This legislative session, 10 forward-thinking members of the House of Representatives introduced Bill H8298 to support a $25 million bond to fund Rhode Island’s Bicycle Mobility Plan.
The bill is sponsored by Representative Teresa Tanzi, and co-sponsored by Representatives Rebecca Kislak, Kathleen Fogarty, Lauren Carson, Terri Cortvriend, Jennifer Boylan, June Speakman, Susan Donovan, Jason Knight, and Brandon Potter.
On April 14th, Bike Newport’s Executive Director, Bari Freeman, joined numerous other statewide advocates to testify before the House Finance Committee in support of the bond. She made the case for the investment by sharing the significant economic return in cities that invest in bicyle and pedestrian infrastructure. A return that Rhode Island will not experience without prioritizing and funding a multi-modal approach to transportation.
Here are excerpts from her testimony:
Honorable Members of the House Finance Committee, thank you for the opportunity to address you in support of House Bill 8298.
Now more than 25% of the way into its 20-year timeline, the Rhode Island Bicycle Mobility Plan is only 1.7% implemented, according to the state’s Long Range Transportation Plan (see page 34.) Funding this plan is the epitome of understanding one of the most profound returns on public investment possible.
I’d like to share with you just a few comparative statistics that demonstrate the significan financial return that other communities are experiencing.
In transportation spending – $25 million will pay for 1-5 miles of highway work – depending on whether it’s new construction, reconstruction, or resurfacing.
The same $25 million will pay for up to – and over – 40 miles of dedicated bicycle infrastructure, depending on whether the project is a complex urban construction or a simpler, “quick-build” trail conversion.
The comparisons on the return on the investment are also profound..
Rhode Island can move from being the slowest adopter to being the top model of smart planning and investment.
My generalized query, “How does bike infrastructure rank in terms of the return on public investment?” returned this response: “Bike infrastructure ranks exceptionally high in terms of return on public investment , often far exceeding that of traditional road and rail projects. Studies show that for every $1 invested, the economic benefit ranges from roughly $2 to over $20 – driven by reduced health costs, lowered traffic congestion, improved air quality, and increased retail sales.”
Here are a few examples:
- Bogota Columbia: Invested $132 million in a bicycle network that generates $230 million annually in cost savings from travel costs and traffic fatalities. Protected Bicycles Lanes Protect the Climate, pg 7
- New York City: Protected bike lanes cost an average of $600,000/mile and provide $9.9 million in cost savings. Cost Analysis of Protected Bike Lanes in NYC, Abstract
- Florida: Shared use paths generate $6 billion annually across the state. The Cross-Florida Greenway alone has a local economic impact of $417 million annually. The Economic Impact of Florida’s Greenways and Trails
- Detroit: Invested roughly $15 million – in bike lanes only – between 2011 and 2025. Cycling in two specific areas – Southwest Detroit and Conner Creek Greenway – generate about $20.7 million in economic benefits each year. Southwest Detroit and Conner Creek Greenway Case Study— Community and Economic Benefits of Bicycling
In addition to the transportation economy impacts, the health care cost savings of these investments are stunning as well:
- In Portland, OR, a $64 million investment in cycling is projected to save $1.05 billion in healthcare costs by 2040. Costs and benefits of bicycling investments in Portland, Oregon
- In Minneapolis, bike commuting saves an estimated $100 to $500 million annually in medical costs. Bicycle commuting improves public health, reduces medical costs
- In general: active commuters who use bike infrastructure often experience up to 55% lower health costs, 32% fewer sick days, and regular cyclists experience up to 52% higher productivity. Protected Bike Lanes Mean Business, pg 25
- A Columbia University study concluded that building bike lanes is more cost-effective than most other preventative health measures. The Cost Effectiveness of Bike Lanes in New York City, pg 4-5
- Increased physical activity (cycling included) is credited with reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, decreasing overall healthcare system burdens. Physical activity for health
Back to the question on hand – to bond or not to bond:
- We have the adopted sanctioned Bicycle Mobility Plan.
- We have the proof – what is shared here and decades of consistent results in cities and states nationwide.
- Now we need to make the investment and secure the benefits – for our people, our businesses, our economy, our environment.
Please take this well-informed and well-timed request seriously and advance this bond request.
The last time we included bike mobility funding in a Bond was in 2018. At that time, voters overwhelmingly supported the investment, with 78.9% voting yes. When we put this bond forward, it will pass.
Thank you.
Bike Newport