2024 Candidates Respond with their Bike/Walk Visions

On September 22, 2024, the following message was sent from Bike Newport to all candidates for City/Town Council, RI House, and RI Senate representing Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth. Thanks to all of the candidates who replied for taking the time to share their vision. Their responses appear below the question, in alphabetical order by positions. All responses are presented as received, unedited.

CANDIDATE RESPONSES

Newport City Council Middletown Town Council Portsmouth Town Council
RI House RI Senate

NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL

Mark Aramli, At-Large (10/11/24)
What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? Newport has experienced record tourism levels in 2024. This has translated into record traffic congestion and parking problems for our residents, coupled with a side bonus of more vehicle pollution than ever. Encouraging more biking and walking is simply the fastest and easiest solution for Newport to continue managing the enormous rivers of people we have visiting our city. This would result in improved quality of life for our residents and a better tourist experience for our visitors. We need only look to how other successful destination cities have pulled off moving massive numbers of people through densely packed downtowns. All of the most livable ones (Amsterdam in Europe for example) have figured out the secret sauce is to rely heavily on biking, walking and effective clean mass transportation vs. a cars first approach. Newport should study the successes of other destination cities with strong biking and walking transportation programs and duplicate them. 

What steps will you take to achieve your vision? Historically, our City Council as a body does not get high marks when it comes to brave decisions that involve change, preferring instead to endlessly “study” new proposals that could evolve our City until they disappear into dusty file cabinets. I’m not afraid to make bold and brave decisions to make our city more livable, greener, and friendlier for folks who don’t want to use cars as their sole means of getting around. That does not mean we need to make life difficult for vehicle drivers. Pedestrians, bikers, and vehicle drivers can all co-exist in Newport in harmony with good planning. The successes we’ve seen with well managed bike transportation for our Folk Festival should be a lesson we expand upon throughout the City. Newport’s Master Transportation Plan has some great elements in it that need to get out of the City Council’s dusty file cabinet and into our streets and sidewalks.   

David Carlin, 3rd Ward

Lynn Ceglie, 2nd Ward (10/29/24)
What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? I was very happy when the State implemented the bike/walkway from the top of Connell Highway to the Gateway Center. This opens a needed connection to and from the northern neighborhoods of the City. I have walked the path many times and find it to be a great asset. I would like to see a network of lanes and paths that connect city-side. The City would have to commit to significant and costly infrastructure changes. I am certainly open to looking at any measure to make bicyclists and pedestrians safer. The Master Transportation Plan outlines possible areas of improvement to the sidewalks and the addition of bike lanes. The Bike and Pedestrian Commission could continue to give the council advice on areas of improvement outlined in the plan.

I also believe that electric bikes need to be strongly regulated. They are not only unsafe for pedestrians, but unsafe for traditional-riding bicyclists. I have seen electric bikes on the roads – and even sidewalks – going much too fast. The Chief of Police implemented walking beats for the on Broadway and the Downtown to help mitigate unsafe behavior. Public transportation is key in lessening road congestion.

What steps will you take to achieve your vision? My vision is to take as many cars off the roads as possible. We are a car-centric society, and we need to change the mindset of people who want to drive wherever they want to go. With fewer cars on the roads, bicyclists and pedestrians would be safer. I believe we can accomplish this with very targeted and effective communication strategies beginning on Routes 95, 138 and 114.

Jeanne Marie Napolitano and I worked with RIPTA and Discover Newport to create Bus 67 that provides a free loop through the downtown and mansion areas. This bus has been running for 3 years and has totaled over 300,000 riders.

The Council passed a resolution that I wrote requesting the administration to study the use of remote parking for large events. I have encouraged hotel operators to use vans to transport visitors.

We have an opportunity with the new parking lot just off the Pell Bridge ramp to encourage visitors to park and ride shuttles. We need effective communications for visitors to know that their cars are safe, and they will be able to access their vehicles easily. I have requested more informative signage at the Gateway Parking lot that would let visitors know the distance of their destination and how they can get there on public transportation. Affordable waterway transportation from the Downtown to Fort Adams and King Park would be a great asset.

Hugo Deascentis, 1st Ward (9/24/24)
I will respond to both questions simultaneously:
My philosophy and vision are simple. My philosophy is based on the fact that one of Newport’s biggest assets is that while yes, it is a city, it is in fact small and manageable. Newport was laid out in colonial times when rapid transit did not exist and therefore needed to be accessible on foot to its many local destinations.

In that era the “city” ended around the vicinity of Equality Park with land to the North toward Middletown considered to be “country”. In fact, Newport Hospital was located where it is today because it was considered, in its day, to be a “quiet place in the country”.

