In the context of supporting a healthier environment for the watershed, its inhabitants, and visitors, as well as improving access to this beautiful resource, NRPA supports a more walkable, bike-able watershed.
The long term goal of extending the South County Bike Path to Narragansett Beach is one such opportunity, which is being pursued with careful consideration of environmental impacts.
Rosemary and David Smith, active long serving NRPA members and volunteers, have provided the following updates on the bike path extension.
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is exploring the potential for a comprehensive transit hub at the Kingston Railroad Station, which would include improved bus connections, more parking, safety improvements, and safer and more convenient access to the South County Bike Path.
Public Meeting November 14, 2024
RIPTA is inviting members of the public to a meeting at the Kingston Free Library on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to share their thoughts about the potential of Kingston Station becoming a regional and multimodal transit center in South County. See the attached flyer for more information.
Online Survey
You can also share your concerns and ideas by completing a 13-question survey. Follow this link to complete the survey online:
We encourage you to participate in the development of the transit hub by attending the meeting and completing the survey.
Click the image to learn more about Safe Streets for All (SS4A) and to take the RI Safe Streets Survey.
South County Bike Path Update #61
September 28, 2024
Safe Streets for All (SS4A)
We want to share with you information about Safe Streets for All (SS4A), a state project that the Town of Narragansett is participating in and invite you to take the R.I. Safe Streets Survey to identify safety concerns in Narragansett (or anywhere else in Rhode Island, for that matter). If you are already familiar with the project, you can click here to go right to the survey. The survey closes on Friday, October 18, 2024.
“Safety is a serious concern for all people traveling in Rhode Island. Through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program, RIPTA secured funding in 2022 to support the state and participating municipalities in planning for infrastructure improvements that will prevent injuries and save lives. With the SS4A grant award and other statewide efforts through the Division of Statewide Planning and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the state is ready to focus on improving safety on all roadways.
“The SS4A planning project will create municipal Safety Action Plans (SAPs) for 31 participating communities, as well as a statewide SAP. The project will establish guidelines to effectively implement a tangible version of the Safe Streets for All mission, guided by the Safe Systems Approach. This will encompass shifting safety needs, known and emerging areas of safety improvement, identification of priority projects, and will help the State of Rhode Island and its municipalities position for further federal implementation funding.
“This project includes a three-tier safety analysis to understand the current state of road safety in each community, identify high risk areas, and develop a predictive view of potential crash sites. However, data doesn’t always include all the information. We also want to hear from you about your road safety concerns and hopes for your community. Take the SS4A public survey to share your experiences or explore this site and leave feedback on the interactive map by dropping a pin to identify areas you think the project team should know about.
“The project team will also attend community events and host pop-ups across Rhode Island where the public will be able to engage in deeper discussion and learn more about the project.”
Above the fold on page 1 of today’s Providence Journal reporter Jonny Williams describes how “Narragansett hits new bumps in effort to connect bike path with town beach.” Please click here to take a look at the attached article.
And have an enjoyable and safe Fourth of July.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #59
June 21, 2024
Safety Issues Must Be Addressed on Boston Neck Road
We had planned to report on the Narragansett Town Council Workshop on June 3 (and we do so below), but first we ask for your help in urging the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to complete the resurfacing of Boston Neck Road from Wickford to Sprague Bridge in Narragansett by striping the road for bicycle and pedestrian safety. The plea is even more urgent after a fatal crash on June 20 on Boston Neck Road at Earle Drive south of Wickford in which a motorist hit a 53-year-old woman pedaling a three-wheel bike.
Here is some background: The repaving of Boston Neck Road last year was done under a grouping of State Transportation Program projects, including STIP ID 1362.
Project Information
STIP Program
RIDOT Pavement Program
TIP ID
1362
Project Name
Boston Neck Rd & South County Tr
Project Description
This line item involves resurfacing of the roadway, limited sidewalk replacement, limited sidewalk extension and handicapped ramp installation Improvements to active transportation, including the installation of a bike lane on the northbound shoulder of the road, may be included as part of this project. This project may also include additional improvements to stormwater drainage. Former STIP IDs 1363, 1365, 1576 and 9557 have been bundled into this project.
First Year of Funding
2022
Last Year of Funding
2029
Design Funding
0.40
Construction Funding
3.60
Other Funding
0.20
When the paving neared completion last year, the “Active Transportation” portion of the project was stripped out to be done in a separate contract this year, according to the project manager for the contractor. We have made repeated inquiries to RIDOT about the status of the project but have been met with no reponse.
Please join us in urging RIDOT Director Peter Alviti to stripe Boston Neck Road for bicycle and pedestrian safety. He can be reached via Cynthia Parker in the Director’s Office:
Town Council Workshop Considers Additional Options for Bike Path Completion
At a workshop before its regular meeting on Monday, June 3, the Narragansett Town Council discussed the three alternate routes for completing the South County Bike Path outlined by DiPrete Engineering in May. The council took no action (it was a workshop), but citing safety and loss of parking, clearly rejected all three options including the recommendation to install a two-way bike lane on the north side of Kingstown Road and Narragansett Avenue. Town Council member Deb Kopeck presented a plan to route the path along the northern edge of Sprague Field and Sprague Park and continue on Strathmore Street to the South County Museum and then Anne Hoxsie Lane to Narragansett Beach. The consensus of the Council was that the consultants should come back to the Town Council at a future meeting (no date was set) to present the cost and feasibility of this fourth alternative.
Town Council to Hold Workshop on Options for Bike Path Completion on Monday Evening, June 3
During its regular meeting on August 1, 2022, the Narragansett Town Council approved the award of a contract to DiPrete Engineering Services to develop recommendations for buildable and permittable routes for the last segment of the South County Bike Path as well as other safety improvements for all roadway users.
DiPrete and its subcontractors Pare Corporation and Beta Group presented their findings and recommendations during the presentation section at the beginning of the Town Council meeting on May 20, 2024.
Beta confirmed that, because of wetlands, the final segment of the path cannot be routed through Canonchet Farm. Pare discussed three possible routes based on its analysis of traffic patterns in Narragansett, all starting at the Community Center:
Alternative 1: East on Kingstown Road, continue east, north and east on Narragansett Avenue to Beach Street/Boston Neck Road.
Alternative 2: East on Kingstown Road, continue east on Narragansett Avenue, south on Caswell Street, east on Kingstown Road to Memorial Square to intersect with Ocean Road.
Alternative 3: East on Kingstown Road from Sprague Park to the intersection with Narragansett Avenue, turning right to continue on Kingstown Road east to Memorial Square to the intersection with Ocean Road.The consultants recommended Alternative 1 and proposed replacing on-street parking on the north side of Kingstown Road and Narragansett Avenue with a two-way bicycle lane as shown in this illustration:
Narragansett Avenue as viewed from the west
The two-way bike lane would be similar to a two-way bicycle lane on Empire Street in Providence:
The bicycle lane is adjacent to two motor vehicle lanes southbound, with one lane northbound and parking on the opposite side.
Workshop Monday, June 3, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Town Council will consider the three alternatives during a one-hour workshop prior to the regular council meeting on Monday, June 3.
Here is a link to the workshop agenda, which includes a copy of the visuals used in the May 20 presentation
DiPrete Engineering to Present Bike Path Completion Study on Monday Evening, May 20
We are looking forward to the Narragansett Town Council meeting on Monday, May 20, 2024 when DiPrete Engineering Services will report on its study of various bike path alignments and propose a conceptual design to complete the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path from the Community Center to the Narragansett Town Beach.
The council approved the award of a contract, which called for recommendations of buildable and permittable routes for the last segment of the bike path as well as other safety improvements for all roadway users, to DiPrete during its regular meeting on August 1, 2022.
With a commitment to one of the recommended alignments, the town will be able to use some or all of the $3.0 million allocated in the current State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for the construction on the South County Bike Path.
The presentation will probably take place at the beginning of the meeting, which starts at 7:00 p.m. Details including the agenda will be available on the town website (https://www.narragansettri.gov/) on this Thursday evening; scroll to the bottom of the home page and click May 20 in the calendar. In addition to attending in person, you can also view the meeting streamed on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@narragansetttowncouncil).
South County Bike Path Update #56
October 14, 2023
While we await a consultant’s report on ways to complete the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path to the Narragansett Town Beach, we want to share stories about two happenings along the path.
Chronicle Magazine Features the South County Bike Path
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — South County Rhode Island, where history meets the sea, is a hidden gem for cyclists and adventure seekers. The former Narragansett Pier Rail Line is now a scenic bike path. Cyclists can explore farmland, the great swamp, and the historic village of Peace Dale. – Lead for Chronicle segment on the South County Bike Path.
On September 1, Ted Reinstein and a film crew from Chronicle, a broadcast magazine of WCVB Channel 5 Boston, filmed an episode along the South County Bike Path, featuring the history of the bike path and local businesses that thrive along the path. Reinstein interviewed Friends of the Bike Path Bob Votava and David Smith about this Rails-to-Trails Project and the need to complete this wonderful resource to Narragansett Town Beach. The episode, which aired September 19, is available at this link.
While there are a few misplaced facts, the episode includes aerial views of the path, historical photographs and interviews with bikers and walkers, and is well worth viewing.
Bench Honors Indian Run Garden Club’s 100 Plus Years of Community Service
On October 10, members of Indian Run Garden Club dedicated a bench near the South County Bike Path Kiosk on Kingstown Road in Wakefield. Donation of this “sturdy bench in a quiet place in the shade,” said club members, celebrates the club’s 100 years of service to the community including plantings along the bike path. During the ceremony, member Judie Smith read selected poems about benches providing respite for those on journeys large and small. Here’s “Sitting on the Bench” by Elizabeth Tews:
On October 10, members of Indian Run Garden Club dedicated a bench near the South County Bike Path Kiosk on Kingstown Road in Wakefield. Donation of this “sturdy bench in a quiet place in the shade,” said club members, celebrates the club’s 100 years of service to the community including plantings along the bike path. During the ceremony, member Judie Smith read selected poems about benches providing respite for those on journeys large and small. Here’s “Sitting on the Bench” by Elizabeth Tews:
Sitting on the bench,
over viewing the beautiful paths of the conservancy.
Makes me feel like a beautiful flower,
standing tall in a wild meadow.
Alone.
Makes my spirit dance,
And sing.
Alone.
Makes me feel like I am not in this world with others,
But in a world with only my soul.
Alone.
In Peace…
South County Bike Path Update #55
June 1, 2023
Young Advocates Make the Case for Bike Infrastructure
Quest Montessori School students Ella Procaccianti and Takahiro Uchida testify at the May 15, 2023 Narragansett Town Council meeting regarding the bike path. Click here to see video of their testimony.
At the May 15 Narragansett Town Council meeting Ella Procaccianti and Takahiro Uchida, middle school students at Quest Montessori School in Narragansett, made a compelling case for roadway improvements for safer and more convenient access for bike riders in Narragansett. Their presentation was part of a larger, year-long unit on land use. Following is the text of their thoughtful and well-researched presentation. You can also view the talk on YouTube; their presentation starts at the 12:15 minute mark.
