As part of our project to rebuild the connecting ramps and road network from the Pell Bridge to city streets in Newport, RIDOT included nearly 3 miles of off-road bike paths. This provides great connectivity between Newport's North End and Innovation District, the Navy Base, the Community College of Rhode Island, and many residential and commercial areas. The newest addition completed in 2024 provides a direct connection to Downtown and the Gateway Center – the city's main transit hub. A new Park and Ride lot was built along the bikeway as well.
The bikeway was built in two phases beginning in 2020.
The path is mostly level and passes along or near major roads, primarily Coddington Highway which becomes JT Connell Highway. The more remote section is along the southern end, about 1 mile from the new Park and Ride, behind a historic cemetery and ending at America's Cup Avenue and the Gateway Center.
The path begins adjacent to a large residential area and within one block of West Main Road, a major north-south road through Aquidneck Island. It runs alongside Coddington Highway, crossing over from the north side of the road to the south side near the Harbor Base Inn.
Next, the path goes directly in front of the Community College of Rhode Island's Newport County Campus, making it easy for nearby residents to bike or walk to classes there. Also nearby is Coddington Field, a city park with two busy ball fields.
The path crosses in front of the large RK Towne Center shopping plaza, then passes through the northern edge of the former Newport Rotary, which was rebuilt as a modern roundabout. Here a spur path leads runs along Admiral Kalbfus Road, ending at Girard Avenue. From there, path users can gain access to residential areas and the large Miantonomi Memorial Park, which features nature trails, a playground and great views of Newport Harbor at the World War I memorial tower, the highest point in Newport.
Heading south from the roundabout on the main trail, the trail passes next to the new Park and Ride lot built as part of this project. It offers free parking and is serviced by RIPTA buses. It's also only a short ride or moderate walk to Downtown – a good option for avoiding the congestion and parking challenges common during peak summer tourism season. There also is a large dog park here.
The path ends at America's Cup Avenue across the street from the Gateway Center. Many RIPTA buses stop here for access throughout the city and the island. You can lock your bike up here to explore Downtown on foot, or utilize on-road bike lanes. Note that traffic congestion is very heavy in the summer months. More information on routes through the city can be found here.
Spot graffiti, trash, or other maintenance problems? Contact the R.I. Department of Environmental Management, Division of Parks and Recreation at (401) 667-6200.
Directions to public parking along the bike path.