My vision is a simple one where every individual is able to comfortably and safely get from any point A to any point B under their own power (this includes by bicycle, on foot, and even while pushing a stroller).

Steps to take include the elimination of “barriers”. This may include both simple physical barriers but also those conditions that may in fact create a barrier due to high vehicular traffic or unsafe traffic conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Continue to promote Newport’s pedestrian advantages with clean sidewalks as well as clean streets.

To relate some of my own experience, as a cyclist, I find it difficult to cycle from Newport to destinations off island. Traveling now over the new Sakonnet bridge is a vast improvement and should be a model for all other bridges. However, cross island roads continue to be indirect and unsafe. More work is needed here. My vision for the future includes safe travel to other parts of Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts via bicycle highways! (yes, I am serious on this). However, most important, is that ALL future projects be reviewed with pedestrian and human powered vehicles in mind.

Matthew Grant, 2nd Ward (9/23/24)
As the number of people biking and walking in Newport continues to grow, my vision is for a city where everyone—regardless of age, ability, or experience—feels safe and encouraged to choose walking or biking as a viable transportation option. Newport is at a critical moment: with increasing traffic congestion, the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, and the growing desire for more sustainable transportation, we have a unique opportunity to transform how we move around our city.

My vision is for Newport to lead in multi-modal transportation by fully embracing the City’s Transportation Master Plan. This plan prioritizes infrastructure improvements that make walking and biking safer and more accessible for residents and visitors. I see a future where walking and biking aren’t just recreational activities but integral parts of our everyday transportation network. By investing in pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, we can reduce our dependence on cars, ease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make our streets safer and more welcoming for everyone.

To achieve this vision, I will focus on several key actions:

1. Expand and Enhance Infrastructure: The first step is to ensure that we have the physical infrastructure to support safe biking and walking. This means accelerating the implementation of the Keep Newport Moving initiative by building more protected bike lanes, expanding sidewalks, and creating safer intersections with improved signage and signals. These upgrades will make biking and walking safer and more attractive, particularly for those who currently feel uncomfortable using these modes of transportation.
2. Traffic-Calming Measures: To reduce the risk for pedestrians and cyclists, I will advocate for traffic-calming measures in high-traffic areas, especially near schools and parks. This includes lowering speed limits, installing raised crosswalks, and designing streets that prioritize people over cars. Slowing down vehicle traffic will make our streets more welcoming and safe for everyone who walks or bikes.
3. Connect the Network: Newport needs a fully connected system that allows residents and visitors to walk or bike anywhere in the city with ease. I will work to ensure that we link our existing trails, paths, and bike lanes into a seamless network that connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, and business districts. This will encourage more people to use biking and walking for short-distance travel, reducing congestion and pollution from cars.
4. Promote Accessibility and Safety Education: To encourage more people to walk and bike, we must ensure that they feel safe. I will support public education campaigns that promote bike safety, share-the-road etiquette, and the benefits of active transportation. This will not only help more people feel comfortable biking and walking but also create a culture of respect between cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers.
5. Sustainable Transportation Policies: In line with our broader climate goals, I will champion policies that promote biking and walking as part of Newport’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions. By making short-distance trips by bike or foot more appealing, we can cut down on car use and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment. Additionally, I will work to secure state and federal funding for transportation projects that align with these goals, ensuring Newport continues to move toward a more sustainable future.

By focusing on these strategies, we can make Newport a model for how cities can reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and provide more transportation choices for residents. My commitment is to ensure that our infrastructure and policies meet the growing demand for safe, accessible walking and biking options, helping to create a healthier, more sustainable Newport for future generations.

Charlie Holder, At Large (10/31/24)
What is my vision for biking & walking in the community? I very much understand the importance of people’s ability to be able to navigate the streets of Newport in other ways besides cars & trucks. It is of vital importance for the growth of our city to have safe and desirable avenues of transportation to allow for the commute to work, school, church and any other activity.

It is of utmost importance that we continue making improvements of our roads and sidewalks for bicyclists & pedestrians.

These improvements include, lighting, road striping, signage, and enforcement. I would also like to see more bikes become available for children and the workforce who do not have access to other forms of transportation.

Education and enforcement of our road & traffic rules has been something that has all but seemingly disappeared in our city. Why does it take a tragic accident for us to really push for change? We need to better educate and inform all people on the proper way to ride bikes going through traffic lights and stop signs. How to walk across a busy street by using the new crosswalk flagging systems. E-bikes do not belong on sidewalks, but does everyone know that?