“We are requesting that the town consider expansions to Bicycle Infrastructure in Narragansett, specifically on town roads connecting to larger state roads, and also reconsider a 2018 proposal made by the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) to instate better bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on state roads.
In 2018, the town created a Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, set to improve the quality and quantity of our bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the town. They produced a report set to add lanes to roads like 1A and Kingstown, but action has not yet been taken on that front, and that report has never made a reappearance in Town Council. In addition to the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s proposed changes in their “A report to the Narragansett town council with recommendations to make biking and walking in Narragansett a safe and attractive activity for recreation and daily living,” we are asking that the Town of Narragansett budget in the new term, for 6.9 miles of bike lanes with appropriate facilities to accompany it.
Only 0.5 miles of the state of Rhode Island’s expansive network of bike paths are in the Town of Narragansett. Despite being home to some of the state’s most scenic roadways, Narragansett lacks adequate bicycle infrastructure. We are proposing the construction of more bike paths, as well as the appropriate infrastructure to go with them.
Increasing the quantity and quality of bicycle lanes, parking, and intersection treatments, bicycle tourism would increase and contribute positively due to Narragansett’s scenic nature – it has the potential to fuel the economy, but currently, lacking infrastructure restricts these roads to motor vehicle traffic.
As the weather improves, safe and comfortable transportation should be available to everyone in the community, including both those that are young and in need.
In the smallest state, people don’t need to travel very large distances – if we can create infrastructure that allows biking to be as convenient and comfortable as driving, we could see a shift in our town for the better.
Despite the promising start of this Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, none of the changes requested were ever made, and the document created then should be heavily considered for reintroduction and action.
We would also like to see, in addition to the changes that have been made, and the changes that were promised by this committee, that the town council budgets in the following changes, on town roads, to support the changes slated to be made by BPAC.
Bike Lanes
Bike lanes in Narragansett are virtually nonexistent; there are “shoulder lanes” which are not wide enough and therefore not safe. Bike lanes should be at least 5 feet wide with division from motor vehicles (FHWA). We request that any existing shoulder lanes be expanded to fit these criteria and that bike lanes be added to any of the aforementioned roads. According to the FHWA, bike lanes cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 per mile, depending on factors like barriers and width. With our proposed 6.9 miles of bike lanes, the total cost would be within the range of $34,500 to $345,000. Roads:
South Ferry Road (0.9 miles) South Pier Road (1.4) Foddering Farm Road (1.0) Conch Road (0.5) Bonnet Shores, Colonel John Gardner, and Bonnet Point Roads (3.1)
Intersection Treatments
A way to better the infrastructure in Narragansett would be to continue bike lanes through intersections. At any intersection with joint bike and motor vehicle traffic, we request that bike lanes be continued through the intersection to encourage safety and comfort for bikers. Intersections include South Pier and Point Judith, Bonnet Shores and Boston Neck, South Ferry and Boston Neck & Bridgetown, Foddering Farm and Point Judith. The bike lane should continue but be broken up into green stripes, allowing cars to pass through when turning and acting as a guide to cyclists. The cost per intersection is $150 – and repainting can be done in-house.
Bicycle Parking
Even if we instate these measures to make biking more attractive, safe, and comfortable, there needs to be a designated area for bike storage, much like parking lots. We request that at any major destination serviced by bike lanes or paths, a bicycle parking area be designated. We would like to see Beach Parking, in all lots. Parking at the URI Bay Campus, Domenic Christofaro Park, Town Hall, and Narragansett High School/Middle School.
As the town formulates a budget for the next year, we are requesting that it take into consideration our requests for infrastructure to support more economical, environmentally friendly modes of transportation and recreation. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, simply requesting action on what this town council has already established to be good social policy.
Take action, reintroduce the BPAC, create networks of supporting infrastructure, and consider our requests in the new year.
Thank you.”
Ella Procaccianti and Takahiro Uchida
Additional Changes to Bicycle Infrastructure in Narragansett
Category/Description
Tier
Name
Cost
Bike Lanes (6.9 mi.) South Ferry Road (0.9) South Pier Road (1.4) Foddering Farm Road (1.0), Conch Road (.5), Bonnet Shores, Colonel John Gardner, Bonnet Point Roads (3.1)
I
Repainting roads (If motor roadways are wide enough, tiers II and III fall under this category)
In house
II
Bike Lanes, including potential widening of the road. No buffers or barriers
$30,000 – 230,000
III
Buffered Bike Lanes Proper lines on the road to separate bike lanes from the roads; no barriers
$72,000 – 340,000
IV
Barriered Bike Lanes Physical barriers between the roads and bike lanes
$920,000 – 3,700,000
Intersection (4) (South Pier and Point Judith, Bonnet Shores and Boston Neck, South Ferry and Boston Neck & Bridgetown, Foddering Farm & Point Judith)
I
Continuation of Bike Lane Through Intersection
Approx. $150 dollars – In House
Bike Parking (5) (Beach Parking, all lots; URI Bay Campus, Domenic Christofaro Park, Town Hall, Narragansett High School/Middle School)
Among all the signs of spring along the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path, one we find most hopeful is the return of a decorative metal bench to the bike path kiosk on Kingstown Road in Wakefield.
The bench, which consists of welded tubular steel and wood seat boards, was designed and constructed as a student project in a metal-working class at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. In 2010, it was donated to the Town of South Kingstown for use on the bike path.
After 13 years of service, the bench was showing signs of damage from the elements and, unfortunately, some vandalism.
Bench restored!
This winter the Friends of the William C. O’Neill Bike Path, with the help from the South Kingstown Parks and Recreation Department, has restored the bench. To prepare it for painting, the Friends of the Bike Path arranged with Allstate Media Blasting in North Kingstown to blast the metal with glass beads to remove rust and old paint. Advanced Auto Body in Peace Dale painted the metal structure and applied a clear protective coat. The Friends refinished and reinstalled the wood seats and the Parks Department reinstalled the bench at the bike path kiosk just in time for spring.
Thank you to all who contributed to this project!
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #53
August 3, 2022
Council Approves Alignment Study to Finish Path to the Narragansett Town Beach
On Monday evening, August 1, the Narragansett Town Council approved by a 4-1 vote to award the bid for “Professional Consulting Services – William C. O’Neill/South County Bike Path Phase 4B” to DiPrete Engineering Services so that the town can move forward to completion of the bike path to the Narragansett Town Beach from the Narragansett Community Center.
In speaking to the Town Council, we emphasized that $3.0 million is available to the town in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) once there is an agreed upon alignment for the path. It will take a consulting firm to provide the technical foundation to determine alternative routes so that a preferred safe and buildable route can be selected.
The steadily increasing vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic during the summer and shoulder seasons adds urgency to move forward with this project. We are pleased that the Town of Narragansett is doing so.
Open Letter to Gubernatorial Candidates Advocates for Improvements for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
In an open letter on July 24, 36 Rhode Island organizations that are involved in some way in transportation advocacy, including the Friends of the South County Bike Path, made a set of policy recommendations to the eight people running for governor. It is a lengthy letter – there is much that needs to be done – but we think that it is well-worth reading. Here is a link to the document:
Narragansett Town Council Support for Bicycle Mobility Plan
Last night (Monday, June 6) the Narragansett Town Council approved by a 4-1 vote a resolution supporting House Bill H8112, to place a $25 million bond referendum on the November ballot to fund implementation of the Rhode Island Bicycle Mobility Plan. The lone dissenter and members of the public who spoke in opposition to the resolution focused on debt burden and untapped COVID relief funds. (On May 23 the South Kingstown Town Council unanimously passed a similar resolution with little discussion.)
Here is the agenda item description from last night’s meeting along with the Whereases:
TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT CC: 17 COUNCIL COMMUNICATION Amend No. Date Prepared: May 25, 2022 Council Meeting Date: June 6, 2022
That the Town Council adopt a Resolution to support the Bike Mobility Plan.
SUMMARY:
The Rhode Island Bicycle Mobility Plan (BMP) is the first statewide initiative to expand the bicycle network strategically. The plan also seeks to safely and efficiently connect people and places so that riding a bicycle in Rhode Island is safe and fun for all ages. In order to achieve the expanded network, this plan identifies candidate corridors and the supporting policies and programs to make this initiative a reality.
The vision for this plan was developed through collaboration with a geographically and professionally diverse Bicycle Advisory Committee. In addition, extensive outreach with planners from each city and town was completed and feedback was received at numerous public workshops and local outreach events across Rhode Island. The critical needs identified through public and stakeholder outreach were:
Improve connectivity
Fill network gaps
Overcome gaps along the State’s many bridges
Addressing equity and differences in access between communities
Address policy gaps
Fix incomplete streets
Enhance bicyclist and driver education
Improve safety and maintenance
Explore dedicated funding options
VISION – Riding a bicycle will be safe, fun, and practical in the Ocean State. Rhode Island will be the most bikeable state in New England. Bicycle transportation will be fully integrated into the State’s and municipalities’ policies, programs, and improvement projects, creating a network of paths and streets that safely connect our cities, towns, villages, and other destinations (i.e. jobs, beaches, parks, etc.). Bicycle projects will be designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to choose to ride a bike for both transportation and recreation.
The vision for the BMP underpins this desire to create a connected bicycle network.
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUPPORT THE BIKE MOBILITY BOND REFERENDUM (H-8113)
WHEREAS, state partnership programs to help municipalities provide recreation and mobility choices such as bike paths have long been effective in helping NARRAGANSETT make important economic and quality of life investments in our community’s future; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Community Plan for the Town of NARRAGANSETT documents the town’s objectives for outdoor recreation facilities, transportation infrastructure and public health; and
WHEREAS, there are more than 60 miles of bike paths in Rhode Island, supporting the use of nearly two million people each year and these investments are fundamental to the Town of NARRAGANSETT ’s quality of life, strengthen our communities, and enhance the health of our community’s residents; and
WHEREAS, Covid-19 brought about a dramatic global and national increase in bicycle sales for recreation and mobility leading to a so-called “bike boom”; and
WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s bike path networks are important assets of our tourism and outdoor recreation industry that attracts visitors and supports businesses and employment in our community; and
WHEREAS, completing the state’s network of bike paths will: enhance connections between communities, workplaces and parks; promote health and fitness; and increase the State’s appeal as a tourist and outdoor recreation destination expanding this sector of our economy; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of NARRAGANSETT overwhelmingly voted in November 2018 to approve by a margin in favor of the Green Economy Bond which included $5M investment to expand and improve the state’s bikeway network; and in November 2016 overwhelmingly voted to approve by a margin of in favor of the Green Economy Bond which included $10M investment to expand and improve the state’s bike network; and
WHEREAS, the State of Rhode Island adopted its first-ever comprehensive Statewide Bike Mobility Plan in December, 2020 to improve connectivity and fill network gaps providing more Rhode Islanders with safe bicycling options across the state; and
WHEREAS, the Statewide Bike Mobility Plan called for double the amount of funding allocated for bicycle projects derived from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and that the 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) enacted in September 2021 does not allocate sufficient funds to implement the Bike Mobility Plan; and
WHEREAS, the historic passage of the $1.2 T federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) included unprecedented federal funding to support active transportation investments that require State matching funds;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Town of NARRAGANSETT respectfully requests that the Rhode Island General Assembly vote for passage of H-8112 (presenting statewide voters with a $25 million Bike Mobility Bond referendum to appear for their consideration at the November 2022 General Election.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk forward a certified copy of this Resolution to members of the Rhode Island General Assembly for their consideration.
