Since 2023, the “Rogers Ciclistas” program has been providing Spanish-dominant high school students all they need to bicycle safely to and from home, school, work, and play.
A vibrant collaboration between Bike Newport and Rogers High School, this program was funded in 2023 by the Rhode Island Foundation Newport County Fund , and Powered by Prince in 2023 and 2024. Bike Newport volunteers and staff prepare with care the fleet of lovingly restored bicycles that become our students’s trusted transportation.
How it Began:
In 2023, three students told Cate Sullivan, Multilingual Learning (MLL) teacher at Rogers, that they wanted bikes to get to school and work, her first thought was to call Clare Woodhead, Bike Newport’s Education Director. Together they began the plan that would get the bikes, equipment, and classes for these girls – and many more! Rogers Ciclistas was born – a program that would bring equipment, experience, and camaraderie to Newport’s newest students.
Fast forward to fall 2024, and a second cohort of Rogers Ciclistas received bicycles, backpacks, locks, lights and reflective vests together with instruction and practice in bicycle maintenance, security, and safe riding skills. All this is happening along with group rides to and from school to help them get acclimated on the roads, routes, and safe cycling practices to get them dependably to school, work, home, and Newport’s many fun destinations with friends .
Additionally, the dual language component of the program means that the students, their teachers and Bike Newport’s instructors are all involved in a multilingual experience and expansion of cultural awareness in a positive social environment. The value for our recent immigrant students is very high.
“We are so grateful to Bike Newport for providing this important program! Clare and Gail fitted our students to beautiful refurbished bikes, and taught them how to use the safety equipment that came with them. They did a great job practicing safe cycling skills at the Traffic Garden and even had time for fun at the Pump Track! It was amazing to see their confidence on our group ride back to Rogers. Our multilingual learners are extremely grateful to have a new method of transportation for getting to school and work!”
– Cate Sullivan, MLL Teacher, Rogers High School
Hear Cate speak about her students and the impact of having bicycles on their attendance, their lives, and being part of the Newport community.
Our educators are impressed by the camaraderie and kindness that the participants demonstrate to each other, helping each other to fit their helmets, encouraging and boosting each others’ confidence as they learn to ride together as a group. When they hit the road, they have a great time riding to school.
“Rogers Ciclistas is wonderful for strengthening community connections while improving conditions for bike safety. Biking around the neighborhood, or to a nearby park, provides a sense of freedom and adventure that we build on as they learn to ride on the streets. The whole community benefits from efforts to enable more people to ride, and we want everyone doing that as smartly and safely as possible.“
– Clare Woodhead, Director of Education
In 2025, we’re expanding this program to Middletown High School.
If you have any questions or would like a similar program, please reach out to clare@bikenewportri.org
Building the Fleet:
Thanks to all the area residents who kindly donate their high-quality bicycles to Bike Newport, and to Bike Newport’s staff and dedicated volunteers who refurbish the bikes during our Open Garage program. Our educators outfit each bike with all the accessories: helmets, water bottles, saddle bags, bike tools, tire repair kits, lights, locks, and more.
When you see our Rogers “Ciclistas” on the road, be sure to drive safely and patiently. You can wave to bicyclists to let them know you see them. We all have a role to play in keeping our cyclists safe on our streets, and we’re grateful to all who take the necessary care to safely be on the road together.
Bike Newport