Bicycle Safety and Facilities How can we improve the City's bicycle safety and facilities?

By state law (RIGL 31-19-3), bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers when riding on streets, and the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians when riding on sidewalks. State law also requires the Department of Transportation to provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians whenever possible when planning new projects.

 What are the Benefits of Bicycling?
  • No contribution to pollution from auto emissions
  • Reduced traffic congestion and parking problems
  • Viable transportation alternative of particular importance to those who do not own or drive a car
  • Economic efficiency: bicycling costs the frequent rider about ¼ as much as a car by Transportation Alternatives estimates
  • No contribution to noise pollution
  • Health benefits to riders

 

What keeps people from riding bicycles?

Though Providence’s size and geography make it well-suited for cycling, the following factors discourage many potential bicyclists from using the roadway because of inconvenience or safety concerns including:

  • Poor road conditions
  • Lack of facilities such as bike routes, lanes, or paths
  • Lack of safe and convenient bicycle parking
  • Lack of consideration of bicyclists on the part of motorists

 

How Safe are Providences Streets?

1. BIKE Providence

The Providence Department of Planning and Development is in the process of completing BIKE Providence, a five-year plan for making the city more bicycle-friendly. The plan has 5 goals:

  1. Provide for accessible travel by bicycle
  2. Provide for safe travel by bicycle
  3. Increase commuter trips made by bicycle
  4. Increase recreational biking by residents
  5. Increase tourism/bicycling connection to major destinations

2. BIKE Providence route network

The City is planning a network of routes with the goal of providing access to a bicycle route within ½ mile of every resident’s home. The network will:

  1. connect neighborhoods to a downtown hub
  2. provide an outer inter-neighborhood loop
  3. link residents to neighboring cities and towns and the five existing or planned State bikeways

3. Increasing Safety of Streets

While implementing BIKE Providence, the City will give attention to the following:

  • Pavement condition
  • Road maintenance
  • Hazards posed by drainage grates
  • Education of cyclists and motorists

4. Woonasquatucket River Greenway

The Woonasquatucket River Greenway will include a bicycle route with both on-street and off-street routes following the course of the Woonasquatucket River from Waterplace Park in downtown Providence through several Providence neighborhoods to the Johnston line. In addition to the approximately 4 mile route through Providence, this route will extend through Johnston to Smithfield. The route is currently in the design stage.

5. East Coast Greenway

The East Coast Greenway is a 2000 mile pedestrian and cycling trail which will one day link cities and towns from Florida to Maine. The Greenway’s route through Providence is currently being planned.

6. RIPTA Rack 'n' Ride Program

RIPTA is currently fitting its bus fleet with bicycle racks.

 

Resources & Contacts