RI HOUSE: Bike Bond Hearing

Citizen Letters and Testimony Encouraged

House bill H8298, introduced by 10 members of the House, states that a targeted public investment to accelerate the implementation of the Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan “will advance the state’s climate, public health, public health, transportation, and economic development goals while improving safety and connectivity,” and proposes a $25 million bond referendum to accomplish such advances.

Sponsored by RI Representatives: Tanzi, Kislak, Fogarty, Carson, Cortvriend, Boylan,
Speakman, Donovan, Knight, and Potter

The House Finance Committee hearing will take place on Tuesday, 4/14/26, in room 35 of the State House at approx. 5:00 p.m. Anyone may attend to show their support.

Letters of Support are extremely helpful and can be emailed up until 1:00pm on the day of the hearing (4/14/26). HERE is a draft letter of support, including email instructions.

The Case for Bond Funding of the Bicycle Mobility Plan

• RI Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan was adopted in 2020.

• RI Climate Action Strategy 2025 recognizes that biking and walking play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions.

• Increased biking and walking contribute to dramatically improved public health outcomes.

• Ocean State’s Accelerates, RI’s economic development plan adopted in 2023 identifies bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as essential to economic competitiveness.

• RI’s Long Range Transportation Plan, Moving Forward RI 2050, identifies implementation of the Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan as a key strategy.

• Five years into the 20 year plan, only 1.7% of the Bicycle Mobility Plan has been implemented.

• In 2025 RI Attorney General Neronha warned that the draft STIP falls far short of furthering the mandates of the RI Act on Climate.

Active Transportation spending is an economic stimulator and has a high return on investment compared to highway spending because:

• Capital Costs are lower. Bike lanes and sidewalks are significantly cheaper to build than multi-lane highways.
• Labor benefits. A greater proportion of the budget is spent on local wages rather than materials.
• Local economy benefits. Improved walking/cycling infrastructure boosts local retail sales and improves property values. 

Thank you for your advocacy! We’ll keep you apprised of updates.