2015 -- H 5910

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LC002072

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING BIKE NEWPORT AND CELEBRATING THEIR 2015 ANNUAL EVENT,

THEMED "THE FIRST MILE", ON MARCH 19, 2015, AND RECOGNIZING ALL THE

COMMITTED BICYCLISTS ON AQUIDNECK ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Canario, Abney, Reilly, and Ruggiero

     Date Introduced: March 17, 2015

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Bike Newport is a charitable organization that is dedicated to "improving,

encouraging and facilitating bicycling in and around Newport." Their goal is to get people out of

their cars and onto bikes so they may explore all of the wondrous sights Newport has to offer; and

     WHEREAS, Annually in March, Bike Newport hosts a bicycle party replete with

entertainment, sumptuous food, raffles and much more. The event's chosen theme this year is

"The First Mile!" All proceeds from this night will be used to support efforts to create the first

mile of a much needed new bike path on Aquidneck Island; and

     WHEREAS, The first mile of the proposed new bike path would provide an initial car-

free path on Aquidneck Island, and would connect the North End of Newport with the center of

town using healthy active transportation, which is recommended and encouraged. The path will

allow residents, visitors, and workers to reach Newport in a safer, happier, and healthier way; and

     WHEREAS, This first mile of bike path will also provide the impetus to continue the

path up the island all the way to the Mount Hope and Sakonnet Bridges, as proposed by the

Aquidneck Island Planning Commission. This route would include some of the most scenic

stretches in Rhode Island, and would connect Aquidneck Island with the network of statewide

Rhode Island bike paths that represent some of the most beautiful bike paths in the United States;

and

     WHEREAS, In addition to holding its annual "Bike Newport Night," Bike Newport

advocates throughout the year for safer biking and better access for bicycle riders. The group

offers classes and teaches people how to ride safely, produces maps of recommended routes

throughout Newport County for both recreational and transportation cyclists, and distributes

restored bicycles to community members from age four to eighty-four; and

     WHEREAS, Bike Newport also distributes night safety equipment to Newport's bicycle

dependent workers. In 2013, 300 sets of safety equipment were issued. They also work

collaboratively with the City of Newport, Newport Police Department, Newport Public Schools,

the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration to

ensure the most productive road safety initiatives, and in 2012, partnered with RIDOT for

Statewide Highway Safety Action Planning; and

     WHEREAS, The City of Newport has already achieved recognition for its support for

biking. In 2013, the City-by-the-Sea became the first community in Rhode Island to receive

"Bike Friendly Community" status from the League of American Bicyclists; and

     WHEREAS, Each and every day, Bike Newport is leading the way as a model advocacy

organization, working to better protect our natural resources, and encouraging people to adopt

healthier lifestyles; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes and applauds Bike Newport and Aquidneck Island's

many dedicated bicycle enthusiasts for their tireless efforts to "peddle" a healthier alternative

mode of transportation and for their advocacy on behalf of getting a much needed new bike path

started on Aquidneck Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Bari Freeman, Executive Director of Bike

Newport.

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