We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. North Country Hospital has been honored with the prestigious SILVER Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award by the League of American Bicyclists! This recognition places us among more than 1,300 businesses across the United States dedicated to creating a more bicycle-friendly environment for everyone.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and collaboration from our local partners.
Wendy Franklin, our Director of Communications, shared her enthusiasm about our collective efforts: “Through collaboration with Newport Downtown Development (NDD), the Newport Parks & Recreation Department, and the Vermont Land Trust, North Country has made progress over the last few years, utilizing biking resources right in our front yard.”
One of our proudest moments was hosting a successful community bike rodeo in early May, right in our hospital parking lot. It was wonderful to see so many families and young riders participating! Additionally, having the Beebe Spur trail right next to us is a fantastic resource. This trail connects to the bike path, Bluffside Farm, and downtown Newport, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the beauty and benefits of cycling.
Rick-Ufford Chase, Executive Director of Newport Downtown Development, couldn’t be happier about this recognition: “We are so pleased to announce the first BFB in Newport. And a well-deserved one. The North Country Hospital leadership team and staff have done much to make Newport a bicycle-friendly place to work, live, and play. From their support of the Scott’s Cove bridge and other trail connectivity to the commitment of Dr. Bob Primeau and Dr. Peter Harris to establishing a network of Nordic ski trails, which has grown into numerous mountain bike trails in our backyard, the Hospital has played a role in promoting bicycling in our town.”
With summer just around the corner, we expect to see even more bicycles around town. Did you know that through our Worksite Wellness program, we offer a small fleet of bikes for hospital employees to use? It’s a great way to promote healthy living and reduce our carbon footprint. Plus, we provide helmets at a reduced price for young, new riders and adults. If you need more information about bicycle helmets, please call us at 802-334-3208.
We also want to remind our cycling friends that you’re welcome to park your vehicles on Lakemont Road and use our marked parking lot next to the bike path. This area offers a safer entrance with less auto traffic.
As we celebrate this achievement, we invite everyone to get out, ride your bikes, and enjoy the wonderful trails and paths Newport has to offer. Let’s continue to make our community a better place to work, live, and play, one pedal at a time.
Bike on and be safe, Newport!