People’s Credit Union is proud to announce its sponsorship of Bike Newport’s Community Bike Garage, a vital resource that provides bicycle repairs, education, and access to bikes for the community. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement.

Bike Newport’s Community Bike Garage empowers bicyclists through hands-on learning, collaborative repairs, and expert guidance from staff and volunteers. The program operates free of charge with donations appreciated, ensuring that personal finances don’t hinder access to important bike maintenance and education. “Participants in the Community Bike Garage are really varied—from experienced riders to kids and adults getting their first bikes,” said Bike Garage Manager Mark Simms. “It’s a fun and welcoming learning space for everyone and is especially important to people who rely on bikes for transportation.”

A cornerstone of Bike Newport’s efforts to promote cycling as an accessible, sustainable mode of transportation and recreation, the Community Bike Garage also ensures that bikes in need of repair get refurbished, stay out of landfills, and reach people who need them. “The Bike Garage aligns perfectly with People’s Credit Union’s purpose and values,” said Sean Daly, Head of People’s Credit Union. “We’re committed to environmental responsibility, equitable access, and positive community impact—and the Bike Garage, along with all of Bike Newport’s programs, strengthens the Aquidneck Island community in meaningful ways.”

A central pillar of Bike Newport’s mission is making bicycles accessible to everyone. Volunteers contribute time and effort to refurbishing bikes, with many keeping the bikes they work on, through the Earn-a-Bike program. " I love to see kids come in excited to learn how to repair their bikes,” said Clare Woodhead, Bike Newport’s Director of Education. “They leave with a fixed bike and with a sense of real pride and independence."

The partnership with Bike Newport has inspired People’s Credit Union to take steps in promoting cycling, including working toward becoming a certified "Bike Friendly Business," educating employees about the benefits of cycling, and exploring ways to make bike commuting more accessible for its members.

Bari Freeman, Bike Newport’s Founder & Executive Director, expressed how meaningful business partnerships are to the nonprofit’s success. “We’re so pleased to partner with People’s Credit Union. Their support of the Community Bike Garage ensures that biking can be a safe and dependable way to get around—for their members and for the entire community.”

The Community Bike Garage is located at the rear entrance of Bike Newport’s headquarters at 62 Broadway, Newport, and operating three days a week in 2024, welcomed 876 individuals in 156 sessions, and distributed 468 restored bikes. With People’s Credit Union’s support, the Community Bike Garage is now open five days a week. For more information, visit bikenewportri.org/education/, email to mark.simms@bikenewportri.org or drop in during Community Bike Garage hours!

Community Bike Garage Participants, Volunteers, and Instructors

ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION

Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Middletown, RI, People’s Credit Union is a purpose-driven, member-owned, state-chartered, community credit union that serves as a catalyst for positive change in the community through its member engagement and community support. Known for its wide array of personal banking and business banking products & services, including personal, mortgage, and business lending, membership is open to all individuals. All deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information, visit www.peoplescu.com.

ABOUT BIKE NEWPORT

Bike Newport is a leading advocate in our region for making bicycling accessible, safe, and inviting for all. Bike Newport works to create safer places to walk and ride for transportation and recreation by inspiring and facilitating innovative infrastructure planning, community engagement, and education.

As bicycling continues to emerge as a powerful solution to health, economic, and environmental challenges, Bike Newport serves the entire community with a strong focus on reaching people of all backgrounds, abilities, and neighborhoods - ensuring that their vision of “Biking for Everyone” becomes a reality.