RIDOT is working to turn the old Washington Bridge into a premiere bikeway and linear park. In order to accomplish this, the section of the East Bay Bike Path on this bridge has been closed and will remain closed for about two years. Click here for more information.
Construction has closed a section of the Fred Lippitt Woonasquatucket River Bikeway. Long-term closures of sections of the Coventry Greenway, and periodic weekday closures of the Blackstone River Bikeway are scheduled in 2012.
George Redman, a tireless advocate for getting the East Bay Bike Path built, passed away on August 16, 2012. A celebration of his work not only for the East Bay Bike Path but for bike path development statewide took place on November 29, 2011 at the State House. Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, RIDOT Director Michael Lewis, RIDEM Director Janet Coit and more than 150 others joined with Mr. Redman at the event.When ongoing construction on the Washington Bridge Linear Park is complete, it will be renamed the George Redman Linear Park.
The annual Woony River Ride is scheduled for September 22, 2012. Hosted by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, the event features a 5, 10, 23 or 50-mile ride along the Woonasquatucket River. Register here.
The Coalition for Transportation Choices is encouraging Rhode Island school children to walk and bike to school whenever possible. The annual International Walk to School Day takes place each fall, this year on October 3. For more information, contact Eugenia Marks at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island at 949-5454 ext 3003, or e-mail her at emarks@asri.org.
RIDOT, the Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program, and the Safe Routes to School Steering Committee are working together to help more children walk and ride to school safely. Click on the image above to learn more or download the latest project status report (December 2012).
The General Nathanael Greene Homestead on Taft Street in Coventry occasionally schedules historical reenactments with simulated musket and cannon fire. The Homestead is located close to the bikeway where it crosses Laurel Avenue in the Anthony section of Coventry.Visit the Homestead's website to learn more.
As warmer weather arrives, RIDOT encourages motorists to learn more about sharing the road with cyclists. Download this great brochure.
Bring your bike on public transit to make it easier to ride to work, school or just to extend your ride and visit new places. Bike racks are on all RIPTA buses and bikes are allowed on MBTA commuter rail trains during off-peak hours.
Point Judith and Block Island (Interstate Navigation). Year round service.
In memory of Frank J. Cabral, who died after being hit by a car while bicycling on Route 1 in Charlestown, this law requires motorists to drive a safe distance from bicyclists. View the law here.
RI Department of Environmental Management Recreational Trails Program
Wearing a bike helmet: Printable instructions for boys and girls from the Rhode Island Department of Health's Injury Prevention program.
RIDOT is beginning a project to transform the old bikeway across the Washington Bridge between Providence and East Providence into a first-class bikeway and linear park. Due to construction, RIDOT must close the existing bikeway on Monday, July 9, 2012.
The bridge, which carries a portion of the East Bay Bike Path, will be closed for approximately two years.
Recreational bike riders heading south on the East Bay Bike Path are encouraged to start their rides at one of the path's many parking areas.
Like the reconstruction of the India Point Park Pedestrian Bridge as part of the Iway project in 2008, this project will replace a sub-standard bridge for cyclists and pedestrians.
Through a $21.2 million contract, RIDOT will rebuild the remaining section of the original Washington Bridge that carries the existing, narrow bikeway and a section of the original highway bridge. In the same footprint will be a much wider bikeway and linear park. It will feature a separate bikeway and walking path, scenic overlooks, park benches, flag poles, decorative lighting and landscaped planters.
The project also calls for restoration of the historic, multi-arch granite façade of the Washington Bridge and two operator’s houses from which an original drawbridge was controlled at this location.
When opened, the new linear park will be named the George Redman Linear Park after the late East Providence resident who was instrumental in making the East Bay Bike Path a reality 25 years ago, and who advocated for bike path development across the state.
During the closure, experienced cyclists who often commute to work by bike may use the Henderson Bridge to cross the Seekonk River. No formal bike path detour will be established.
Cyclists also may make use of RIPTA’s Rack ‘n Ride service, which is available on all regular buses. For no additional charge beyond the normal fare, cyclists can load their bikes on racks mounted on the front of all RIPTA buses. RIPTA’s 33, 34 and 60 bus routes utilize I-195 and the Washington Bridge while Buses 32, 35 and 78 provide service over the Henderson Bridge.
Click here to download a high-resolution version of the map.
