Can you imagine Newport’s iconic “Ocean Drive” without cars? On Saturday morning, June 8th, that’s exactly what will happen as the road closes to cars and opens to people biking, rolling and strolling. It’s Bike Newport’s annual open road event “Elliot’s Ride for Everyone!”
Gather your family, friends, and neighbors for three hours of coastal fun – minus the cars. Elliot’s Ride for Everyone is for all ages, styles, mobilities, numbers of wheels, and number of legs – yes, leashed pets are welcome! The soundtrack will be kids’ laughter. And if tradition continues, sunny skies!
“Elliot’s Ride always ranks as a favorite annual bike event,” says Bike Newport’s Founder and Executive Director, Bari Freeman, “probably because of the number of happy kids and worry-free parents! It’s all the things we work for year round – fun, safety, and access – delivered for three glorious hours.”
Last year, 8- year-old Allana captured the younger set’s enthusiasm, “I think the open road is awesome because I get to go anywhere I want!”
Elliot’s Ride is sponsored by Newport Craft Brewing who will also provide samples of their new line of non-alcoholic beverage along the route. CEO Brendan O’Donnell shared, “We’re excited to sponsor Elliot’s Ride for our third year – it’s an amazing time for families in a most beautiful location.”
On Saturday morning, June 8th, fun will rule again as friends and families pedal, stride, explore, and enjoy a long stretch of Ocean Avenue and all the birds, boulders, surf, lagoons, and majestic properties along the way. Also included on the route is the full length of adjacent Hazard Road, home to the lovely tucked-away Gooseneck Cove Salt Marsh and its herons and ospreys.
Participants can park at Rogers High School on Wickham Road, where the official welcome will take place at 8:45 am. There is also the option to park at Brenton Point State Park, which is just a short distance from the start of the car-free zone (see map).
The event is free to all. Please visit bikenewportri.org/elliots-ride for additional information and registration. Donations are always welcome and support this and other bicycle education programs provided by the community’s nonprofit Bike Newport.
Elliot’s Ride for Everyone is named for Elliot Kaminitz, a much-loved community member and bicycle safety advocate who lost his life in 2012 when he was hit by a car near Easton’s Beach in Newport. His children, Ilicia and Adam, share, “Our dad would love everything about Elliot’s Ride. He would love seeing the whole community out enjoying Newport from the seat of a bicycle. Thank you for being part of more, better, and safer cycling in his honor and memory.”
For more information, please contact Bike Newport at info@bikenewportri.org or call (401) 619-4900.
Source: Bike Newport
Cool, keep the cripples away so the a led bodied can have exclusive access. Nice.