Bike Group Blasts Smiley’s Decision to Close Bike Path, Calling It “Misguided”
Wednesday, April 03, 2024
On Wednesday morning, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the closure of the bike path along South Water Street despite pleas by advocates for biking to retain the existing route.
“The Administration plans to remove the two-way protected bike path along S Water St and relocate the infrastructure to the raised sidewalk immediately adjacent to the existing bike path in order to restore the lanes of travel to two lanes, maintain a parking lane with adequate space and preserve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure along S Water street,” said Smiley’s office
After Smiley’s announcement, Dylan Giles, an organizer for Providence Streets Coalition, issued the following statement:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"In the absence of both data and community support for the planned removal of South Water Street Urban Trail in favor of multiple lanes of car travel, we continue to stand in opposition to the removal of infrastructure that has demonstrably increased safety for bicycle riders and pedestrians, and indeed all road users.
While we believe Mayor Smiley’s plan remains misguided, we are excited that the proposal will finally get the public vetting it deserves, in the light of day, following the legally required avenues of presentation, review, public engagement, and recommendation by the Green and Complete Streets Advisory Council.
We are grateful to everyone who wrote, spoke, and walked/rolled/scooted/jammed in the streets in support of this essential infrastructure and encourage everyone to continue making their voices heard in the days and weeks to come."
