Bike Racks Roll In for a Greener Aquidneck Island

Imagine pedaling to your favorite coffee shop, only to end up locking your bike to a wobbly signpost or a tree. Not exactly ideal. That’s why Bike Newport is rolling out a new solution – and giving Aquidneck Island businesses the opportunity to get involved.

With support from 11th Hour Racing, Bike Newport has purchased 18 brand-new bike racks and launched a Bike Rack Contest to place them where they’ll have the greatest impact across the island. From corner cafés to seaside shops, businesses and destinations can apply for up to three free racks to help create a more bike-friendly community.

The racks, durable Westport No Scratch models, match those already used throughout the City of Newport, keeping the streets cohesive and cyclist-approved. To apply, businesses simply need to explain why they want the racks, how they plan to promote biking to their location, and where exactly the racks will be installed.

The contest is part of the broader “Get There By Bike” initiative, which encourages residents to bike instead of drive for short trips around the island. According to Bike Newport, 80% of car trips on Aquidneck Island are under four miles, 50% are under two miles, and nearly a quarter are under just one mile – all distances that are not only bikeable but also far more scenic on two wheels.

“Our goal is to improve the health of our ocean, and building sustainable coastal communities is key to achieving that vision,” says Melvin Alvarez, grant program manager at 11th Hour Racing. “By shifting from car travel to biking, we’re not only reducing harmful emissions but also fostering a deeper connection to our environment. This project makes it easier for people to embrace biking as a sustainable option, helping reduce their environmental impact and support the health of our ocean.”

Applications are now open at BikeNewportRI.org. The deadline to apply is April 30, and selected locations will be announced by May 10 – just in time to celebrate National Bike Month. Installations are expected to be completed by the end of May.