Newport Police and Bike Newport encourage people biking, driving, and living in the area of Fort Adams to know the road safety plan.
For years running, the number of people choosing to ride bicycles to the Newport Folk Festival has continued to grow, to a now steady average of 1600 people arriving by bicycle each day. The highest recorded number was 1,800 on Saturday, July 23, 2022. At between 16% and 18% of attendees, this now annual percentage is the highest known for any music festival in the United States.
Bike Newport, the local bicycle advocacy organization that routes and supports the bicyclists through wayfinding and assisted bike parking estimates between 600 and 800 fewer cars on the road thanks to people riding bicycles.
Bike Newport and the Newport Police Department annually partner on safety plans for bicycles outside of Fort Adams.
In 2024, concern for improving safety for the people on bicycles led them to establish a first-ever separated bike lane for the bicyclists on the final approach to Fort Adams. Considered extremely successful by the organizers, bicyclists, and residents – see the results of that initiative.
This year, based on the 2024 experience, additional improvements will be added and people biking, driving, and living in the area should be aware and plan accordingly. The attached map is a visual aid to the following description.
Background
The steep Harrison Avenue hill – descending westbound and ascending eastbound – is a year-round area of concern on this extremely popular bike route and poses heightened risk and concern with the volume of bicycles and cars sharing the road during the Folk Festival in particular.
The Plan for Bicycles
There will again be a dedicated two-way bicycle lane between Harrison Avenue at Beacon Hill and the entrance of Fort Adams each day of the Folk Festival from 7am to 3pm and again from 6pm to 10pm. Between the hours of 3pm and 6pm, normal traffic flow (2-way car traffic, no separate bike lane) will be in place and bicycles will be detoured slightly onto Beacon Hill. This plan optimizes safety for everyone on the road.
The Plan for Cars and All Motorized Vehicles
From 7am to 3pm, and again from 6pm to 10pm, this segment of Harrison Avenue will be ONE WAY westbound for motorized vehicles. Anyone approaching this segment from the west or from inside of this segment MUST head west only and follow brief detours as the usual eastbound lane will be reserved only for bicycles and any motorized vehicle in that lane will be unexpected and pose grave danger.
Thank you!
Bike Newport, the Newport Police Department, and the Newport Festivals Foundation thank everyone for prioritizing safety, and for being aware, patient, courteous, and kind with the shared goal of an awesome time at the Newport Folk Festival.
- Orange: main bike route
- Green: two-way dedicated bike lane (7am-3pm and 6-10pm)
- Blue: afternoon detour for bicycles (3-6pm)
Bike Newport