Sakonnet Coastal Bike & Stroll Returning For 2nd Year This Month

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Bike Newport and the Island Park Preservation Society will host the second annual Sakonnet Coastal Bike & Stroll later this month.

The event brings an uncommon opportunity to bike, walk and run along scenic Park Avenue and The Hummocks in Portsmouth without cars on the road. Families, children, and people of all ages and abilities can enjoy this two-mile expanse of coastal road transformed into a safe and enjoyable route for non motorized movement.

Organizers said the free community event celebrates public spaces and promotes the interests of having safe and connected infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians, separate from cars.

"Last year’s inaugural event gathered hundreds to revel in the special beauty and inescapable joy of this car-free coastal route, and all are invited to make this year’s Bike & Stroll greater still," event coordinator Chris Barker said.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 14.

The car-free route has no prescribed starting or ending point, allowing all to join where they meet it. The route encompasses Park Avenue from just east of Mason Avenue, through to the railroad overpass at Anthony Road (entrance to Common Fence Point), and connecting directly with the shared-use path to the Sakonnet River Bridge to and from Tiverton. Parking is available along Boyd’s Lane and Anthony Road at either end of the route.

The scheduled rain date is Sept. 21.

Anyone who would like to register for the event can do so here. Drop-ins are also welcome, with liability waivers to sign at either end of the route. Donations are welcomed, and support the event plus Bike Newport's islandwide bike safety education programs and advocacy for bike-friendly infrastructure.

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