ADOPTED this day of , 2022. TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT Jesse Pugh ATTEST: Town Council President Janet Tarro Town Clerk
RI’s First Ever Bicycle Summit to be Held June 3-4, 2022
Five Firms Propose Engineering Services for Bike Path Completion
On April 1, the Town of Narragansett published a request for proposal for “Professional Consulting Services” to provide bike path alignments and conceptual design for the completion of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path. The South County Bike Path RFP closed on Friday, April 21. Five bids were submitted. The town staff will review and make a recommendation to the Narragansett Town Council. Here is a link to the bid which includes the candidates and related documents:
$25 Million Bond Proposed to Fund RI Bicycle Mobility Plan Implementation
On Tuesday, April 26, the Finance Committee of the Rhode Island House of Representatives will consider “2022 – H8112 Relating to Capital Development Program – 2022 Bond Referenda,” which was introduced by Representatives Tanzi, Morales, Ruggiero, Carson, Donovan, Kislak, Cassar, Fogarty, Cortvriend and Henries.
House Bill 8112 would place a $25 million bond question on the November 2022 ballot towards funding for the implementation of the Rhode Island Bicycle Mobility Plan.
The Rhode Island Bicycle Mobility Plan, adopted in December 2020, provides a visionary 20-year plan for a state-wide network of bike paths and on-street bike treatments. We support the bond and the plan because:
There was no bicycle funding bond money in the 2020 election and there is no bond money for bicycle infrastructure in the 2022 election.
Bicycle infrastructure has been underfunded in the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for the last several versions.
The improvements specified in the Bicycle Mobility Plan will provide healthy transportation alternatives, economic development, improved bicycle and pedestrian safety, and steps toward mitigating climate change.
Supporters are asked to write to members of the House Finance Committee giving their reasons for supporting this legislation. Emails may be sent to the House Finance Committee members or to Christopher O’Brien, the Committee Clerk (cobrien@rilegislature.gov).
Thank you for your support of the South County Bike Path and other projects that promote pedestrian and bicycle safety.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #50
January 16, 2022
At its regular meeting on Tuesday evening (January 18) starting at 7:30 p.m., the Narragansett Town Council will consider the following motion, which we hope will lead to the completion of the South County Bike Path (Phase 4B):
15. A MOTION TO DIRECT the Town Manager to work with town staff to write an RFP for a technical study of central Narragansett to provide a conceptual alignment for the completion of William C. O’Neill Bike Path (South County Bike Path) from the Community Center to the Narragansett Town Beach and other safety improvements for all roadway users and to AUTHORIZE the town to advertise the RFP without any additional Town Council approval.
The meeting will be held online via ZOOM. Here is the motion summary:
In 2017 the final segment of the William C. O’Neill Bike Path from Mumford Road to the Narragansett Town Beach was divided into two phases (4A and 4B) to take advantage of funding from the 2016 Green Economy Bond. This funding provided for design and construction of the first quarter-mile (Phase 4A) with a 300 foot link to the Narragansett Community Center, now the southern terminus of the bike path.
Phase 4A of the Bike Path, completed in 2019, provides safe crossing of Mumford Road with new safety lights, signage, and crosswalk markings. It takes bicyclists and walkers off Mumford Road and on a safe multi-use path around Narragansett Elementary School and recreation fields. The segment provides parking for visitors using the path. The Department of Parks and Recreation does an excellent job of maintaining South County Bike Path Phase 4A. Completion of the bike path to the town beach was budgeted in the then current State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) at $8.3 million.
In 2018 the R.I. Department of Transportation conducted a “Project Readiness Review” of the South County Bike Path (Phase 4B) with a path through Canonchet Farm to the beach and determined that the proposed route was not permittable as there were less expensive and less invasive alternative routes.
RIDOT later presented a plan for using a pathway along the north edge of Sprague Park to Wanda and Othmar Streets and along the west edge of Lake Canonchet to
complete Phase 4B. It reduced the amount in the STIP to $3.0 million for funding construction on this alternative route. The Town rejected the plan because of changes to Wanda and Othmar Streets.
RIDOT will not fund the design and construction of a bike path through Canonchet Farm but is holding $3.0 million in the STIP for completion on an alternative route. The town needs assistance to plan the final segment of the bike path.
The existing South County Bike Path, 7.2 miles of multi-use path from the Kingston Train Station and the URI Kingston Campus through Peace Dale and Wakefield to the Narragansett Community Center, is 1,000 feet from the state-designated “Bike Route” on Kingstown Road, Narragansett Avenue, and Boston Neck Road. This Bike Route is difficult for all to navigate safely in both directions with a high volume of traffic and on-street parking.
A safe route from the current terminus at the Narragansett Community Center to the beach needs to be defined to meet the increased bicycle, pedestrian, and motor vehicle traffic. The first step is to have a technical analysis of the roadway network, road widths and land use of an area of approximately 0.5 square miles that would include Narragansett Town Beach to the Towers, Central Street, the Pier Middle School, Narragansett High School, and Narragansett Elementary School. The purpose of the study would be to define improvements for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety, including a conceptual alignment for the bike path completion.
Bike Path Map
Town of Narragansett Map
South County Bike Path Update #49
December 29, 2021
Another map for the Narragansett Kiosk
December 23, 2021, David Smith (left), Rex Eberly, Interim Director SK Parks & Recreation, and Bob Votava, Friends of William C. O’Neill Bike Path, after placing an updated map of the South County Bike Path at the Kiosk on Kingstown Road in Wakefield. They later posted the updated map at the Kiosk at the Kingston Railroad Station.
Our wish for the New Year is that these maps will soon be obsolete with completion of the South County Bike Path from the Train Station to the Narragansett Town Beach.
We also wish you safe and enjoyable biking and walking throughout the New Year.
Click the map to see a full sized version.
South County Bike Path Update #47
October 11, 2021
Another map for the Narragansett Kiosk
A detailed map of the Pier area has been added to the kiosk at the Narragansett Community Center showing routes from the current end of the South County Bike Path to the Narragansett Town Beach, South County Museum and other points of interests. This map, companion to the South County Bike Path map at the kiosk, was created by Jill Sabo, Environmental Planning Specialist in the town’s Community Development Department. Thank you, Jill.
The map also illustrates the bike route on Boston Neck Road and Ocean Road and the recently completed Safe Routes to School multi-use path that connects Pier Middle School, Central Street near the Town Hall, and Sprague Park.
Improvements on Boston Neck Road
In our previous update we reported how the half mile of Boston Neck Road in front of the North and South Pavilions at Narragansett Town Beach and the dangerous merge area in front of the Dunes Club gate was restriped with turn lanes and sharrows as part of a public safety project. It appears that the work has calmed traffic on Boston Neck Road and made it safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Further work is budgeted for next year in the 2022-2031 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to “modify the geometry” of the curve at the Dunes Club gate. We will advocate for continuation of the striping for bicycles and pedestrians along Boston Neck Road from the Dunes Club curb north to Bridgetown Road. Striping on Upper College Road and Plains Road on the URI campus shows how relatively inexpensive treatments can make busy streets and roads safer for all users.
Phase 4B Route Still Unresolved
The STIP also includes funding for completion of the South County Bike Path to the Narragansett Town Beach (Phase 4B). As with previous plans, the project map shows a path through Canonchet Farm and funding at the reduced level of $3.0 million. However, the timeframe is moved out to 2025 to 2027, and the plan notes, “The construction of this extension is pending an agreement of an alternative route with the town of Narragansett.” And with this apparent impasse, we have advocated for the state to allocate some of that $3.0 million for the town to conduct a comprehensive traffic study of central Narragansett to identify safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, and the safest way to complete Phase 4B, whether it be through Canonchet Farm, on roads or a combination of both.
In the meantime, there is much that can be done to make the area more bike-friendly, such as placing bike racks at the current end of the bike path, at municipal buildings, and at the many playgrounds and parks in the town.
South County Bike Path Update #46
July 16, 2021
The kiosk adjacent to the Narragansett Community Center now includes a map of the bike path.
Bike Path Map Displayed at the Kiosk in Narragansett
This morning we installed the updated South County Bike Path map in the display case on the new kiosk adjacent to the Narragansett Community Center. Thank you to everyone who commented on the map and otherwise helped with this project. We look forward to the companion map of Narragansett that will be placed to the left of the bike path map.
Thank You to All Who Commented on the Proposed Transportation Plan
On Tuesday, June 29, citizens had an opportunity to speak at a R.I. Transportation Advisory Committee hearing at the Narragansett Town Hall, commenting on the projects in the proposed State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Federal Fiscal Years 2022 to 2031. Several urged greater investment in “active transportation,” including bikeways and pedestrian infrastructure. A second hearing was held the following afternoon in Providence. Thank you to all who urged Statewide Planning and the Department of Transportation to shift priorities to the safe passage of people from the fast passage of cars.
Turn Lanes and Sharrows a Good Start at Making Boston Neck Road Safer
The week before the hearing, the half mile of Boston Neck Road in front of the North and South Pavilions at Narragansett Town Beach and the dangerous merge area in front of the Dunes Club gate was restriped with turn lanes and sharrows as part of a public safety project. We think this is a great start to making the busiest bike route in Narragansett safer. Hopefully, the work will be extended north.
South County Bike Path Update #45
June 13, 2021
Public Comment on Proposed Transportation Plan
Bicycle use in the state has seen a steep increase both on the road and on bike paths, and bicycle shops are reporting record sales according to a 2020 survey done by Bike Newport and Paths to Progress. There is also an increase in the number of bicycle-related stories in the local and statewide media including needed repair of two bridges on the East Bay Bike Path.
Against this background, the RI Division of Statewide Planning is revising the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is looking for oral and written public comment through July 12, 2021.
The public comment period for the draft FFY 2022-2031 STIP started on June 10, 2021. Written comments can be submitted by clicking here.
The Transportation Advisory Council will also accept public comments on the Draft FFY 2022-2031 STIP at two public hearings scheduled for:
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.Narragansett Town Hall 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI Council Chambers
Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.RI Department of Administration One Capitol Hill, Providence RI Conference Room 2A, 2nd Floor
In the proposed amendment, the funding for the final segment of the South County Bike Path (Phase 4B) remains at $3 million but the timeframe has been pushed out to start in 2025 and finish 2027.
In the STIP are other projects affecting bicycle and pedestrian use in Narragansett: Safety Route 1A at the Dunes Club, Sidewalks Ocean Road from Beach Street to South Pier Road, and Sidewalks on South Pier Road.