What steps will I take to achieve my vision? I will continue to promote bike & pedestrian safety through our partners at Bike Newport and the NPD.
I want to continue working with our partners in the State House to come up with better & safer regulations for E-Bikes.
I will continue working with our police department in enforcing our traffic laws for not only cars/trucks but also bicyclists.
I will encourage local hospitality businesses to help in increasing the effort to make biking a much safer way for employees to get to work.
I want to continue to work with the hotels and bike rental agency to ensure everyone who rents a bike will know the rules of the roads. This will lead to better traffic flow and decrease the chances of a catastrophic accident.

Lastly, I want to be able to help promote pedestrian & bicycle safety in our schools and with our young children.

Let’s keep working together to make Newport a safer and more adaptable transportation city.

Xaykham Khamsyvoravong, At-Large (10/28/24)
Vision
Newport’s quality of life is directly impacted by the ease and safety with which our residents and visitors can move about and enjoy the City. My transit aspiration for Newport is to be a city designed to be accessible and navigable by everyone – whether you’re eight years old or eighty. This requires a combination of infrastructure improvements and ongoing education efforts about how to safely and confidently use non-vehicular modes of transit. Cycling was a core part of my upbring on Rhode Island’s East Bay and formed the foundation of my family’s extensive ongoing work in this space: my sister is an award-winning program coordinator for Y-Bike and I served for seven years on the board of Grow Smart Rhode Island (a nonprofit that works with cities and towns on multi-modal transit solutions). I’ve continued that commitment throughout my first term, actively participating in Bike Newport’s activities like Safe Routes to School, supporting initiatives like the Traffic Garden, Ride Island, bike lanes on Admiral Kalbfus Road, and successfully advocating for the maintenance of RIPTA service to Newport when cuts were proposed. Notably, in my first months in office I followed through on my 2022 campaign pledge to Bike Newport and successfully advocated for the City’s adoption of a Transportation Master Plan.

Approach
When we make improvements to our City, it needs to be with a focus on building a City around people – regardless of their mode of transit. That’s why, in my first year on the Council, I successfully advocated for the City’s adoption of a Transportation Master Plan, which reflected the combined efforts of multi-modal transit advocates and community members. We now need to secure funding. Our colonial city is facing a massive backlog of infrastructure improvements, much of it on streets where cars, bikes and people unnecessarily compete. That’s why I believe many of these projects are opportunities to rebuild in a manner that includes more cyclist and pedestrian friendly infrastructure. The City’s pursuit of the unprecedented amount of federal funding available needs to include bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements whenever possible.

In the past twenty months we’ve proven Newport can compete – and win – state and federal funding. By hiring staff dedicated to the pursuit of grants and a professional government relations firm, we’ve secured over $40MM in state and federal grants in the past twenty months for infrastructure improvements and education. We need to continue those efforts with a clear focus on multi-modal transit wherever it can be incorporated and improved.

Ian Martins, At Large

Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, At-Large (10/30/24)
What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? This summer proved to be particularly troublesome to most residents in our community. The congestion was a result of added summer tourism and many events happening at the same time. Newport is known nationally and internationally for a multitude of events, historic street and landscapes, ocean vistas, and tucked away beaches. Everyone, including locals are competing for road space, which include cars, bikes, buses, motorcycles, skateboards, motorized bikes, pedicabs, and most importantly pedestrians. While we have made some inroads most recently with a new safe bike path along Connell Highway Middletown all the way to the Gateway Center, we need to continue to explore possibilities of other locations for bike and pedestrian passage. We also must be aware of our limitations as a very small city with narrow historic streets which can be difficult to traverse safely.

There are several items which could improve our traffic situation in Newport. Walking and biking can be an ideal way to get around Newport. Bike Newport has generously given their time to our younger bikers teaching them to abide in road regulations (one-ways and traffic stops) but also safety measures which should be utilized when riding their bikes in Newport. The other under-utilized option is additional passenger boating service to events at various locations around Newport.

I also believe that an organizational calendar for June through September should be developed by the City of Newport to address the dates, number of events, number of participants so we can better coordinate and anticipate the number of activities and people coming on any given timeframe.

All the above-mentioned transportation options can co-exist if there is mutual respect for the safety of all.

What steps will you take to achieve your vision? Newport has worked with Bike Newport for quite some time, implementing the first truly safe bike path in conjunction with the State Department of (DOT) Transportation, extending from Connell Highway, Middletown to the Gateway Center Newport. 

Bike paths, like all other major change issues must go through a lengthy and tedious process making sure all citizens are aware of any changes, and we accommodate all concerns appropriately. This was done in conjunction with redevelopment of the North End of the city to bring new employment opportunities (blue & green economies) to families in Newport. Although, it takes time, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor. This should give us a good barometer as to how successful the bike paths will be for future of transportation. I recognize we will continue this effort and are constantly evolving to make Newport a better environment for everyone.

