A new protected bike lane on Harrison Avenue significantly improved safety for cyclists attending the Newport Folk Festival, with organizers considering making it a permanent feature for future events.
The dedicated two-way bike lane, implemented through collaboration between Bike Newport and local police, addressed safety concerns on a steep section of the road where cyclists previously had to navigate alongside parked cars and incoming traffic.
Bari Freeman, Executive Director and Founder of Bike Newport, said, “It was such a dramatic improvement for people who are biking on this segment, where the road is so steep.”
The bike lane accommodated up to 1,800 cyclists per day during the Folk Festival, with Friday potentially setting a record of 1,600 bikes. Freeman noted, “1,800 bikes is a lot of bikes. 1,600 bikes is a lot of bikes.”
Freeman stated, “I really think so,” when asked if the changes would be seen at future festivals.
Freeman highlighted the collaboration with the police department, saying, “We touch base all through the day and we make little revisions as needed.”
While the protected lane was not maintained for the subsequent Jazz Festival due to lower cyclist numbers, Freeman urged all road users to “take it real easy, be aware of one another, be really patient, be courteous.”
Freeman noted that cycling “continues to climb” for both Folk and Jazz events. She stated, “We really need to recognise how many people are using bicycles and really dedicate ourselves to [improving infrastructure].”
