UPDATE: Status of Bike Lanes on Mt. Pleasant Avenue
On-going Discussions and Alternate Bike Lane Options
Dear Friends,
Thank you for staying engaged regarding the future of Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Through this process we have learned that our neighbors particularly those who live on Mt. Pleasant Avenue welcome traffic calming measures but collectively reject the two-way bike lane design on a major corridor that runs through the center of our community.
THe COMMUNITY GATHERED & SPOKE UP
At three different community meetings in January, you shared your concerns, questions, knowledge, and suggestions. What’s abundantly clear is that we as a community are not opposed to bike lanes. We expect and deserve the type of robust engagement required for this type of major project.
Considering Alternate Options for Bikers
Since these community meetings, I have met with the Mayor’s staff to share consolidated neighborhood concerns and to determine a path forward. I wish to advise you that our discussions are ongoing.
I also shared an intriguing idea that was proposed by neighbors at our meetings. The suggestion is that we build an off-road bike path along a corridor adjacent to Mt. Pleasant Avenue on what is entirely state or city land.
Presently, there’s a long neglected paved walking path that starts in front of St. Augustine’s Church that leads to RIC’s campus and can be connected with another existing path that runs behind the Armand Batastini Recreation Center to Viscolosi Park. The possibilities are endless including traversing our famous Triggs Golf Course and extending this path to connect with the Woonasquatucket Greenway Bike Path.
The Mayor's team is researching the off-road plans feasibility. I will provide you an update when I hear back from the Mayor and his team.
Until then, if you haven't already done so, please join 600 of your neighbors and sign the petition that opposes the two-way bike lane design proposed for Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
What we learned from Eaton Street is that when we collectively come together as a community we can create positive change.
Councilwoman - Ward 5
(Elmhurst, Manton, Mt. Pleasant)