Ellen Pinnock, 1st Ward (10/2/24)
As a candidate for Newport City Council my vision for biking and walking in our community centers on promoting equity, safety, and accessibility for all residents. I envision a community where biking and walking are not only viable transportation options but are also encouraged as healthy, environmentally friendly modes of travel. To achieve this vision, I will take the following steps:

1. Infrastructure Improvement: by advocating for the development and maintenance of safe, well-marked bike lanes and pedestrian pathways that connect neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses 

2. Community Engagement: I believe nothing that is better for our community can be done without community. Our residents should be involved with  planning processes to ensure that biking and walking infrastructure meets the needs of diverse populations, especially marginalized communities.

3. Education and Outreach: We need to Implement educational programs that promote the benefits of biking and walking, as well as safe practices for all users, including drivers.

4. Policy Advocacy: Work with local government to prioritize biking and walking in transportation planning and funding decisions, ensuring equity is a key consideration.

Stephanie Smyth, At-Large (10/5/24)
I want to start by commending Bike Newport for their tireless work in advocating for a safer Newport. Their work is exceptional in educating the community on bike safety, advocating for transportation equity, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to experience biking in ways that are fun and promote a healthy well-being. Thank you, Bike Newport, for all you do for our community.

There are many reasons why I decided to run for council, advocating for the residents and providing more opportunities for transparency are a few of them. In preparing to answer the candidate questions I spoke to various residents to see what they think about the different ways to navigate Newport.

The commonality in their responses were that they would take more advantage of biking and walking in our community if our streets were safer. It’s difficult to walk on many streets that don’t have sidewalks or if there are sidewalks they’re only on a portion of the street. Some examples of how dangerous Newport’s streets have become are Rhode Island Avenue, Malbone Road, Bridge Street, and Admiral Kalbfus Road.

Rhode Island Avenue only has a portion of the street that has at least a sidewalk on one side, but it still greatly surprises me that a street that contains a school doesn’t have sidewalks that residents can use to walk their kids to school. And there aren’t any bike lanes.

The bridge realignment was supposed to have been designed to provide more opportunities for residents in the North End of the city to connect with and get around the rest of Newport. And yet Malbone Road, one of the main roads in Ward 1, only has a portion of it that contains a sidewalk on one side or sidewalks on both sides of the street, there is a large stretch of the street that doesn’t have any sidewalks for pedestrians to use. Again, I’m hearing that more residents would walk their kids to Pell School if the sidewalks on Malbone were complete making it a safer road for pedestrians. And there aren’t any bike lanes.

Bridge Street has also seen traffic pattern changes since the bridge realignment. The stretch of Bridge Street between Thames Street and America’s Cup Avenue has become increasingly problematic and unsafe. It’s a two-lane street with one side of the street that is resident parking. The street is so narrow that cars either must drive on the sidewalk to let another car pass or they must back up down the street to make room. There isn’t any room for cyclists to navigate the street, and it certainly isn’t safe for pedestrians. What makes it even more concerning is there is a playground on this street that is very close to the sidewalk.

Admiral Kalbfus Road is not only unsafe for cyclists but also for pedestrians. It is a road that is in a school zone that is heavily trafficked at a higher rate of speed for a residential/school zoned area. The residents have difficulty getting out of their driveways and walking on the sidewalk. And as we have seen with the tragic death of Kayla Watson, this road has become deadly to bike on.

There are many reasons why our streets have become unsafe for the residents. As we have recently seen, there are millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure issues that the city is now dealing with. That’s primarily due to decades of poor-planning and turning a blind eye to the problems, impacts of climate change, impacts of a thriving and growing travel and tourism industry that brings in roughly 4 million visitors to Newport a year, and the lack of leadership that has foresight and long-term strategic planning.

As Newport continues to thrive as a top travel and tourist destination, and as the climate change crisis continues to grow, now more than ever biking and walking are paramount for our community.

What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? The vision that I along with other residents in Newport have is for the streets of Newport to be safer for all residents and multi-modal transportation options.

What steps will you take to achieve your vision? We need to look at the investment in roads, sidewalks, gas, and water infrastructure that will be vital in assisting in not only the safety of our residents but in the preparedness that is needed to counteract the threat that sea level rises, and storm surges pose to Newport.

A city that has a healthy infrastructure, also has healthy modes of transportation.

The City of Newport’s Transportation Master Plan – Keep Newport Moving 2023 is a good start to how the city can implement multi-modes of transportation but we need more, and we need action now. Ways that immediate implementation can help is thru education, enforcement, and the analysis of traffic and parking.

We need to continue to provide education on how to safely get around our community. Not only is it important to provide the community with information on how to safely bike, drive, and walk around Newport but I think it is also important to provide them with information on how to be cognizant of each other and methods that will assist individuals to work towards keeping each other safe.  

