City of East Providence seeks safe transportation for all - by Roberto DaSilva

With support from the Rhode Island Department of Administration’s Division of Statewide Planning, the city of East Providence is nearing completion of a citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The plan is designed to help East Providence become a community where people of all ages and abilities can safely and comfortably walk and bike to everyday destinations, including schools, bus stops, grocery stores, parks and jobs. The plan assesses current conditions and includes recommendations to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and access throughout the city.

For decades, transportation planning and construction in the United States focused almost exclusively on the needs of drivers. The city recognizes that improving nonmotorized transportation options will better connect neighborhoods, provide recreational opportunities, and improve public health and quality of life for residents and visitors. Creating more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods can also activate neighborhood centers and promote vibrant street life. One of East Providence’s most popular attractions is the East Bay Bike Path, which runs along much of the city’s riverfront. The plan includes recommendations to improve connections to the bike path and add features such as bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic-calming measures and other safety improvements across the community.

The city and its partners held several public input sessions and received feedback from residents about their experiences walking and biking on city streets. Key recommendations include completing the long-missing connection between George Redman Linear Park and the East Bay Bike Path, improving crossings along Veterans Memorial Pkwy., developing a network of bike-friendly routes, expanding and upgrading sidewalks, adding traffic-calming measures on selected streets, and forming a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The city has already begun implementing several projects, including adding sidewalks along Lyon Ave., where speeding has been a persistent concern. Sidewalks were also added near Hennessey Elementary School, where a crosswalk mural was recently installed. Other projects include the R.I. Department of Transportation’s addition of a shared-use path on the new Henderson Bridge to Providence. As the Henderson Expwy. is converted into an at-grade parkway, the redesigned roadway will include expanded bicycle and pedestrian access. The state has also added bike lanes along a section of Willett Ave. near the Barrington town line.

With the support of the congressional delegation, the city secured a $6.25 million grant to extend bicycle and pedestrian access from the Ten Mile River Greenway south. The long-term goal is to connect that route to the East Bay Bike Path and the city’s waterfront. Improving transportation safety remains a priority for East Providence, and the city will continue pursuing opportunities to advance that goal.

Roberto DaSilva is the mayor of the city of East Providence, R.I.