Newport Named a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community

“Newport is playing a critical role in creating a truly Bicycle Friendly America," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We know Newport’s investment in bicycling will be returned many times over in the health, environmental, and quality of life benefits of a thriving community.”

 

In May 2012, the Newport City Council recognized bicycle friendliness as a significant attraction to residents and tourists, and as a contribution to the well-being and overall quality of life of the community. The Council resolved to move forward with efforts to become a certified Bicycle Friendly Community in collaboration with Bike Newport, the city’s cycling advocacy group. Recent improvements include bike lanes, shared lanes, improved signage, community classes, two bicycle education centers, bicycle friendly businesses, distribution of night safety equipment, and much more.

“We’re very proud of this recognition and the promise that this designation holds,” commented Bill Riccio, Newport’s Director of Public Services. “Bicycling can be a healthy transportation option in a small and historic city like Newport. We’re committed to continuing improvements so more people will choose bicycling.”

 

Bari George, Executive Director of Bike Newport, shared, “This award is a vote of confidence in what we are doing and how we are doing it. We still have a long way to go, but this is a fabulous first step, and a welcome to the bike-friendly movement. We used to say that Newport was a ‘Bike Friendly Community Waiting to Happen’; now we can say we are a ‘Bike Friendly Community Moving Forward’.”

 

The BFC program is transforming the way communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while benchmarking their progress toward improved bicycle-friendliness. There are now 291 BFCs in 48 states across America.