Bike Newport Launches Contest To Bring Bike Racks to Aquidneck Island Businesses

Aquidneck Island needs more bike racks! People on bikes need places to secure their bikes, and street signs and light posts don’t count. So say the folks at Bike Newport as they announce the purchase of 18 new bike racks, thanks to the support of 11th Hour Racing.

Aquidneck Island businesses, and other destinations are invited to apply for up to three bike racks. The rack model is the Westport No Scratch Rack by Sportworks— the same design in use by the City of Newport.

To be considered, businesses or other locations are invited to complete a brief application that includes stating why the racks are desired, and what the business will do to promote people biking to their destination. The business will also provide a description and sketch of where the rack or racks will be located, and that location will need to meet standard setback requirements. All information and the response form are available at bikenewportri.org/bike-rack-contest.

The Bike Rack Contest is part of Bike Newport’s initiative “Get There By Bike” – encouraging more people to travel to Aquidneck Island’s many destinations by bicycle. Studies show that 80% of car trips on Aquidneck Island are under 4 miles, 50% are under 2 miles, and 24% are under 1 mile – all very bikeable distances. Replacing these car trips with bike rides will help reduce traffic congestion, parking stresses, and carbon emissions.

“Our goal is to improve the health of our ocean, and building sustainable coastal communities is key to achieving that vision. By shifting from car travel to biking, we’re not only reducing harmful emissions but also fostering a deeper connection to our environment,” said Melvin Alvarez, grant program manager at 11th Hour Racing.  “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 must be submitted by April 30th. Decisions will be made by May 10th  in consultation with the municipalities, and Bike Newport hopes to complete the installations by the end of May – which, coincidentally, is Bike Month!