Bike Newport, 11th Hour Racing, and Local Partners Rally to Make Biking a First Choice for Getting Around (via Bike Newport) Credit: Kia Davis

Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Saturday, Aug. 2, the 214th day of 2025. There are 151 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

Bike Newport has partnered with 11th Hour Racing and local businesses this summer to encourage more residents and visitors on Aquidneck Island to choose bicycles over cars for transportation.

The “Get There By Bike!” campaign aims to promote cycling for health, environmental and recreational benefits, according to a Friday press release from Bike Newport.

The initiative comes as Newport hosts major events like the Newport Folk Festival, where approximately 1,600 people arrive by bicycle daily. 11th Hour Racing serves as the festival’s official greening partner.

“Biking is for everyone, and it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for building healthier communities and a healthier planet,” said Bari Freeman, executive director at Bike Newport.

The campaign promotes cycling for various activities including commuting to work, traveling to beaches and attending music festivals. Organizers say biking reduces traffic congestion and parking challenges while providing a more sustainable transportation option.

Michelle Carnevale, president of 11th Hour Racing, said the organization supports solutions that benefit the environment, local economies and community well-being.

“Biking reduces emissions, eases traffic, supports small businesses, and proves that sustainable choices can be both practical and enjoyable,” Carnevale said.

The campaign encourages people to bike to Aquidneck Island’s summer festivals, beaches, museums and restaurants. Participants can find events, maps and tips at bikenewportri.org/get-there-by-bike.

As part of the promotion, people who tag their rides with #GetThereByBike on social media can enter to win two tickets to Bike Newport’s 10-Spot Ride on Aug. 23.

Bike Newport focuses on serving the entire community across all backgrounds, abilities and neighborhoods as part of its “Biking for Everyone” mission.

11th Hour Racing supports sustainable solutions in the maritime industry and beyond through sport, storytelling and grant-making, working to build healthy planetary systems and strong communities.

Here’s what else you should know

🎶 Here’s a look at all the live music, entertainment, and events happening this weekend; enjoy!

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

The following were yesterday’s most-read What’sUpNewp articles.

  1. Obituary: Doris A. Sullivan
  2. Listing of the Week: A coastal classic off of Indian Avenue, 78 Cornelius Drive
  3. Coast Guard says rotten wood and poor inspections led to deadly schooner mast collapse
  4. Obituary: Joseph Jennings
  5. Things to do in Newport County this week and weekend: July 28 – Aug. 3
  6. Obituary: Richard Walz
  7. Helen Hames: Peter Martin Is winding up a good guy’s life in overtime
  8. Morning Notes: Newport Jazz Festival expands beyond Fort Adams with four intimate shows
  9. CET, RTX test next-generation uncrewed undersea vehicle in Narragansett Bay
  10. Obituary: Frank Savage

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Today: Sunny, with a high near 77. North wind around 7 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
  • Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind 3 to 6 mph.
  • Tomorrow: Sunny, with a high near 77. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:41 am. Sunset at 8:00 pm. 14 hours & 18 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 2:25 am & 3 pm. Low tide at 7:44 am & 9:26 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a First Quarter Moon.
  • The coastal water temperature is 71 degrees.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

Newport County Public Meetings

  • No public meetings are scheduled.

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Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...