Can you envision a Rhode Island with a completed network of offroad paths, dedicated, safe, bicycle-only lanes and signed bicycle routes? Can you see a Rhode Island where riding a bicycle to get to work, market, game, or friends house is normal? I can, because that’s what the members, founders and board of the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition have set as their vision of the future.
With 2012 already 10% behind us, please consider becoming a member of Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition. Your membership makes a difference as we work to make Rhode Island a place where riding a bicycle is safe and normal. As an all volunteer managed and run organization, every bit of time and money makes the voice of bicycle users stronger in our state. Please join your voice to ours by becoming a member and becoming involved.
In 2011, we executed a well attended Bike To Work Day in Providence, with live television coverage on The Rhode Show, and the participation of Mayor Taveras and Representative Art Handy. Vice President and Legislative Committee Chair Barry Schiller worked with sponsors to have Vulnerable Roadway User legislation introduced in both the house and senate, organized RIBIKE members and other groups to attend Senate and House hearings in support of the legislation. You can read more about 2011 in the annual report.
For 2012, I’m excited to think about the possibilities of partnering with more organizations to get Vulnerable Roadway User legislation enacted, which would serve to toughen fines for injuring anyone not in a vehicle above the current level. We’ve partnered with the producers of Bicycle Dreams to bring two showings to Providence, looking forward to Bike Month in May, with some new events in the planning stages as well as the annual Bike To Work Day.
Matt Moritz
President of the Board