We need more ways of controlling speeding on highly trafficked roads. The implementation of speed cameras to Admiral Kalbfus is one way to help with enforcing safer driving. However, speed bumps can also help in slowing down vehicles where fast driving is dangerous. And we need more well lite crosswalks and on-demand illuminated crosswalks.

Parking in Newport has always been an area of concern. Even though there are many outlets for parking, such as resident parking, metered parking, and parking lots, they are primarily located in the central part of the city where the most congestion appears to happen.

Perhaps entertaining the idea of satellite parking in the freed-up redevelopment land, that can be utilized for day visitors and the tourist population. Including bike-share options and trolleys at this satellite parking facility that can transport visitors to downtown would help in decreasing some of the congestion and could work towards making Newport less car-centric. This could assist in removing cars from the busiest parts of the city and creating more pedestrian and bicycle only zones.

A parking audit should be conducted to see where we can improve our streets and possibly find more options for bicycle lanes.

Lastly, we should be looking at how other cities are dealing with this issue. Using models from other cities could help Newport have safer streets. In 2018, New Orleans developed the Connect the Crescent initiative, which was a 3-month transportation network demonstration project. The benefits that the city experienced were cycling increased 20-84% over the 3 months of the project, illegal sidewalk/wrong-way riding decreased, there was a reduction in illegal lane usage, and fewer crashes.

Richard Spinney, At-Large

John Walker, At-Large

MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL

Leonidas Amarant (10/10/24)
What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? My vision for biking and walking in Middletown is all about creating safer, more accessible routes that promote healthier lifestyles, bring our community closer together, and connect us seamlessly to our beaches and parks. Biking and walking aren’t just eco-friendly transportation options—they’re essential for improving public health, easing traffic, and making our neighborhoods safer.

I’ve long dreamed of a bike path that links Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport, giving people easy access not just to our beaches and natural spaces but also to the business districts across the Island. By working together as communities, I believe we can start making this vision a reality.

What steps will you take to achieve your vision? First, I’d advocate for a comprehensive bike and pedestrian plan to identify priority areas for new infrastructure, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks. I’d also work to secure funding through state, federal, and grant programs to support these improvements.

Safety is key, so I’d push for enhancements like better lighting, signage, and pedestrian-friendly traffic signals at busy intersections. Collaborating with schools and local organizations, I’d advocate for programs like “Safe Routes to School” to promote walking and biking, encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing traffic.

I’d also advocate for zoning policies that prioritize walkable, connected neighborhoods and ensure that new developments are designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind. Engaging with the community through forums and education campaigns would also raise awareness about safety.

Peter Connerton

Lawrence Frank

Bryan Hoffman

Christopher Logan (10/2/24)
What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? Biking and walking is just one component of ensuring that all modes of transportation are addressed across Middletown and the surrounding communities.  Ensuring accessibility and safety is a critical component to meet the continued needs for transportation whether it is walking, biking, driving, people taking public transit or ensuring we have options for individuals using mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers (just to name a few).  We also need to account for resilient infrastructure to support these modes of transportation in addition to addressing the sensitivity of the surrounding area where other options should be explored (in some cases it might not make sense to enable full access for biking and walking in specific areas if we cannot ensure safety, accessibility, owners right or environmental concerns).       

What steps will you take to achieve your vision? As a community we must adopt a green and complete streets policy/ordinance to begin addressing these issues and make all roads safe and accessible (where appropriate).  A green and complete streets policy/ordinance will help guide Middletown in how we design and implement enhancements to safety, accessibility, environmental, economic and social benefits for all commuters.  I will champion this policy/ordinance so we can begin to have the discussion about making Middletown safer and accessible for everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation.      

Charles Roberts

Paul Rodrigues

Dennis Turano

Antone Viveiros

Barbara VonVillas

Thomas Welch III (10/2/24)
There are plenty of people in our collective communities that want biking and walking as transportation alternatives as well a recreational option.  While the network of trails and bike friendly road infrastructure continues to slowly expand, the difficulty lies in connectivity.  I sit on Middletown’s Open Space and Fields Committee as well as our Roads and Utility Committee which makes a point of looking at ways to incorporate multiuse paths and adding bike lanes every time a project design is reviewed.  

The island communities have been well established and with that comes little opportunity to construct new roads.  We must then attempt to modify existing infrastructure whenever possible.  I attended a field trip to Cambridge Mass, hosted by Bike Newport this summer .  We toured (via bicycle and foot) newly constructed bike and pedestrian spaces with specific signaling that showcased what is possible.  I will participate in island wide planning to maximize the effect of dollars spent and to efficiently link our communities for bicycle and pedestrian accessibility.

PORTSMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL

Sondra Blank

David Fiorillo (10/3/24)
What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? If elected to the Town Council, I will make outdoor recreation one of my top priorities. 

My vision for biking and walking in our community is to create a safe, accessible, and supportive environment that encourages active transportation. I believe that promoting biking and walking can lead to healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion on East & West Main Road, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Speaking as a parent with two children who are at the age when they want to go bike riding with their friends. I worry each time they leave our house knowing there is no safe way for them to get to other parts of Portsmouth without having to travel on East or West Main road. I will be a strong supporter of working to increase our walking and bicycle paths in Portsmouth and working with organizations like Bike Newport and ATL (Aquidneck Island Land Trust). 

Ultimately, my vision is for our community to be a place where biking and walking are not just viable options but preferred choices for transportation. By fostering a culture of active living, we can enhance the quality of life for all residents, promote environmental sustainability, and build a more connected community.

What steps will you take to achieve your vision?
Infrastructure Development: Working closely with the RIDOT, I envision dedicated bike lanes and expanded sidewalks on East & West Main Road. This would not only improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians but also encourage more people to choose these modes of transport. We should prioritize creating connections between key destinations, such as schools, parks, public transport hubs, and commercial areas.

Safety Initiatives: Implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps on neighborhood roads with heavy traffic, better crosswalks, and improved signage, can make our streets safer for people who bike and walk.

Community Engagement: It’s crucial to involve the community in discussions about biking and walking. Regular surveys, public meetings, and engagement with local biking and walking groups can provide valuable insights into residents’ needs and preferences.

Education and Events: Promoting educational programs on bike safety, maintenance workshops, and community events like bike-to-work days can nurture a culture that values active transportation. We can also organize family-friendly walking and biking events to showcase our infrastructure and encourage participation.

Accessibility for All: It’s important to ensure that our biking and walking paths are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This means incorporating universal design principles into our infrastructure plans.

Timothy Grissett

Charles Levesque (9/22/24)
I was in favor of the ‘road diet’ plan. I have always supported having Lanes dedicated to bicycles. You might remember that I work very closely with the former Transportation Director Akner that new construction would have biking areas on paved road. Regrettably, I don’t really know the way forward. As you know the Portsmouth Council seem to have no enthusiasm for addressing the larger problem. And Daniela Abbott has left the council and she was the strongest advocate.

Tasha MacGibbon

Juan Payero (9/23/24)
My vision comes from being a parent and wanting my, and all, children to know and have their whole community as a safe and open place to play and learn.  This also includes knowing they can ride their bike and walk to their friend’s house without harm due to the lack of infrastructure that ensures their safety.  We should have sidewalks and bike lanes along all major thoroughfares and significant points of interest across the Town.  Additionally, we should invest in an island-wide bike path.  This would allow residents to traverse the island and serve as an economic driver, with more visitors coming to enjoy the path.  

The most transited roads in Portsmouth are also State Highways, so we must work with our General Assembly delegation to develop legislation and funding to improve the conditions of our streets and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. If we use some of the best practices, like the examples from Ride Island’s experiences in Cambridge, we could change the culture of transit on the island.  Having safe streets in Portsmouth is vital to those wishing to share the roads and our economic growth.  

Mark Ryan (9/27/24)
As a primary care physician, I know that exercise reduces the risk of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and atherosclerosis.  I am, therefore, a strong supporter of increasing our walking and bicycle paths in Portsmouth.  Many of my patients have very busy lives and have no time to do aerobic exercise.  But, people will exercise more if it is made easier to do so.  Many more people would walk or bike more if there were safe paths in town.

My vision is to implement what is set forth in the Portsmouth Comprehensive Plan..

We need more sidewalks in Portsmouth.  “Of the 182 miles of roadway in Portsmouth, only 6.9 miles (3.8%) have pedestrian sidewalks on one or both sides of the road.”  Although the RIDOT Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) includes projects to increase sidewalks, these projects are not scheduled for completion for years. Bicycle paths are also sorely missing from Portsmouth and I would support building one along Burma Road or Wapping Road.

I will support the town seeking grants to help us build the walking and bicycling paths more quickly.  There are town matching funds that may be required, but we will save money by paying significantly less for ambulances, EMTs and emergency room visits.

