In a bold move, Newport’s renowned “Ocean Drive” will temporarily bid farewell to vehicular traffic, transforming into a haven for cyclists, rollerbladers, and pedestrians on Saturday morning, June 8th. This transformation marks the annual “Elliot’s Ride for Everyone” event, organized by Bike Newport.
Families, friends, and neighbors are invited to partake in three hours of coastal enjoyment devoid of car congestion. Elliot’s Ride for Everyone caters to individuals of all ages, abilities, and modes of transportation, including leashed pets. The atmosphere promises to be filled with the sounds of children’s laughter, complemented by anticipated sunny weather.
Bari Freeman, Founder and Executive Director of Bike Newport, expresses the event’s enduring popularity, stating, “Elliot’s Ride consistently stands out as a beloved annual cycling event, largely due to the sheer joy of children and the peace of mind it brings to parents. It embodies our year-round efforts towards fun, safety, and accessibility, encapsulated in three glorious hours.”
Reflecting on last year’s event, 8-year-old Allana encapsulates the excitement of younger participants, exclaiming, “I think the open road is awesome because I get to go anywhere I want!”
Newport Craft Brewing, serving as a sponsor for the third consecutive year, will offer samples of their latest non-alcoholic beverages along the route. CEO Brendan O’Donnell expresses enthusiasm for supporting Elliot’s Ride, describing it as “an incredible opportunity for families to come together in a breathtaking location.”
On the morning of June 8th, participants will revel in a carefree atmosphere as they traverse a lengthy segment of Ocean Avenue, admiring the coastal scenery including birds, boulders, and surf. The route also encompasses Hazard Road, showcasing the picturesque Gooseneck Cove Salt Marsh and its avian inhabitants.
Parking will be available at Rogers High School on Wickham Road, with an official welcome scheduled for 8:45 am. Alternatively, attendees can utilize parking facilities at Brenton Point State Park, conveniently located near the starting point of the car-free zone.
This event is open to all, free of charge. Additional information and registration details can be found at bikenewportri.org/elliots-ride. Donations are gratefully accepted, supporting this initiative as well as other bicycle education programs facilitated by Bike Newport.
Elliot’s Ride for Everyone is named in honor of Elliot Kaminitz, a beloved community member and advocate for bicycle safety, who tragically lost his life in a car accident near Easton’s Beach in Newport in 2012. His children, Ilicia and Adam, express gratitude to participants, stating, “Our dad would have cherished every aspect of Elliot’s Ride. Witnessing the community come together to enjoy Newport from the saddle of a bicycle would have brought him immense joy. Thank you for contributing to a future of enhanced and safer cycling in his memory.”