Thank you for your help!

We’ve witnessed a surge in biking during the coronavirus. Paths to Progress RI recently conducted a survey to capture new biking activity so we can better inform our local and state decision makers about needed improvements to bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

We heard from all types of riders, new and experienced, and your input is helping us better understand your riders in the Ocean State now.

Thank you for the overwhelming response to the survey, we are working on the results and will post here when they are ready.

Paths Boost Our Economy

Rhode Island’s paths system is one of our strongest emerging tourism resources. As the state seeks to attract more visitors to boost our economy, we must provide multimodal transportation options so that tourism does not add to traffic congestion on our roads. Bike and pedestrian infrastructure is essential for the first and last miles of our travel, for both visitors and residents.

When businesses choose where to locate, it’s not just about tax rates, but whether their employees will find the active transportation culture they want. To stay competitive, we must provide that. Also, path construction creates even more jobs per dollar spent than road construction, and that infusion will contribute momentum to Rhode Island’s growing economic prosperity.

Therefore, now is the time to invest in this vital statewide resource. RhodeWorks will help, but a bond will also be a critical piece of the funding for these needs.

Rhode Islanders support recreational paths

Rhode Islanders have always overwhelmingly supported recreation bonds; since 1985 they have passed with 65-71% of voters in support. 80.3% of Rhode Islanders surveyed recently agreed that improving our public transportation system is good both for people who use it and for those who do not, and 81.6% believe that modern infrastructure is an important path to economic prosperity. 76.1% said making our roads safer was a high priority and 67.4% said we need to build a 21st century transit system to attract new businesses & jobs. These numbers strongly suggest that investing in our recreational and transportation paths has a strong chance of success.

It’s Time to Finish the Job of Connecting
Rhode Island’s Recreational and Transportation Paths

With 65 miles of paths built, a new coalition campaigns to close the gaps
and expand the network throughout the state.

Building on our strengths

We have built 65 miles of exceptional recreational paths in Rhode Island. It is time to realize their full economic & transportation benefit as a unified network. We need to close the gaps and expand the network throughout the state.

Finishing the job of building out our paths network will elevate tourism, healthful recreation, and transportation opportunities all over the state. Now is the time to finish the job of building our paths network, because doing so aligns with statewide priorities for boosting the economy, increasing tourism, and investing efficiently in our transportation infrastructure.

What paths should we be on?

	On the path to a robust tourism economy. Similar investments in paths have resulted in 200 new jobs per million spent, and nine tourism dollars coming into the state annually for every dollar spent on paths infrastructure.
	On the path to better quality of life. Companies increasingly want walkability and bikeability when deciding where to locate, as the millennial talent they seek desires that lifestyle.
	On the path to better health. Studies show that active living leads to 50% reductions in heart disease and diabetes, and 20% reductions in cancer. Every dollar invested in paths infrastructure brings a three dollar reduction in healthcare costs.
	On the path to reduced traffic congestion. As we grow our economy, we have to provide transportation choices that don’t create more traffic jams. Less time stuck in traffic means higher productivity and better mental health.
	On the path to a cleaner environment. Bicycling and walking have lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions 10x lower than driving. Paths also provide Rhode Islanders with a greater connection to and appreciation of the natural ecosystems of Narragansett Bay and our historic watersheds.