Rogers High School and the Bike Newport. The students learn the craft of bicycle refurbishing, maintenance, and troubleshooting under the guidance of Art Spivak, a volunteer bike mechanic mentor. These skills prepare them for a personal interest in bike repair and, more importantly, future employment in the growing bicycle repair industry. Bike Newport also offers Bike Garage times that are open to the public — including three evenings a week and a Saturday afternoon – for people to come in and service their own bicycles. During this time, community members have full access to the shop’s bike stands, specialized tools, and the staff’s expertise. As a non-profit, Bike Newport opened its doors in 2011 with the mission to ‘improve, encourage and facilitate bicycling in and around Newport for the health and well-being of our youth and families and as a viable and enjoyable method of transportation for residents and visitors.’ Whether it’s reaching out to Rhode Island’s youth or opening its doors to the community, Bike Newport is excited for 2019 to continue to having a big impact on the people of Newport and surrounding areas. Bike Garage – Mon, Wed, Thur – 4:30-7pm / Saturday 1-4pm 62 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840 bikenewportri.org The post Connecting people and bicycles. appeared first on Bike Newport.

This year you helped us with these fun numbers: 5000+ bikes parked at Newport Folk Festival 1300 Visits to our Bike Garage 428 bikes restored and distributed in the community 300 sets of helmets, lights and bells distributed 38 Ladies Nights participants 7 Beginner Cyclist Classes 3 Basic Instructor courses 2 40ft containers purchases and sited for the Bike Barn 1st Statewide Bike Mobility Plan … and a partridge in a pear tree. (OK, well not that part, but you get the idea!) We’re on the last lap of our financial kickstart into the new year where your donation will be matched 100%! We’re almost there. Can you give us the last push to our $50,000 goal? Together, we can keep cranking.    All donations are DOUBLED!   Thank you to all who make progress possible. The post We’re on the last lap and we’re almost there! appeared first on Bike Newport.

The post below first appeared on the Bike Newport blog. More:  Paths for everyone: why it matters.

This summer we had the first Bridge Bike Shuttle to get you over the bridges with your bike. Imagine the day when we won’t need that because you’ll be able to pedal yourself over the Narragansett Bay. As you can imagine we’re THRILLED to be talking about this prospect and excited to be part of the discovery process. To help deliver this ambitious vision we will be working closely with the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA), the city, state and a broad range of other organizations. “It’s time for us to look to the next 50 years. And you can’t look to the next 50 years without connecting people and communities, and looking into mobility…This is a first step in a journey,” – Buddy Croft, the Executive Director of Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority  Bridge infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians returns consistent high economic and health benefits. The studies are extensive, numerous and consistent. We’ll explore this prospect together and look to deliver on a truly promising dream for 21st century transportation for our island and our region.  “I can’t wait for the bridge paths to be complete. Connecting our communities and giving people more transportation options is very exciting. I personally can’t wait to ride my bike to Jamestown” – Nate Giblin • Bike Newport Educator Thank you Buddy Croft and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA)! The post Imagine being able to ride over the bridges!      appeared first on Bike Newport.

The post below first appeared on the Bike Newport blog. Source –  Bikes + Coffee = LOVE!

Welcome Allyson McCalla! Allyson is our new Office and Outreach Manager and we’re so excited to have her on board. She comes to us with a wealth of experience in office management, outreach, events, organizing and fundraising. Come in and say ‘Hi’, and join us in welcoming her to the Bike Newport family. The post Welcome Allyson McCalla! appeared first on Bike Newport.