This comment period is also an opportunity to advocate for a greater share of funding for active transportation projects in our state. The state has adopted a Bicycle Mobility Plan that creates bike paths and bike lanes from border to bay and provides access to safe and interconnected bikeways throughout the state.
South County Bike Path ma
Bike Path Map
We have been updating the South County Bike Path map which is displayed on the kiosks in South Kingstown (Kingston Railroad Station and Kingstown Road) and will be placed on the kiosk in Narragansett (Community Center). A new brochure with the map will be printed and distributed later this year to the public. The revised map includes the URI Connector, the pathway to South County Commons, the Safe Routes to School path at the Pier Middle School, and Phase 4A of the South County Bike Path.
New bike path kiosk installed at Narragansett Community Center April 2021.
South County Bike Path Update #44
April 26, 2021
Kiosk Installed at the Narragansett Entrance
As part of the completion of the South County Bike Path Segment 4A, South County Post & Beam erected a kiosk at the entrance to the bike path adjacent to the Narragansett Community Center. The structure is the same design as the kiosks at the beginning of the path at the Kingston Railroad Station and at Kingstown Road in Wakefield and was purchased with the RIDEM 2016 Green Economy Bond grant for Phase 4A.
The structure will feature a revised bike path map showing the URI Bike Path Connector, the Safe Routes to School Path, the new link to South County Commons and, of course, Segment 4A.
Addition of a bike rack and a bench are anticipated. Thank you to the Town of Narragansett staff for the continued support of this project.
South County Bike Path Update #43
February 15, 2021
Town Receives Planning Award for Bike Path Segment
The American Planning Association – RI Chapter recognized the Town of Narragansett’s design and construction of Phase 4A of the South County Bike Path for “Excellence in Transportation Project Implementation” during the group’s Annual Awards Ceremony on January 14, 2021. Director of Community Development Mike DeLuca accepted the award during a Zoom presentation.
According to the association, “What makes this small segment of the bike path so significant is the combination of grass roots support, town initiative … and the provision of a temporary terminus point at the town’s Community Center. Additionally, the design of the only road-crossing at Mumford Road incorporates technology not previously used in Rhode Island to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety.”
Speaking of 4A
A few things remain to be done on the new quarter-mile segment from Mumford Road to Narragansett Community Center, including installation of accessories such as a kiosk and bike racks, and replacement of plantings under warranty. The work is expected to be completed in the spring, with an official opening to follow in late spring or early summer (when such a gathering would not be limited by the Coronavirus). The bike path is in full use by cyclists and walkers.
Questions about Finishing the Path
Is there still $3 million for completion of the South County Bike Path to Narragansett Beach in the Rhode Island Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)?
The money is in the TIP and held for the sole purpose of construction of the route that was presented to the town and rejected by the Town Council on February 3, 2020.
The town needs to engage the Rhode Island Department (RIDOT) about the bike path plan before the $3 million dollars goes elsewhere with a revision of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which will happen this year.
Can some of that money be used for the Town of Narragansett to hire a Traffic Safety Engineer to help find a route that will connect the terminus of the South County Bike Path at the Community Center and the Safe Routes to School project at the High School to the Narragansett Town Beach?
No.
We have been proposing that the town use the TIP funds to hire a Traffic Safety Engineer to study the traffic patterns in central Narragansett, but we are unable to use any of the TIP money for this purpose according to RIDOT.
We have been asking the town staff and the Town Council to explore other funding sources for a Traffic Study for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic in the center of Narragansett.
2021 RI Bond Initiatives
Sadly, none of the 2021 Bond Referenda that are slated for the March 2 Special Election provide any money for bike paths or other alternative transportation projects. Some funding is mentioned for bike path accessories such as benches, signage, and bike racks. In February of 2020, we testified before the House Finance Committee, along with many other bike path proponents, asking for continued funding for projects such as the completion of the South County Bike Path and the adopted Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan.
Access for All
It is interesting, and a sign of hope, to note that among the selection criteria for the new Narragansett Tribe Tomaquag Museum near URI is proximity to alternative transportation including the South County Bike Path, RIPTA bus routes and the Kingston Train Station according to the Museum Executive Director Lorén Spears (“Tomaquag Museum plans new Native history home,” Providence Journal, February 13, 2021). This makes the new museum accessible to all.
Be well.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #42
August 4, 2020
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Hunting Plan Amended
In a previous update (#40 on May 10), we alerted you to a proposed hunting and fishing plan for the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge, which included multiple parcels along the southern half of Narrow River in Narragansett and South Kingstown. One of the areas (the “Mumford Unit”) in which hunting would have been permitted is adjacent to the bike path segment from MacArthur Boulevard in Wakefield to Mumford Road in Narragansett.
We are happy to report that yesterday the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced that, after receiving 1,641 comments and two petitions concerning the draft plan, it has removed hunting from the Mumford Unit in the final plan.
We are thankful to all who paid attention to this issue and commented, and that the South County Bike Path will continue to be safe and enjoyable for all.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #41
June 20, 2020
Bikers and walkers enjoying new segment as Phase 4A nears completion.
Bicyclists and walkers are not waiting for a ribbon cutting to enjoy the new bike path segment extending the route to the Narragansett Community Center. Anecdotally, use of the path is up, as Phase 4A nears completion. Recently trees, shrubs, and ground cover were planted along the path, and some improvements to the drainage will be made soon.
Paths to Progress champions investment in bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
We want to share with you a letter from the group Paths to Progress, of which we are a member, advocating for more investment in bike and pedestrian infrastructure:
May 25, 2020
Dear Governor Raimondo, Director Coit, and Director Alexander-Scott,
Thank you all – for your hard work and thoughtful management of our state in these unusual times.
It’s been a long few month of juggling what’s best for our state, our health, our economy, and, most of all, our people. As we watch and participate in guiding the safest of outdoor activities, we have been proud and respectful of your leadership throughout.
As you’ve made difficult decisions, we’re grateful that you have carefully balanced the need for access to open space with the need to prioritize safe distancing. Thank you for your collective ongoing and various efforts to maintain access for people to ride bicycles and walk in the outdoors.
For our part, we have all prioritized communication regarding the necessity for safe distances and face masks while biking and walking. We will continue to use our significant reach to make these messages clear and consistent to our audiences – in our communities and across the state.
Since stay-at-home orders were put in place, there has been a documented surge in biking – locally, nationally, and globally. Whether it is because there are an estimated 70% fewer cars on the road, or for a number of other compounding factors – people want to bike and walk. We have witnessed this surge in Rhode Island – our residents have shown us that they want to ride from the city to the sea as they can nowhere else, and we believe that honoring this increase in ridership can be an important part of our re-invention in the months ahead. Already “Slow Streets” are in place in Providence, and other municipalities are following suit to ensure that we are prepared to survive and thrive statewide this summer.
As a state, we now face the dual challenge of conserving our spending and invigorating our economy. Recognizing both the challenges and the opportunities, we believe that the beautiful outdoor experience of Rhode Island will be a large part of the lower-cost, higher-return investment in the safe transition to our new and healthy future.
What we know: Studies that compare the ROI of bicycle improvements with car-specific road improvements consistently demonstrate dramatically lower-cost and higher-return from bicycle investments. Will we capture this promise as we stimulate our economy?
In San Francisco, a 2014 study compared 1-mile of bikeway at $445,000 with 1-mile of roadway at $571,000,000. That’s less than 1:1000 investment. ● In the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, a one-time investment of $6.7 million in bicycle facilities results in an annual economic benefit of $60 million. Every year. ● A 2011 study in New Jersey found that investing in bicycle and walking-related infrastructure resulted in an 8:1 economic return. ● Recent studies along the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway show a more than ten-fold return; a $2.5 billion investment this decade could turn into over $25 billion in benefits as we complete the route for the 450 communities we connect from Maine to Florida. ● Research from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) found that bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure generates 50% more jobs per dollar invested than highways and other projects.
What does this mean for Rhode Island? We are in the midst of a statewide survey “Biking in the Time of Coronavirus” to collect and quantify specifics of people’s behaviors and wishes so we can accurately inform you about integrating bicycle planning into our statewide economic recovery.
Highlighting just one example of infrastructure, our survey responses to-date indicate that 70% of respondents are riding more often, and 70% would ride more often if there were more off-street bike paths. Greenway and trail infrastructure investment has the highest return for our economy in terms of jobs and for our communities in terms of health and wellness, environmental sustainability, zero-emission transportation options, and economic growth.
We would like to share with you all we know about RI ridership, and the comparative costs and benefits of lower-cost, high-return investment in bicycle and pedestrian accommodation, and are committed to supporting you in integrating bicycle planning into our statewide recovery.
Please know you have our respect, our gratitude, and our partnership in the best interest of our beautiful and bikeable state. We are here to help.
With best wishes,
Paths to Progress Coalition Members
Bike Newport, Bari Freeman and Chris Martin Bike Tiverton, Mary Bandura Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Robert Billington East Coast Greenway, Kristine Keeney Friends of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path, David and Rosemary Smith Grow Smart Rhode Island, John Flaherty and CJ Opperthauser Providence Streets Coalition, Liza Burkin Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, Kathleen Gannon and Betty Bourret Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, Alicia Lehrer and Lisa Aurecchia Advocates from Charlestown, Sheryl Drude and Faith LaBossiere Advocate from Providence, Barry Schiller
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #40
May 10, 2020
US Fish and Wildlife Hunting Plan
We want to make you aware of a proposed hunting and fishing plan for the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge, which includes multiple parcels along the southern half of Narrow River in Narragansett and South Kingstown. One of the areas (the “Mumford Unit”) in which hunting would be permitted is adjacent to the bike path segment from MacArthur Boulevard in Wakefield to Mumford Road in Narragansett.
The public comment period ends June 1, 2020. We encourage you to submit a comment by email to: rhodeislandcomplex@fws.gov or by mail to: 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 Attention: Hunting/Fishing Plan
Thank you for your interest in the South County Bike Path. David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #39
May 9, 2020
Biking in the Time of Coronavirus
We are forwarding you a survey developed by Bike Newport and the group Paths to Progress, of which we are members. Please take some time to answer the survey on-line. We will share the results with our email list. Thank you.
~ Rosemary and David Smith
Biking in the Time of Coronavirus: A STATEWIDE SURVEY OF PEOPLE ON BICYCLES
Are you seeing more people on bikes recently? Are you yourself riding more? The member organizations of ‘Paths to Progress,’ Rhode Island’s statewide coalition for recreational and transportation paths, are interested in your reasons for riding these days. Your input will help inform decisions about road use and what resources are most valuable to riders in your area and across the State.
With stay-at-home restrictions and social-distancing policies in place, people are staying closer to home, roads have fewer cars, and there is a need for safe and healthy outdoor activities – and it appears that bicycling is on the rise.
In a 2019 survey conducted by Bike Newport, bicyclists revealed that the number one thing that prevented them from biking more was “fear or concern riding with traffic”; and that the most requested improvements that would influence biking more were “more bike lanes” and “more off street bike paths.”
