NEWPORT — North Country Hospital has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, joining more than 1,300 businesses across the United States that are contributing to the movement to build a more bicycle-friendly environment for all.
The hospital’s Director of Communications, Wendy Franklin, attributed the achievement to collaboration with Newport Downtown Development (NDD), the Newport Parks & Recreation Department, and the Vermont Land Trust.
“A successful community bike rodeo was hosted in the hospital’s parking lot in early May, and having the Beebe Spur trail next door that connects to the bike path, to Bluffside Farm, and downtown is a wonderful resource we are extremely proud of,” Franklin said.
Rick-Ufford Chase, Executive Director of Newport Downtown Development, praised North Country Hospital for being the first BFB in Newport and for its leadership team and staff’s efforts in making 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,” Ufford-Chase said.
As summer approaches, North Country Hospital is promoting bicycle usage by offering a small fleet of bikes for hospital employees to use through its Worksite Wellness program.
The hospital also provides helmets to young, new riders and adults at a reduced price. To encourage safe cycling, the hospital welcomes cyclists to park their vehicles on Lakemont Road and use the marked parking lot next to the bike path, which offers a safer entrance with less auto traffic.
