On October 15th, the following survey questions were sent from Bike Newport to all candidates to represent Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives . Thanks to the candidates who replied for taking the time to share their vision. Their responses appear below the question. All responses are presented as received, unedited.
Developed in collaboration with the League of American Bicyclists with financial support through the League’s Show Congress microgrants program, the questionnaire invites candidates to share their perspectives on federal transportation policy, roadway safety, and transportation choices.
Bike Newport is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Bike Newport does not endorse, support, or oppose any candidate for public office. Publishing a candidate’s response is not an endorsement of that candidate or their views.
Question 1: Federal Role in Roadway Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 33% of motor vehicle crash deaths in Rhode Island in 2024.
What role, if any, should the federal government play in improving roadway safety?
Source: IIHS, Fatality Facts 2024: State by State
Question 2: Bicycling, Walking, and Public Transit
Federal transportation policy and funding help shape the mobility options available to communities throughout Rhode Island.
What role do bicycling, walking, and public transit play in the transportation system in your district or state? How would you like to see that change, and what federal policies, if any, would you support to help achieve that change?
Question 3: Surface Transportation Reauthorization
The 120th Congress will start work on the next surface transportation authorization. What are your transportation priorities?
Question 4: Physical Activity and Public Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes and can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
What role, if any, should the federal government play in encouraging Americans to be physically active?
Source: CDC, Benefits of Physical Activity
Question 5: Federal Roadway Safety Guidance and Bicycle Infrastructure
In 2026, the Federal Highway Administration updated its list of Proven Safety Countermeasures, and bicycle lanes and road diets are no longer listed under any category. The list provides guidance to state and local transportation agencies on strategies to reduce serious traffic injuries and deaths.
What is your position on this change, and what action, if any, would you take at the federal level in response?
Sources: FHWA, Proven Safety Countermeasures; NPR, July 16, 2026
CANDIDATE RESPONSES
U.S. Senate
John Francis Reed
Michael Anthony Bahry
Raymond T McKay
U.S. House of Representatives RI-01
Gabriel Felix Kofi Amo
Question 1: Federal Role in Roadway Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 33% of motor vehicle crash deaths in Rhode Island in 2024. What role, if any, should the federal government play in improving roadway safety Source: IIHS, Fatality Facts 2024: State by State
“Everyone deserves to be safe on our roads, whether they are walking, biking, or driving. The federal government plays an important role by investing in proven safety measures and helping communities prevent serious crashes and fatalities. That is why I support increased funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, which helps communities plan and implement projects to improve roadway safety. Since its creation, the program has provided nearly $4 billion to support safety improvements in communities across the country. Additionally, Congress must fund projects that fill the missing link in our infrastructure, like the $14 million in federal funding Senators Reed and Whitehouse secured to reopen the East Bay Bike Path Bridges. I will continue supporting federal investments that make Rhode Island’s roads safer and our communities more connected.”
Question 2: Bicycling, Walking, and Public Transit
Federal transportation policy and funding help shape the mobility options available to communities throughout Rhode Island. What role do bicycling, walking, and public transit play in the transportation system in your district or state? How would you like to see that change, and what federal policies, if any, would you support to help achieve that change?
“Walking, biking, and public transit connect Rhode Island communities, support local businesses, and give people more options for getting where they need to go. Our transportation system should make it safe and practical for Rhode Islanders to choose the option that works best for them. I support investing in more walking and biking paths, safer bike lanes, and infrastructure that connects neighborhoods and transit options. Federal programs can help communities make these improvements, reduce traffic injuries, and expand access to affordable transportation. I will also oppose efforts to undermine progress on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Rhode Islanders should not have to choose between getting where they need to go and feeling safe along the way. I will continue working to ensure federal transportation policy supports safe, accessible, and reliable ways to travel throughout our state.”
Question 3: Surface Transportation Reauthorization
The 120th Congress will start work on the next surface transportation authorization. What are your transportation priorities?
