On Saturday morning, June 7, Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive will close to cars and open to people – biking, walking, rolling, strolling, and enjoying the coastline car-free. It’s Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, Bike Newport’s annual open-road celebration of safe cycling and community fun!
Everyone is welcome – people of all ages, abilities, and wheels – including leashed pets! – for three carefree hours along Ocean Avenue and Hazard Road, enjoying birds, boulders, surf, salt marshes, and stunning coastal scenery.
“Elliot’s Ride is an absolute favorite for everyone,” says Bike Newport’s Founder and Executive Director, Bari Freeman. “This chance to ride happily and safely without cars and in a most beautiful location tickles everyone’s interest to plan for safe biking and walking. More and more people discover the fun each year – so come on down!
Eight-year-old Allana summed it up: “I think Elliot’s Ride is awesome because I get to go anywhere I want!”
The event is free and open to all. Visit bikenewportri.org/elliots-ride for more information and registration details. Donations are always welcome to support this and other bicycle education programs by the community nonprofit Bike Newport.
Participants can park at Rogers High School on Wickham Road, where the official welcome will take place at 8:45 am. Parking is also available at Brenton Point State Park, just a short distance from the start of the car-free zone (see map).
Elliot’s Ride for Everyone honors Elliot Kaminitz, a beloved 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.”
