PORTSMOUTH — For one Saturday morning this fall, a stretch of Portsmouth’s most scenic shoreline will trade car traffic for bicycle bells and sneakers on pavement. 

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the 3rd Annual Sakonnet Coastal Bike & Stroll will once again transform the roads of Island Park and The Hummocks into a car-free zone — and this year, organizers are setting an ambitious challenge: 1,000 bicycles.

Hosted by the Island Park Preservation Society (IPPS) and Bike Newport, the free event celebrates family-friendly, outdoor recreation while underscoring something deeper — the importance of having safe, accessible spaces for walking and biking in coastal communities.

“This is a community challenge we can meet,” said John Vitkevich, an organizer with the IPPS. “In 2023, we had 400 bikes, 600 last year and this year we want 1,000. So we're asking everyone who loves Island Park and everyone who wants to see more accessible coastal recreation to come out and be one of the 1,000 bikes on Nov. 1. Every bicycle that rolls onto the route is really important in helping us reach this milestone.”

3 miles, 3 hours, 0 cars

From 8:30 a.m. to noon, the town will close a stretch of Park Avenue, Point Road, Hummocks Avenue, and Anthony Road (up to the railroad overpass) to all motorized traffic. The route also links directly with the shared-use path on the Sakonnet River Bridge, allowing cyclists and pedestrians from Tiverton and beyond to join the fun.

There’s no start or finish line — participants are encouraged to hop on wherever they find the route. Families, walkers, runners, kids on scooters, and experienced cyclists alike are invited to enjoy the open road.

Safety and access for all

While the morning promises fun, fitness, and ocean views, organizers say the real purpose runs deeper. Events like the Sakonnet Bike & Stroll highlight how few safe walking and biking routes currently exist on Aquidneck Island — and how much residents benefit when they do.

“Open road events like this are the most exciting way to engage the broadest community in biking — completely separated from cars, with the freedom to enjoy the experience and the environs safely, without worry, and with all of the associated fun, camaraderie, and fresh air,” said Bari Freeman, executive director of Bike Newport. 

Registration and details

Participation is free, but all attendees must complete a waiver (available online through the event’s Facebook page or in person on the day of the event). Helmets are required for riders under 15 and encouraged for everyone.

The Portsmouth Police Department and Department of Public Works will coordinate the temporary road closure, and Bank Newport returns as the event’s principal sponsor. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the route to help with registration and ensure safety.

The road will reopen to vehicles promptly at noon, so families with small children and pedestrians are asked to exit by that time.

The IPPS notes that the event reflects the community’s historic spirit of recreation and togetherness. The Island Park area was once home to a popular amusement park that drew visitors from across the region between 1898 and 1938. Today, the Bike & Stroll carries that legacy forward — inviting people to once again gather by the water to celebrate Portsmouth’s coastal beauty, this time on two feet or two wheels.

For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone on Nov 1,” said Freeman. “Currently, it only happens once a year, so be sure to bring your friends and family from all over.”