David Gleason (10/14/24)
I will try to answer both questions together as best as possible. Many of my comments have been previously expressed at Portsmouth Town Council meetings and recently to Bari Freeman at the recent Island Park “Sakonnet Coastal Bike and Stroll” event, where I was in attendance on my bicycle. I have also addressed the Middletown Town Council, this past year, during a discussion about a potential Road Diet on East Main Road. While I certainly promote safety first and foremost for all, including bikers, walkers, runners and automobile drivers, I do not believe that a road diet approach will work on East (or West) Main due to the daily volume of traffic. Does it work on less traveled roads in Portsmouth like Bristol Ferry and the northmost section of East Main? For the most part, probably yes, although I know there are backups with traffic headed to the Mt. Hope Bridge at “rush hour”. Also, I was recently told that some folks living around Bristol Ferry have problems getting onto the roadway at times and also, a bigger concern, that some people use the center lane unsafely for passing. Could this happen on East Main? I would expect to see these type of issues and more.

If and when RIDOT gets around to putting fresh tar on the roadway, I predict that traffic speeds will only increase with the nice new smooth surface. Now let’s put bicycles into the equation. Or not…bicycles will always be unsafe for their riders and automobile drivers on East and West Main Roads until and unless there is a protected division along the roadway. When this and could this actually happen is anyone’s guess, but I believe that RIDOT can barely afford scraping the existing roadway and retarring it with its ongoing headaches, let alone trying to build a roadway similar to Connell Highway. This is the minimal design that I believe we should be looking for, but it is probably not practical or affordable for our main thoroughfares. An alternative, with RIDOT set to start in Middletown with about 2 miles of new tar on East Main, is to look at expanding the roadway on the west side by two to four feet. It may even be possible to use the existing road storm drains and associated piping in the current configuration, I don’t know, but I feel this concept should be explored. Ultimately, I feel that the four lanes each need to be widened by a foot and, if possible, a center “chatter strip” added. I know, I admit that this is a pipe dream at best.

Let’s start by improving the safety of automobile users on the main thoroughfares and establish some bike routes on the lesser used “back roads”. Ms. Freeman expressed her concerns that more people would like to use their bikes for commuting to work. This seems practical for close destinations like a Newport resident commuting by bike within the city or perhaps to Middletown. Longer destinations don’t make as much sense to me for commuting to work but seem better suited for recreational bikers, that perhaps don’t have a time commitment or need to shower after arriving at their place of employment. In Portsmouth, I would like to bring an existing bike path plan to fruition. A plan was approved in 2014, with the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission and VHB Engineering working together with Portsmouth to get recreational and possibly commuter bicyclists from the Sakonnet River Bridge to Newport via Burma Road. This involves riding on less traveled roads, in comparison to East and West Main Roads, and cutting a path through Melville Campgrounds to reach Stringham Rd. There is a small section of West Main to navigate but it seems like a reasonable alternative to bicycling entirely on the East and West Main Roads.

Continuing on with safety concerns for walkers and runners, we absolutely need to get RIDOT to complete their sidewalk projects. In Portsmouth, next up supposedly, are long awaited sidewalks on Sprague Street. We have sidewalks at two of the three exit areas of Portsmouth High School, but not on Sprague St. The upgrading of sidewalks north of the Clements needs to be completed as well, but RIDOT has tied this into the Roundabout project. Mr. Alviti says No Roundabout – No Sidewalks for you! Lastly, I would just like to finish up with an observation. Portsmouth has a lot of State Roads that the Town has no maintenance responsibilities for and no control over RIDOT’s ever-changing maintenance plans. However, we have taken on the role of keeping them patrolled by our dedicated police officers and safety is paramount. But, knowing that new tar will only increase the speeds of drivers, is it only up to the police forces of the island communities to patrol these state roads? Where are the State Police in this equation? Aren’t we part of the state of RI and don’t we deserve patrols on State Roads by State Police to help “Protect and Serve” bikers, walkers, runners, and automobile drivers? More police presence on East and West Main Roads is absolutely necessary to slow us all down.

Keith Hamilton

Sharlene Patton

David Reise

Mary McDowell

RI HOUSE

Marvin Abney, District 73

Christopher Borden , District 70

Lauren Carson, District 75

Terri-Denise Cortvriend, District 72

John Edwards, District 70

Alex Finkelman, District 74

Michelle McGaw, District 71

RI SENATE

Louis DiPalma, District 12 (10/2/24)
What is your vision for biking and walking in our community? First and foremost, I want to recognize the exemplary work accomplished in the Ride Island Bike Plan of August 2023, and at the same time express profound THANKS to Bike Newport, the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Grow Smart and Toole Design for their support for the initiative.  And, all of this was made possible by the visionary leadership of Bari Freeman – Executive Director, Bike Newport.  This comprehensive document is already providing the needed framework for achieving the “vision of biking and walking in our community.” 

