Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012According to the 2000 110 th Congress Sample Data, 0.3 percent of Rhode Island workers age 16 and over commuted to work on bicycle. This figure increasedto 0.7 percent in 2010 according to the 2010 American Community, and is also slightly higher than the national average of 0.5 percent of workers commutingby bicycle.RIDOT will continue to implement its policy of accommodating bicyclists whenever feasible on existing roadways through “bicycle friendly” design. The goalsof the Bicycle Program are to complete the paths currently under design, and to develop new projects that will improve connections among the paths andlinkages with other transportation modes as a means to encourage alternatives to the automobile. For more detailed information on RIDOT’s statewidebicycle project initiatives, please visit www.dot.ri.gov/bikeri/.PEDESTRIANAs of 2010, Rhode Island’s (excluding New Shoreham) 1,082 miles of state roads, 395 miles have sidewalks. It is not known how many miles of sidewalks thereare on local roads, but they are generally found in most downtown areas and urban neighborhoods. Suburbs and rural areas are typically lacking in sidewalkinfrastructure. Although there is high demand for new sidewalks, many of these projects are prohibitively expensive due to drainage, utility and right of wayissues. In 2000, a Pedestrian Safety Plan was drafted by the RI Department of Transportation to inform state and local agencies, the private sector andindividuals how transportation policy, planning and practice can be integrated to better meet the walking needs of residents and visitors. The plan encouragesstrong local initiatives in identifying, planning, prioritizing and funding pedestrian improvements because most walking trips are local. The data analyzed in thisreport show that most pedestrian fatalities occur while attempting to cross the street. Improving the walking infrastructure has many benefits, includinghealth, safety, and helping to meet environmental justice goals.Future pedestrian needs are staggering. Maintenance of existing crossings, signals, and sidewalks is daunting in and of itself. Achieving ADA compliance on allsidewalks is expected to cost $65 million in Providence County alone (RIDOT Pedestrian Safety Plan). Improving safety (especially at crossings) andconstructing new sidewalks are critical, and will require substantial state and federal funding and cooperation with local governments and developers. Mixeduse centers, commercial areas, schools, and recreation areas should be prioritized.SAFETEA-LU created Safe Routes to School Program for kindergarten through eighth grade through which Rhode Island has allocated $1 million per year in theFY 2013 – 2016 TIP. The first round of projects awarded 10 SRTS programs in seven (7) municipalities and involved 30 schools. These projects are in variousstages of development ranging from in-process of being implemented to completion. The second round awarded 12 programs in 10 municipalities, involving16 schools. These projects are in the process of being implemented or will begin shortly.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611Rhode Island Statewide Planning ProgramPage 2-11