These findings have been on the minds of statewide advocates as we all bear witness to more biking during the stay-at-home restrictions. Is the current absence of traffic the reason more people are biking now? Is it cabin fever? Need to exercise? Or all of the above? This new survey hopes to find out.
“Biking in the Time of Coronavirus” poses relevant questions: Will you keep biking when restrictions are lifted? Will you continue on the same roads when more cars return? Where do you prefer to ride?
The coalition partners at Paths to Progress will use your responses to make the case to the decision makers for improved biking locally and statewide. Understanding what’s getting you out there will help to capture an accurate picture of why and where people ride when, for example, roads become safer.
No matter where, why, or how often you ride, you can help by filling out the survey. It is expected to take about 7 minutes to complete, and can be found at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BikingRI_coronavirus
Readers are encouraged to share the link widely. Questions may be addressed to: pathstoprogress@ribike.org
Participating organizations include: Bike Newport, Bike Tiverton, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, East Coast Greenway, Friends of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path, Grow Smart RI, Providence Streets Coalition, Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition (RIBike), and Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council.
South County Bike Path Update #38
May 2, 2020
May is Bike Month
The South County Bike Path has been a source of recreation and relief during the Pandemic. And now with May being Bike Month in Rhode Island, we are happy to see so many bikers and walkers using the path. Of course, we need to use the path with safe distancing in mind. The Towns of South Kingstown and Narragansett have posted signs reminding users of safe practices on the path.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #37
January 31, 2020
Town Council to Consider Response to RIDOT Monday, February 3
First of all, we thank all who stepped forward at the January 21 Narragansett Town Council meeting or wrote or called the Town Manager and Council members to object to Motion #24 that would have terminated the bike path at the Community Center. The article by Phil Cozzolino in The Narragansett Times (1/29/2020) provides a good account of the council meeting. CLICK HERE to read the article.
On Monday evening the Narragansett Town Council will consider Motion #22 – a letter of response to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT).
We are encouraged that the Town Council continues to advocate for a totally off-road route through Canonchet Farm to complete the bike path to the Narragansett Town Beach.
In addition to pursuing the best alternative for completing the bike path, the town still needs to make improvements for bicycle and pedestrian safety on the streets of Narragansett and to interconnect the Safe Routes to School next to the Pier Middle School and High School with the South County Bike Path and the Bike Route on Boston Neck Road.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #36
January 22, 2020
Phase 4B: Town Council Rejects Motion to End Bike Path at Community Center
At the January 21 Narragansett Town Council meeting, the council voted down the motion #24, which would have terminated the South County Bike Path at the Narragansett Community Center. The vote was 4 to 1. As we said in a previous update, this motion would have eliminated the $3 million in RIDOT reimbursement for the completion of the bike path to the Narragansett Town Beach.
The council instructed the Town Manager to prepare a response to RIDOT, which will be presented at the next Town Council meeting (Monday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m.).
Phase 4A: Flashing Beacons Installed at Mumford Road Crossing
Progress continues on Phase 4A with the recent installation of two dual-sided Rectangular Rapidly Flashing Beacons (RRFB) on the crosswalk signs on Mumford Road. The beacons are activated when a bicyclist or pedestrian approaches the crossing. This installation was part of the $750,000 RIDEM grant using the 2016 Green Economy Bond.
~ Rosemary and David Smith
South County Bike Path Update #35
January 21, 2020
Completion of the South County Bike Path: Time to Comment
There is a motion on the Narragansett Town Council Agenda for Tuesday, January 21 which would end the South County Bike Path at the Narragansett Community Center just off of Mumford Road:
TOWN COUNCIL 24. A MOTION TO DESIGNATE the Narragansett Community Center as the termination point of the South County Bike Path and INSTRUCT town staff to inform the R.I. Department of Transportation (DOT) of this policy.
The passage of this motion will result in the loss of up to $3 million dollars in reimbursement to the Town of Narragansett for design, permitting and construction of the final segment (Phase 4B) of the bike path. More importantly, it leaves in place serious safety problems for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
At present the marked bike route in Narragansett goes from Mumford Road to Kingstown Road (at the intersection with Lakewood Drive adjacent to the tennis courts) to Narragansett Avenue (with parking on both sides of the street) to Boston Neck Road. This is not a safe route for the estimated 30,000 annual trips (RI Division of Planning – 2017 tally) leaving or entering the present terminus of the bike path at Mumford Road.
There are two approaches that can be taken if this motion does NOT pass:
# 1 Apply for the $3 million reimbursement to design and permit the bike path through Canonchet Farm in anticipation of securing funds from sources other than RIDOT for the actual construction.
#2 Apply for the $3 million reimbursement with the first expenditure being hiring a traffic engineer to do a comprehensive traffic safety plan for central Narragansett that takes into account the concerns of residents and other stakeholders, multiple destinations for bicyclists and pedestrians, and connections with SCBP Phase 4A at the Community Center, the Bike Route on Boston Neck Road, and the Safe Routes to School multi-use path by the Pier Middle School and Narragansett High School.
We feel that Approach #1 has a lower probability of success given the history with RIDOT and the lack of bike path specific funding in the Governor’s FYI 2021 Budget Proposal. However, we feel that it is worth a try.
We have been advocating for Approach #2 because we feel that it addresses the concerns of residents and the need to create a safer bicycle environment in Narragansett. The cost of a traffic safety study would be in the range of $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the degree of public engagement and it would be money well spent.
If the Town Council approves Motion 24, it will dead end the bike path. There will be no further funding from RIDOT for its completion.
We urge the public to attend the Narragansett Town Council meeting on Tuesday, January 21 and join us in our opposition to Motion 24 which would result in the loss of up to $3 million in reimbursement for design, permitting and construction of the final ¾-mile segment of the South County Bike Path to Narragansett Town Beach.
As we said in the last update, the Narragansett Town Council on November 6 held the second of two workshops on the alternate route proposed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation in its Readiness Review of Phase 4B of the South County Bike Path. During that session council members considered rejecting the plan and ending the South County Bike Path at the Narragansett Community Center. This decision would result in the loss of up to $3 million in reimbursement for design and construction of the final ¾-mile segment of the bike path to the beach.
The Town Council’s response to RIDOT is not on the agenda for the Monday, November 18 meeting and the December 2 meeting has been cancelled. So, the matter will not be considered until the December 16 meeting at the earliest.
We plan to speak during Open Forum at the Town Council meeting on November 18 with the following points:
We believe that the Department of Transportation will NOT reimburse the town for design and permitting of a path through Canonchet Farm as RIDOT has already determined that it cannot be permitted because of species of concern, wetlands and sea level rise. See the August 2019 Current Status Report of the South County Bike Path by Community Development Director Mike DeLuca (https://clerkshq.com/content/Attachments/Narragansett-ri/191118_minutes.pdf, pages 30 to 40).
The decision to not complete the bike path between the Community Center and the Beach leaves in place serious safety problems for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
The Town Council should inform RIDOT that it will accept the $3 million with the first expenditure being hiring a traffic engineer to do a comprehensive traffic safety plan for central Narragansett that takes into account the concerns of residents and other stakeholders, multiple destinations for bicyclists and pedestrians, and connections with SCBP Phase 4A at the Community Center, the Bike Route on Boston Neck Road, and the Safe Routes to School multi-use path by the Pier Middle School and Narragansett High School.
We cannot afford to say NO to $3 million in reimbursements and let serious safety problems fester.
Phase 4A: Some Signs of Progress
Wayfinding and safety signs were installed at each end of the Phase 4A segment around Narragansett Elementary School on Wednesday, November 13, as this segment nears completion.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #33
November 8, 2019
Narragansett Town Council Members Consider Rejecting RIDOT Plan
During a Work Session on Wednesday, November 6, Narragansett Town Council members discussed rejecting the alternate route proposed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation in its Readiness Review of Phase 4B of the South County Bike Path. RIDOT had determined that the off-road route through Canonchet Farm would not be allowed by Coastal Resources Management Council and other permitting agencies. RIDOT then amended the Transportation Improvement Program to reduce funding for bike path completion (Phase 4B) from $8.4 million to $3.0 million and proposed an alternate route. That route would travel from the Phase 4A path, behind the Community Center, along the north edge of Sprague Park, down Wanda and Othmar Streets, and finally around the west side of Lake Canonchet to the parking lot on Anne Hoxsie Lane. Options for use of Wanda and Othmar Streets included one-way motor vehicle traffic, more restrictive parking and/or buffered bike lanes which would further narrow travel lanes.
After hearing from residents and some bicycle advocates, the council members indicated that they favored a “Null Option,” which would end the Bike Path at the Community Center and rely on signage to direct users to the beach and other Narragansett destinations. Rejection of the RIDOT plan would result in the $3.0 million dollars not being available for completion of the path. Public safety issues on Narragansett streets would not be addressed.
The Narragansett Town Council will consider a formal response at a future council meeting.
Following is the text of an email that we have sent to the Narragansett Town Council:
Thank you for holding the two workshops on the town’s response to the Department of Transportation Readiness Review and an alternate route for Phase 4B of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path.
We were encouraged by the attendance of so many from the community, including Wanda and Othmar Street residents and bicycle enthusiasts.
We heard the issues of the residents of Wanda and Othmar Streets about sharing the narrow streets with bicycles and pedestrians. Most of the residents were advocates of bicycle use. Many of them commented that they use the South County Bike Path.
We were disappointed that the Town Council members have chosen the so-called Null Option, decided not to fix the flawed plan, and to forego the $3 million RIDOT funding.
We have always considered that the alignment through Canonchet Farm would provide the safest route and best biking and walking experience. However, it is our belief that the Department of Transportation will NOT reimburse the town for design and permitting of a project it has already determined cannot be permitted because of species of concern, wetlands and sea level rise. If your choice is to route the path through Canonchet Farm, the starting point is $0, not $3 million.
State Division of Planning counts of traffic on the South County Bike Path conducted in September 2017 were used to estimate that there were 30,000 trips per year on the path at Mumford Road. This was before completion of the URI Connector and Phase 4A behind the Narraganset Elementary School. Bicycle traffic on all Narragansett streets is only going to increase. This is especially true of Wanda, Strathmore, and Kingston Road/ Narragansett Avenue which provide direct routes from the Community Center to the beach.
We ask the Narragansett Town Council to use the $3 million dollars to make these routes safe for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. It is a matter of Public Safety.
We encourage you to be in touch with Town Council members.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #32
October 30, 2019
Phase 4B: Work Session on Wednesday, November 6
The Narragansett Town Council will conduct a work session on Wednesday, November 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room at Narragansett Town Hall on plans to complete the South County Bike Path from the Narraganset Community Center to the Town Beach.
This follows a 30-minute work session on October 21 to discuss a response to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation proposal for a new alignment of the path, which would be entirely on town property, both on-street and off-road. The longer work session will allow for more input from residents and other stakeholders. It is important to note that the RIDOT proposed alignment is not a final design and that RIDOT is awaiting a response from the town.
Phase 4A: Nearing Completion
There is nothing like a center line to show progress on construction of SCBP Phase 4A around the Narragansett Elementary School with final paving, installation of a six-foot black chain-link fence separating the school grounds from the path and the start of landscaping.