My “vision of biking and walking in our community” is to leverage the Ride Island Bike Plan.  This exemplary document, developed based on facts, data and context, and informed by extensive public input, is already being leveraged to achieve the vision.  My vision includes connectivity throughout all of Newport County.  Realizing that vision will result in a Newport Countywide biking/walking route(s) connecting Tiverton/Little Compton on the east, across the Sakonnet Bridge shared path to Aquidneck Island in the middle, including Middletown, Newport and Portsmouth, across both the Newport-Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges to Jamestown on the west across to North Kingstown.  The ultimate plan must ensure those who want to bike and walk feel comfortable AND safe.

What steps will you take to achieve your vision? To achieve that vision, I plan to take the following steps which I’ve already initiated.  The first of these steps is reading and reviewing the plans developed by and with Bike Newport and Bike Tiverton, all guided by the Ride Island Bike Plan.  Additionally, I’ve met previously with Bike Tiverton, and remain in continued conversation with them and coordinated a few meetings with bicycle enthusiasts, including local leaders and Bike Newport to determine the most urgent/pressing needs.  I’ve also reviewed the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) 10-year plan, specifically State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Project IDs:1360, 1364, 5161, 9004, 9005 and 9201 which are all associated with the creation of shared used (bicycle/pedestrian) paths.  And, critical to achieving the vision is ensuring RIDOT and RI Statewide Planning are aware of this priority of achieving the vision via the successful implementation of the aforementioned STIP IDs, at a minimum. To that end, I’ve already had initial conversations with RIDOT regarding this very topic. I also plan to continue to work to secure the critically needed state funding, for some projects planned for in the out-years and get them accelerated with a project start in the next two years.

Additionally, earlier this year I worked collaboratively with Bike Newport, et. al., exploring the possibility, via facts/data & context, exploring a road-diet concept for East Main Road which would have provided a designated bike lane.  While this option was selected by the Middletown Town Council, I’ve turned by attention and energy to increase the focus and inertia on a near-term implementation of a RI STIP ID# 9005, particularly 9005_1 and more specifically an initial implementation of that project which seeks to create a shared-use (bike/ped) along East Main Road.  The Middletown Town Council previously sent a letter to RIDOT requesting the Project 9005_1 be accelerated, since it isn’t slated for implementation until 2029, which is much too late.  I remain committed to working to get this over the goal-line.

Dawn Euer, District 13 (10/30/24)
My vision for biking and walking in our community centers on creating a safe, accessible, and enjoyable environment for everyone. I see well-maintained bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and ample green spaces that encourage active transportation.

To achieve this vision, I would take the following steps:

1. Infrastructure Improvements: Advocate for the development of dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks, ensuring they are well-maintained and connected throughout the community.
2. Safety Measures: Implement measures like improved signage, better lighting, and traffic calming initiatives to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
3. Community Engagement: Organize workshops and forums to gather input from residents about their needs and preferences regarding biking and walking infrastructure.
4. Education Programs: Promote awareness campaigns about the benefits of biking and walking, including health benefits and environmental impacts.
5. Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations like Bike Newport, schools, and businesses to support biking and walking initiatives, including bike-sharing programs and community events.
6. Regular Assessments: Establish a system for regular assessments of biking and walking infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and ensure they meet community needs.

By taking these steps, we can foster a culture of active transportation that benefits everyone in our community.

David Quiroa, District 13

Linda Ujifusa, District 11 (9/27/24)
My vision for biking and walking in Portsmouth and Bristol would be to someday make the possible options outlined in multiple state and local plans come true.  Those plans include the Statewide Planning Department’s Bicycle Mobility Plan (2020), Section 10.3.2 The Bicycle Plan section of the Portsmouth Comprehensive Plan (2020) and the Bristol Bicycle Network Plan. These plans and the options they present are always being updated due to community input, budget constraints, and infrastructure challenges.  Overall, I support the vision of bike and walking paths separated from automobile traffic that allow people to get around our towns more safely and easily, as well as permit lengthier commutes to other cities and towns. I’ve seen what’s possible in other states and countries and our car-centric culture is hurting our health and the environment.  Also, as people age, driving becomes dangerous and there must be options.

I will support state legislation and work with advocacy groups like Bike Newport and Grow Smart to increase funding and implementation of more bicycle and walking paths.  I have worked with Bike Newport and local businesspeople to organize the Farm to Farm Bike events in Portsmouth, as well as the Sakonnet Coastal Bike and Stroll events.  These have been very successful and allowed the community to see first hand how car-free roads are possible and desirable.  In addition, I tried to secure a federal grant for a bike path along East Main Road between Union and Sandy Point – a major choke point for bicyclists trying to traverse Aquidneck Island because they are forced to cross and then ride on East Main Road with cars or off-road on narrow, uneven paths often obstructed by vegetation.