“Congress must pass a new surface transportation authorization that delivers reliable federal investments to communities and improves safety and mobility. My priorities include increasing funding for the Better Utilizing Investments to Development (BUILD) Grant Program and the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) initiative. These programs help communities invest in critical infrastructure, from complete streets and bike paths to safer intersections and other roadway improvements. I also believe the next authorization must ensure federal transportation funds reach states and communities on time. Delays in distributing committed grant funding can stall construction, drive up costs, and hold back projects that communities need. Rhode Island deserves predictable federal support to improve its infrastructure, strengthen connections between communities, and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Question 4: Physical Activity and Public Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes and can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. What role, if any, should the federal government play in encouraging Americans to be physically active? Source: CDC, Benefits of Physical Activity
“The federal government can help make physical activity more accessible by investing in parks, bike trails, playgrounds, and other public spaces where people can safely walk, bike, and exercise. It should also support public health research and help ensure students have access to quality physical education. I saw the value of these investments firsthand this summer when I joined campers at Red Shed Bike Camp to explore the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. The campers learned safe riding skills and healthy habits while experiencing one of Rhode Island’s great community assets. Every Rhode Islander should have opportunities to stay active, regardless of where they live or what they can afford. Federal investments can help communities create safe, welcoming spaces that support healthier lives.”
Question 5: Federal Roadway Safety Guidance and Bicycle Infrastructure
In 2026, the Federal Highway Administration updated its list of Proven Safety Countermeasures, and bicycle lanes and road diets are no longer listed under any category. The list provides guidance to state and local transportation agencies on strategies to reduce serious traffic injuries and deaths. What is your position on this change, and what action, if any, would you take at the federal level in response?
“I oppose Trump’s efforts to remove bicycle lanes and road diets from the Federal Highway Administration’s list of Proven Safety Countermeasures. Federal safety guidance should help communities use evidence-based approaches to prevent crashes and save lives, not discourage them from considering effective safety measures. Bicycle lanes and road diets can help communities make streets safer for walkers, bikers, and drivers. Removing them from the list risks undermining local efforts to improve roadway safety and makes it harder for communities to access clear federal guidance. The Federal Highway Administration should restore these measures to its Proven Safety Countermeasures list and ensure its guidance reflects the available safety evidence. I will continue supporting federal policies and investments that help Rhode Island communities reduce serious crashes and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Pedro Junior Soares De Souza
Question 1: Federal Role in Roadway Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 33% of motor vehicle crash deaths in Rhode Island in 2024. What role, if any, should the federal government play in improving roadway safety Source: IIHS, Fatality Facts 2024: State by State
“Federal funding for expanding roadways to include separate cyclist lanes as well as split speed bumps / cyclist safe road and curb design; improving stop light technology for pedestrians; and investing in transportation infrastructure.”
Question 2: Bicycling, Walking, and Public Transit
Federal transportation policy and funding help shape the mobility options available to communities throughout Rhode Island. What role do bicycling, walking, and public transit play in the transportation system in your district or state? How would you like to see that change, and what federal policies, if any, would you support to help achieve that change?
“Unfortunately we have a car-centric and anti-cyclist design throughout nearly all of the state and district. I would support nearly all of the federal policies already in place, and future proposed policies designed to move away from pedestrian and cyclist hostile infrastructure.”
Question 3: Surface Transportation Reauthorization
The 120th Congress will start work on the next surface transportation authorization. What are your transportation priorities?
“1. Bullet Train. 2. Bullet Train. 3. Bullet Train. We need to connect this country, or at least Greater New England via high speed rail. We shouldn’t be decades behind China on train infrastructure.”
Question 4: Physical Activity and Public Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes and can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. What role, if any, should the federal government play in encouraging Americans to be physically active? Source: CDC, Benefits of Physical Activity
“We should be expanding children’s sports and physical activity/education throughout all of their school years. Nationally, we should focus more on the Olympics and sciences – human excellence – and instill a sense of pride over one’s physical and mental achievements.”
Question 5: Federal Roadway Safety Guidance and Bicycle Infrastructure
In 2026, the Federal Highway Administration updated its list of Proven Safety Countermeasures, and bicycle lanes and road diets are no longer listed under any category. The list provides guidance to state and local transportation agencies on strategies to reduce serious traffic injuries and deaths. What is your position on this change, and what action, if any, would you take at the federal level in response?
“When nearly 1/3 of roadway deaths are pedestrians and cyclists it is nonsense to ignore pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure when making a guideline on safety. Put people who know what they’re talking about in charge of making these decisions.”
Kellie Eleanor Keenan
Kellie Eleanor Keenan was sent this survey and was contacted via email beginning October 16, with follow-up outreach the following week and a final response deadline of October 29 by end-of-day. She did not respond.
U.S. House of Representatives RI-02
Seth Michael Magaziner
Victor Gilbert Mellor
Bike Newport