URI Connector: Segment Completed
A ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. outside the Mackal Field House on the URI Kingston Campus will mark the official opening of the new segment connecting the campus with the South County Bike Path.
As with SCBP Phase 4A in Narragansett, the URI Connector was funded with a grant from Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management under the 2016 Green Economy Bond.
David and Rosemary
South County Bike Path Update #31
October 16, 2019
Phase 4B
On Monday, October 16, the Narragansett Town Council will hold a “workshop” at 7:00 p.m. before its regular meeting to discuss the R.I. Department of Transportation’s revised budget for completion of the South County Bike Path. As described in our previous update, RIDOT has cut the funding for the bike path from $8.4 million to $3.0 million eliminating the path going through Canonchet Farm. The town has been asked to respond to a new alignment of the path, which will be entirely on town property, both on-street and off-road.
For a description of the proposed alignment follow this link to the agenda for the September 16 meeting and click on the detail for Item 14:
It is important to note that the plan is not final and public input is encouraged.
Phase 4A
Meanwhile, we are encouraged with progress on Phase 4A of the South County Bike Path with installation of a pavement layer and a permanent chain link fence between the path and the schoolyard.
David and Rosemary
South County Bike Path Update #30
September 15, 2019
Phase 4B
At its regular meeting on Monday, September 16, the Narragansett Town Council will consider a motion “to provide a response to the RI Department of Transportation’s (RIDOT) readiness review regarding the preferred alternative alignment for design and construction of the William C. O’Neill Bike Path extension” (Phase 4B).
This report comes about after RIDOT has cut the funding for the bike path from $8.4 million to $3.0 million eliminating the path going through Canonchet Farm.
The Town Council is looking to schedule a work session in October. We plan to attend and will update you as things develop.
Phase 4A
Meanwhile, construction continues on SCBP Phase 4A with grading of the path and preparation of the subsurface.
South County Bike Path Update #29
August 25, 2019
Reduction in SCBP Phase 4B Funding Approved by Transportation Advisory Committee
Thank you to all who participated in the public comment process on the proposed Major Amendment #19 to the State Transportation Improvement Program. The amendment reduces funding for the completion of the South County Bike Path and other “Transportation Alternative” projects to the tune of $37 million over 10 years.
On Tuesday, August 13, thirty people attended the hearing in Narragansett, representing communities along the Rhode Island coast. Thirteen people spoke in opposition to the amendment. Thank you to the elected officials and Narragansett town staff that attended the hearing: State Senator Bridget Valverde, State Representative Teresa Tanzi, Narragansett Town Council members Jill Lawler, Rick Lema, Patrick Murray, and Jesse Pugh, Acting Town Manager Sean Corrigan, and DPW Director Mike DiCicco. Community Development Director Mike DeLuca spoke and expressed concern over funding and starting dates for the South County Bike Path Phase 4B and three Narragansett paving projects that would be affected by the amendment.
The second hearing was held in Providence on Thursday, August 15, where 21 people spoke about their concern for the proposed cuts. In addition, about 200 people had submitted written responses by the end of the public comment period.
On Thursday, August 22, the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) approved Major Amendment #19 with no changes by a vote of 13 for, 3 against and 1 abstention. The amendment now goes to the State Planning Council, the Governor and, finally, the Federal Highway Administration. We expect approval at each level.
So, this means that the South County Bike Path will not be completed using an entirely off-road route through Canonchet Farm. The Town of Narragansett (and its new Town Manager) and RIDOT now have only $3 million to work out a new route for the completion of the South County Bike Path. We hope that they move quickly.
Construction of Phase 4A Continues
In the meantime, construction of SCBP Phase 4A continues around Narragansett Elementary School to the Community Center. The pathway has been grubbed and Cardi Construction has started grading of the path.
It is worth noting that construction is well underway for a multi-use path that connects Pier Middle School and Narragansett High School to Central Street near the Town Hall and to Sprague Park via Prospect Avenue. This is being done under the Safe Routes to School Program with Federal money. Eventually, this route will be connected to the South County Bike Path.
As always, we are focused on completion of the South County Bike Path for the safety and convenience of all users. We will keep you updated.
Thanking you for your support,
David and Rosemary
South County Bike Path Update #28
July 25, 2019
Phase 4A Started.
The much-awaited construction of Phase 4A of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path began July 22 when Cardi Corporation set out “20-foot limit” stakes that define the work area at the far edge of the Narragansett Elementary School grounds and playing field.
This project, funded by a R.I. Department of Environmental Management grant under the 2016 Green Economy Bond, will be completed by late fall.
Reduction in Phase 4B Funding Proposed.
In January we told you about a proposed amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that would have drastically reduced funding and pushed out start dates for many “Transportation Alternatives Projects,” including Phase 4B of the South County Bike Path. Fortunately, R.I. Department of Transportation withdrew the proposed amendment.
But this month, RIDOT returned with a revised proposal (Major Amendment 19). While not as large a reduction in the Transportation Alternatives Projects, it does reduce funding for completion of the South County Bike Path by $5.43 million to $3.0 million, which forces a realignment of the path. Here is the line item from the proposed amendment:
Other reductions in the proposed amendment are instances where 2016 Green Economy Bond funds has been used to pay for a project in the STIP rather than using federal and state highway funds administered by RIDOT. For example, $2.6 million from the Green Economy Bond was used for the URI Connector, but the “savings” are not being applied to other bike projects. Green Economy Bond funds were intended to increase spending on bike projects, not just change funding sources.
The Rhode Island Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) has responsibility for conducting public hearings on Major Amendment 19 during the public comment period, which ends August 22.
All persons may present their views on these items in person or through a representative at the TAC public hearings referenced below. Written statements may also be filed with the Secretary of the Transportation Advisory Committee and mailed to Michael D’Alessandro, RI Dept. of Administration, Division of Statewide Planning, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 or emailed to Michael.DAlessandro@doa.ri.gov. All comments must be received prior to 3:30 p.m. on August 22, 2019.
There will be two hearings:
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Narragansett Town Hall, 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, Council Chambers
Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. RI Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, Providence, Conference Room 2A, 2nd Floor
For more information about the South County Bike Path (project 5089) in the proposed amendment, visit:
As always, we are focused on completion of the South County Bike Path for the safety and convenience of all users. We will keep you updated.
Thanking you for your support,
David and Rosemary
South County Bike Path Update #27
June 18, 2019
On June 17, on a 5-0 vote, the Narragansett Town Council awarded a contract to Cardi Corporation to construct Phase 4A of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path. Here is the motion:
A MOTION TO AWARD the bid for the William C. O’Neill Bike Path Segment 4A to the lowest bidder, Cardi Corporation, in the amount of $521,202.35.
This vote clears the way for construction to begin soon behind the Narragansett Elementary School and across Mumford Road during the summer break. The project is fully funded by a grant from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management under the 2016 Green Economy Bond.
We extend our thanks to the Narragansett Town Council, Town and School Department staff, and to Jim Manni, Jeff Ceasrine and Susan Cicilline-Buonanno for their support and persistence in reaching this milestone.
We will keep you updated on the progress of the path. We thank you for your support.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #26
May 10, 2019
The completion of the William C. O’Neill / South County Bike Path reached an important milestone today as the Town of Narragansett published in the Narragansett Times an Invitation to Bid on construction of Phase 4A. This segment will start at the terminus of the current bike path on Mumford Road and extend the path behind the Narragansett Elementary School and to the Narragansett Community Center. This project is being funded by a R.I. Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) grant under the 2016 Green Economy Bond.
The Town of Narragansett Bid Process will close on Tuesday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. This will allow construction of Phase 4A Bike Path during the summer school vacation period.
We extend our thanks to the Narragansett Town and School Department staffs, and to Jim Manni, Jeff Ceasrine and Susan Cicilline-Buonanno for their support and persistence in reaching this milestone.
We will keep you updated on the progress of the path. We thank you for your support.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #25
January 28, 2019
This is a busy time for advocates for bike infrastructure projects in the state transportation budget. In a previous update (#24), we discussed a proposed amendment by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) to shift $27.67 million in funding over the next 10 years from transportation alternatives (bike/pedestrian/transit) projects to pavement and bridges.
In the proposed amendment (Amendment #11), funding for completion of the South County Bike Path (Phase 4B; through Canonchet Farm) will be cut from $8.3 million to $1.28 million. The proposed amendment also pushes out completion by two years, as 90 percent of funding is scheduled for fiscal year 2025, making the future of the bike path even more uncertain. Given the lower funding level, the path would not go through Canonchet Farm.
In the past two weeks, we have met with Narragansett town staff and with Rep. Teresa Tanzi and Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee to express our concern about the amendment and its impact on the South County Bike Path and other transportation alternative programs in South County and across the state.
The proposed amendment was presented at the January 24 Transportation Advisory Committee meeting in Providence. We attended along with many other advocates for state bike infrastructure projects. We spoke to protest Amendment #11 expressing our concern with the cuts, delays and lack of public input into this amendment.
At the meeting, the TAC voted to hold two public hearings to accept comments on this proposed Major Amendment #11. The public hearings will take place on:
*Monday, February 25, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at Narragansett Town Hall – Council Chambers, 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882
2. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at the RI Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, Providence RI 02908, Conference Room A, 2nd Floor
The meeting notices include these instructions: “All persons may present their views on this Major Amendment in person or through a representative at the TAC meeting referenced above. Written statements may also be filed with the Secretary of the Transportation Advisory Committee and mailed to Michael D’Alessandro, RI Dept. of Administration, Division of Statewide Planning, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 or email to Michael.DAlessandro@doa.ri.gov. All comments on the STIP Amendment must be received prior to or during the TAC’s meeting on February 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.”
Here’s What You Can Do
View the full amendment at [no longer available]
Attend one or both of the public hearings to share your comments or write a statement before Feb. 28 (see address above).
Share this update with others.
We look forward to seeing you at the Monday, February 25, at 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing for a good representation for all bicycle infrastructure projects in South County and across the state.
Thank you for your interest, support, and partnership – we are all in this together and together we will see progress.
David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #24
January 20, 2019
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is proposing a major amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) to shift $27.67 million in funding over the next 10 years for transportation alternatives (bike/pedestrian/transit) to funding for pavement and bridges.
In the proposed amendment, funding for completion of the South County Bike Path (Phase 4B; through Canonchet Farm) will be cut from $8.3 million to $1.28 million. The proposed amendment also pushes out completion two years, as 90 percent of funding is scheduled for fiscal year 2025, making the future of the bike path even more uncertain.
The amendment can be found at: [no longer available]
The South County Bike Path Phase 4B changes are on page 156.
The amendment, and recommendations for which bicycle projects will lose funding, will be presented to the State Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) this Thursday evening:
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Department of Administration, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence
The meeting is open to the public and will be followed by a period of at least 30 days for public comment.
We plan to attend the TAC meeting Thursday and advocate for preserving the funding for the South County Bike Path and for bicycle infrastructure projects statewide.
If you want to comment now on the proposed amendment, email:
Meredith Brady, Associate Director for Planning at the Department of Administration(meredith.brady@doa.ri.gov)
Thanking you for your support of the South County Bike Path,
Rosemary and David Smith
South County Bike Path Update #23
October 29, 2018
We are forwarding the following message from the R.I. Department of Environmental Management concerning outdoor recreation to include bike paths and bikeways. There are roundtable discussions at various venues in the next four weeks, and a link to a survey which includes questions about biking in R.I. which DEM will use to help prioritize funding for future outdoor recreation projects.
We plan to attend the Tuesday, October 30 meeting in Charlestown.
Subject: Tell us your thoughts about outdoor recreation in RI!
DEM Division of Planning & Development is seeking public input on outdoor recreation across our state to help to inform the Rhode Island Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Feedback will help us create better outdoor opportunities for all Rhode Islanders and visitors, and will be used to help prioritize funding for future outdoor recreation projects.
If you wouldn’t mind taking a few moments to use our new interactive survey map, it would be very helpful! You can put a pin on the map to tell us about a recreational resource that is working well, something that needs improvement, or something that is missing (think hiking trails, parks, paddling opportunities, hunting, etc).
Go to dem.ri.gov/outdoorsurvey – your participation will help grow Rhode Island’s outdoor recreational network.
If you are having trouble using the map or have any questions or other feedback, let me know!
Also, we are also hosting a series of Roundtable Discussions on specific outdoor recreation topics around the state – please consider attending any of these that you can:
Tuesday, October 30 • 6pm-8:00pm
Kettle Pond Visitor Center
50 Bend Road, Charlestown
Focus Topics: Trails/Mountain Biking
Thursday, November 1 • 7pm-9pm
Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
One Moeller Place, Pawtucket
Focus Topics: Parks, Playgrounds
Thursday, November 8 • 6pm-8:00pm Health Equity Zone HUB
1229 Main Street, West Warwick
Focus Topics: Health
Tuesday, November 13 • 6pm-8pm
Cold Spring Community Center
36 Beach Street, North Kingstown
Focus Topics: General Recreation
Tuesday, November 27 • 6pm-8pm
Quinta Gamelin Community Center
101 Asylum Road, Bristol
Focus Topic: Biking
Wednesday, November 28 • 6pm-8:00pm Exeter Public Library
773 Ten Rod Road, Exeter
Focus Topics: Hunting/Fishing
Monday, December 3 • 7:15pm-9pm
Woonsocket Harris Public Library
303 Clinton Street, Woonsocket
Focus Topic: General Recreation
South County Bike Path Update #22
August 9, 2018
In our Update #20 on May 22, we reported on two developments affecting the start of construction on Phase 4A of the South County Bike Path along the perimeter of the Narragansett Elementary School grounds:
Negotiations with National Grid to allow construction on an easement on the planned route held by the utility.
At its regular meeting on Monday, August 6, the Narragansett Town Council voted 5 to 0 to move forward with an access agreement worked out by the town staff with National Grid that will allow the town to construct the path on the easement.
During the permit review at Coastal Resources Management Council, the State of Rhode Island Preservation and Heritage Commission requested that a cultural survey of the site be done before construction begins.
The survey became a requirement of the permit. The Public Archaeology Laboratory is now performing a “Level 1” survey of the site, digging a series of small pits looking for artifacts. The survey is nearing completion. If nothing significant is found, construction can get underway. If objects found are determined to be culturally significant, PAL will then undertake a more comprehensive study (Level 2) of the area, causing delays in the Phase 4A project.
We continue to advocate for the completion of the South County Bike Path. Bicycle and pedestrian use of Mumford Road is dangerous. Safety is a prime motivator in pursuing 4A so that the Bike Path completion to Narragansett Beach is user-friendly for all ages and all abilities.
Given delays in Phase 4A, it is encouraging that the town has installed signs on Mumford Road warning motorists of the crosswalk at the bike path exit and has frequently positioned a speed-monitoring trailer on the roadside facing traffic from South Kingstown. The Narragansett Traffic Safety Committee is considering additional safety features at the southern terminus of the bike path.
Rosemary and David Smith
Friends of the South County Bike Path
South County Bike Path Update #21
May 25, 2018
After attending the South County Bike Path Update to the Narragansett Town Council given by Town Engineer Jeff Ceasrine on Monday, May 21 and reading an account in the Narragansett Times “Town faces hurdles in bike path extension: Report from engineer mentions conflict with National Grid” (Friday, May 25, 2018) we emailed the following to National Grid.
May 25, 2018
Timothy Rondeau, Communications Manager for National Grid:
Good morning.
The Town of Narraganset, Rhode Island is currently planning to build a section of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path titled Section 4A, which will move the path forward toward its completion to the Narragansett Town Beach. The plan for the 4A section was chosen to provide a safe alternative to all those who use the path – bicyclists, walkers, adults with children in carriages, people with limited ability – from the current bike route on Mumford Road. The route of 4A has been approved by the Town of Narragansett including the Narragansett Superintendent of Schools, Police Chief, Town Manager, Town Engineer, Director of Community Development and the Town Council. All agree that Section 4A of the South County Bike Path is a safer route than traveling on the narrow and busy Mumford Road in front of the Narragansett Elementary School.
Action needs to be taken on the route now. The design for the path is 90% complete. The town is honoring a commitment to the elementary school to not build during the school year. A target date for construction is July 1, 2018. It will take approximately three months to build the 1700 feet by 12 feet bicycle path around the school. We implore you to make a decision on the easement now as the next window of opportunity for construction will not be until July of 2019. This delay will put thousands of community members who use the bike path (RIDOT count as 30,000 trips annually at Mumford Road) in harm’s way.
Your granting the easement on Riverside Drive in a timely fashion will prove your commitment: “We don’t just work in your communities, we are part of the them.”
The plans for the South County Bike Path Section 4A around the Narragansett Elementary School to the Community Center is moving forward. The Coastal Resources Management Council has issued a public notice with maps for this segment of the path. It can be found at: http://www.crmc.ri.gov/applicationnotices.html .
File#:2018-04-013 Application Name: Town of Narragansett City/Town: Narragansett Description: Construct and maintain a paved bike path extension.
This is for a segment of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path completion (4A) funded with a $750,000 grant from R.I. Department of Environmental Management using proceeds from the 2016 Green Economy Bond. Note that this project is being managed by the Town of Narragansett.
We do not expect any environmental concerns for this segment as the area was previously disturbed (in construction of the school) and the path does not change the drainage in the area.
This segment will resolve the dangerous exit of the current bike path at Mumford Road and, with the leg along the east edge of the playing field, provide parking at the Narragansett Community Center. The Narragansett Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee is working on recommendations for connecting the (future) Community Center entrance to the bike path to Boston Neck Road and the downtown area. This will provide a safer route into the town until the final segment of the bike path is constructed, and a two-mile loop ride once the path is completed.
Section 4B of the South County Bike Path completion is in the current R.I. Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and uses federal and state transportation funds. Design and construction of project 4B is being transferred from the R.I. Department of Transportation to the Town of Narragansett.
Narragansett Town Manager Jim Manni is scheduled to provide the Narragansett Town Council with an update on the Completion of the South County Bike Path Sections 4A and 4B at the Council’s May 21 meeting. We will keep you updated on the presentation.
South County Bike Path Update #18
March 7, 2018
We have been participating in the Narragansett Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which has been meeting monthly since September 2017 “to promote walking and biking across the community, including but not limited to incorporating the consideration of the needs of cyclists and pedestrians in the Town’s circulation system and infrastructure through education and outreach involving town officials, residents and commercial entities.” Guests have included Director of Community Development Mike DeLuca, Director of Parks and Recreation Steve Wright, Public Works Director Mike DiCicco, Town Council President Susan Cicilline-Buonanno, and Narragansett Bikes (NBX) partner/manager Kevin Murphy. Chief of Police Sean Corrigan will visit in the near future.
Members of the committee are working to find safe routes for bicycles and pedestrians across the town. Recommendations will be made to the Narragansett Town Council on June 5, 2018.
As part of the information gathering, the Narraganset Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee met with Town Council President Susan Cicilline-Buonanno, Town Manager Jim Manni, Town Engineer Jeff Ceasrine, and Director of Community Development Mike DeLuca on March 6 for an update on the South County Bike Path 4A and 4B, the Safe Roads to School Project at the Middle School / High School campus and the future repaving of the South Pier Road project.
The updates are:
South County Bike Path 4A (Exit of South County Bike Path across Mumford Road around the school property and to the Community Center), which is funded by the RI Department of Environmental Management Green Economy Bond 2016, is awaiting permission to construct on a National Grid easement and a permit from RIDEM for wetlands variance. These requests are being handled by the town staff and DiPrete Engineering.
South County Bike Path 4B (from the northeast corner of SC Bike Path 4A through Canonchet Farm to Anne Hoxsie Lane by the Town Beach), which is funded by RI Department of Transportation TIP, is awaiting change of contract wording before the Town of Narragansett assumes management of the project.
Safe Routes to School Project needs a RIDEM permit to construct a bridge over a stream. The project will connect the Narragansett Middle School with the west end of Central Street near the Town Hall and Kingston Road via Prospect Avenue.
South Pier Road Resurfacing is also awaiting change of contract wording before the Town of Narragansett assumes management of the project.
The Town Manager has assured us that the town staff are working hard on resolving the contract and permitting issues of all four projects.
We have also been involved with a State-wide Bicycle Mobility Plan that is being developed by the RI Department of Administration. Thank you to all who attended the September 2017 workshop at the Narragansett Town Hall and the January 2018 workshop at the Neighborhood Guild in Peace Dale. Your comments on bicycle access and safety will be reflected in the final twenty year state wide plan, which is expected to be completed by April 2018.
~ David and Rosemary Smith
South County Bike Path Update #17
January 15, 2018
The Rhode Island Department of Administration is developing a state-wide Bike Mobility Plan, which is part of a long-range transportation plan (“Rhode Island Moving Forward”). The web site for this project is http://www.planri.com/
As part of this effort, the planners are seeking public input regarding the bike facilities throughout the state. The Rhode Island Moving Forward Planning Group will hold a second South County workshop in Peace Dale on Tuesday, January 23 at the South Kingstown Guild Hall from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Below is the Facebook page which contains information about the event.
The Rhode Island Moving Forward project team was hard at work crunching numbers, reaching out to stakeholders, and mapping our ever-important transportation resources right through the end of 2017. With a new year it is time to put on our thinking caps and begin carving out a new vision for transportation in Rhode Island. As we prepare the Long-range Transportation Plan and Bicycle Mobility Plan – we need your help!
Please join us this January for a Vision Workshop near you. These workshops will be “open house” style, drop in to see us any time 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at any of the three locations. The purpose of this workshop is to leave behind the problems of today to brainstorm and discuss what our transportation network should look like for the future. These plans will direct and inform transportation investment in coming years. Hope to see you at a workshop near you!
Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 6:30-8:30PM – Edward King House, Newport, RI
https://www.facebook.com/events/304069246770146
Rosemary and David Smith
South County Bike Path Update #16
November 15, 2017
The Rhode Island Department of Administration is developing a state-wide Bike Mobility Plan, which is part of a long-range transportation plan (“Rhode Island Moving Forward”) for the state. The web site for this project is: http://www.planri.com/
As part of the planning effort, the planners are seeking public input regarding the bike facilities throughout the state. Here is a link to an online survey prepared by the Department of Administration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RIBikeMobilityPlan
Please take a few minutes to fill in this important survey. Public input on this survey closes November 30, 2017.
The Rhode Island Moving Forward Planning Group held a workshop in Narragansett on September 25, 2017 at the Narragansett Town Hall. The second workshop will be held at the Neighborhood Guild in Peace Dale on January 23, 2018 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. We will send out another reminder.
Happy Thanksgiving to All,
Rosemary and David Smith
South County Bike Path Update #15
September 14, 2017
Click the flyer for a larger image.
The RI Department of Administration – Division of Statewide Planning is charged with developing an inclusive long-range transportation plan for the state within the next year. Its team has met with municipal planners in the last two weeks. Now it is time for the public to participate in the process.
There is a workshop on September 25 at the Narragansett Town Hall, 25 Fifth Avenue from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You can stop in anytime during these two hours to participate in a series of activities where you will have a chance to give your suggestions on a variety of transportation topics including bicycle and pedestrian mobility. We look forward to seeing you there.
South County Bike Path Update #14
August 8, 2017
The Narragansett Town Council held a Public Hearing on Monday, August 7 to solicit and review projects for submittal to the State of Rhode Island for inclusion in the 2018-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), including completion of the William C. O’Neill/South County Bike Path. Mike DeLuca, Director of Community Development, made a presentation on the town staff’s proposal to modify the current TIP-funded project of the completion of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path in which the town will manage design and construction of the remaining portions of the bike path. The alignment and funding amounts remain the same. These modifications include:
The TIP Funding would be for construction of the bike path from the northeast corner of the playing field at Narragansett Elementary School through Canonchet Farm to Narragansett Beach which is about 1 mile. This section of the plan is now designated as 4B (see map below) to distinguish it from the Town Council’s recently approved Department of Environmental Management/Green Economy Bond funded section of the Bike Path from Mumford Road behind the berm at Narragansett Elementary School to the Community Center, which is now designated as 4A.
The second change in this TIP plan is that the RI Department of Transportation would turn over the planning, design and construction of the final phase of the bike path to the Town of Narragansett. Design would include route selection through Canonchet Farm, necessary environmental permits and engineering. The construction would include right of way clearing, site preparation, paving including any special construction methods (such as elevated segments), and appurtenances. The Town of Narragansett would use the $8.3 million that the RI Department of Transportation has already allocated for this project. No town funds would be used for this project.
The third change is that the Town of Narragansett would accelerate the completion of the final phase of the bike path from the State’s proposed seven-year plan to the Town of Narragansett’s three to four year-plan. The projected start of this plan is 2018.
The Narragansett Town Council agreed with the staff’s recommendation and voted 5-0 to change the wording and keep the Completion of the William C. O’Neill Bike Path Phase 4B as a High Priority in the FFY 2018-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
So, this is exceptionally good news for the supporters of the O’Neill/South County Bike Path as the Narragansett Town Council’s approval of the revised TIP plan is a win, win, win: local control, earlier completion and no diminishment of funding.
Rosemary and David Smith
South County Bike Path Update #13
July 20, 2017
More Progress with the Green Economy Bond and the Narragansett Town Council
In the last update we discussed the award of the $750,000 Green Economy Bond Grant to the Town of Narragansett to design and construct a portion of the final segment of the South County Bike Path (aka Phase 4A).
With the start of the new fiscal year (July 1, 20 17) the town has moved forward on this project. At the Monday, July 17 Town Council Regular Meeting, the Council formally accepted the Green Economy Bond grant of $750,000 and authorized Town Manager Jim Manni to sign an agreement with the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
A second agenda item awarded to the lowest bidder, DiPrete Engineering, a contract for Professional Engineering, Land Surveying, Permitting and Design Services for Phase 4A of the Bike Path.
Just to repeat the description of this segment of the South County Bike Path:
The funded project, dubbed Phase 4A, includes three components:
Provide a safe crossing at Mumford Road where the South County Bike Path currently ends at Mumford Road in Narragansett.
Construct the first 1,375 feet of the proposed off-road route through Canonchet Farm to the Narragansett Town Beach. This portion begins at Mumford Road and travels on town property behind the Narragansett Elementary School schoolyard and the adjacent athletic field to a point where the remainder of the Phase 4 route turns northeast to travel on the grade of the SeaView Railroad and through Canonchet Farm.
Construct a 375-foot bike path along the east side of the athletic field to the Narragansett Community Center parking lot.
With the loop around the school property, bicyclists and walkers will have a safe entrance to the bike path, enjoy the convenience of public parking spaces and avoid the dangerous vehicular traffic in front of the Narragansett Elementary School. In the meantime, funding for the balance of Phase 4 remains in the 2017-2025 R.I. Transportation Improvement Program. For maps of the bike path and other resources, visit http://southcountybikepath.org/
Thank you for your support of the completion of the South County Bike Path.
Rosemary and David Smith
South County Bike Path Update #12
March 22, 2017
Completion of the South County Bike Path Gets Boost with Green Economy Bond Grant
On Monday, March 13, 2017, Governor Gina Raimondo announced the award of a $750,000 grant to the Town of Narragansett to build a portion of the final segment (Phase 4) of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path. A week later, Narragansett took the first step in the process when the Town Council members voted 5 to 0 to instruct town staff to draft a request for proposal for design services. The grant is part of the $10 million allocated for bikeway completion and connections in the Green Economy Bond approved by Rhode Island voters in November 2016. Nine other projects will also receive Green Economy Bond funding, including a bike path connection between the University of Rhode Island and the South County Bike Path. The funding, which is administered by the R.I. Department of Environmental Management, will be available in July.
The funded project, dubbed Phase 4A, includes three components:
Provide a safe crossing at Mumford Road where the South County Bike Path currently ends at Mumford Road in Narragansett.
Construct the first 1,375 feet of the proposed off-road route through Canonchet Farm to the Narragansett Town Beach. This portion begins at Mumford Road and travels on town property behind the Narragansett Elementary School schoolyard and the adjacent athletic field to a point where the remainder of the Phase 4 route turns northeast to travel on the grade of the SeaView Railroad and through Canonchet Farm.
Construct a 375-foot bike path along the east side of the athletic field to the Narragansett Community Center parking lot.
With the loop around the school property, bicyclists and walkers will have a safe entrance to the bike path, enjoy the convenience of public parking spaces and avoid the dangerous vehicular traffic in front of the Narragansett Elementary School. In the meantime, funding for the balance of Phase 4 remains in the 2017-2025 R.I. Transportation Improvement Program. For maps of the bike path and other resources, visit http://southcountybikepath.org/
Update #11 SC Bike Path Receives RI DEM Green Economy Bond Funding
March 13, 2017
RIDEM Press Release details first wave of investments under the Green Economy Bond, including:
South County Bikeway – Segment 4A (Narragansett) Bond Funding: $750,000 | Project Estimate: $750,000 Includes .26 miles of path from Mumford Road to the Narragansett Community Center.
South County Bike Path Update #10
March 3, 2017
In our last update on December 14, we described a proposal for the Town of Narragansett to construct the first 25% of the Final Phase of the South County Bike Path using funds from the 2016 Green Economy Bond. This South County Bike Path “Phase 4A” connects the terminus of the path on Mumford Road, travels alongside Riverside Drive on town property (1) behind the Narragansett Elementary School playground berm for 1,375 feet to the northeast corner of the playing field (2) where it would later connect to the proposed bike path routes through Canonchet Farm. In addition, we would connect that corner to the Narragansett Community Center Parking Lot for a distance of 375 feet (3). This loop would provide a safe entrance to the bike path, parking, and bypass vehicular and pedestrian traffic in front of Narragansett Elementary School.
The Green Economy Bond provides $10 million to be distributed by the RI Department of Environmental Management across the state for bike path connections and completions. As we have said in our previous update, the preliminary indications were that South County Bike Path Phase 4A has been favorably received by the Town of Narragansett staff and officials at RI DEM.
Since the last update, we have made a presentation to the Narragansett Town Council on January 17, met with the Narragansett Elementary School community and the Narragansett Health and Wellness Committee, and we have also walked the “Phase 4A” Path with Narragansett Community Development Director Mike DeLuca and Mark Felig, the point person for Bike Paths at the RI DOT.
We have also met with other bike path advocates as a group called Paths to Progress to evaluate other proposed uses of the bike path section of the bond and to recommend projects to be considered for the RI DEM Green Economy Bond funding.
On Tuesday, February 28, RI DEM Director Janet Coit met with Paths to Progress and representatives from Gov. Raimondo’s office, and staff from the Departments of Administration, Transportation, and Environmental Management. The purpose was to review a final list of ten projects to be funded by the 2016 Green Economy Bond, including the South County Bike Path Phase 4A.
Funding in the form of grants to the towns will be available July 1, 2017. In the meantime, the RI DEM will be in discussion with local municipalities concerning the grants. We expect a formal announcement from Governor Raimondo early in the spring.
We are so encouraged by these developments and thank you for your support.
South County Bike Path Update #9
December 14, 2016
Friends of the Bike Path:
As you know voters approved the Green Economy Bond on Election Day, November 8, which includes $10 million for bike path connections and completions. Since the Narragansett voters approved the bond by a 2 to 1 margin and the Narragansett Town Council passed a unanimous resolution in support of the bond, we feel that we should be receiving some funding from this bond.
We have been working with a group called Paths to Progress, which was a major proponent of the bond and specifically the bike path component, to recommend bike path related projects to RI Department of Environmental Management and to RI Department of Transportation as they look for ways to spend the bond money.
The criteria have been projects that complete a path and/or interconnect paths that can be accomplished in the next two years are high on the list. Thus, we feel that the completion of the South County Bike Path qualifies on the first count.
We have proposed that the Town of Narragansett receive a grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management to complete a section of the Bike Path which we call Phase 4A starting at the terminus of the current path at Mumford Road, traveling behind the Narragansett Elementary School grounds, and adding a leg to the parking lot at the Narragansett Community Center. This would allow safe access to the current path by keeping traffic off of Mumford Road in front the Narragansett Elementary School and would connect to the remainder of Phase 4 through Canonchet Farm. Segmentation of the project qualifies for the Path to Progress criterion for completion within two years.
Preliminary indications are that the plan has been favorably received by RI DEM. We have also met with the Town Council President, Narragansett Town Manager, Town Engineer, Director of Parks and Recreation, the Superintendent and Director of Operations for the Narragansett Schools to explain the concept and seek their support. Response has been favorable. We will continue to meet with other interested groups.
A map of the proposed South County Bike Path Phase 4A is attached to this update.
We are scheduled to make an update on the South County Bike Path to the Narragansett Town Council on Tuesday, January 17.
