Transportation
Ward 1 and the City of Providence deserve to have transportation and infrastructure that is multimodal, that is safe and well-designed, and that is accessible to all. Innovative green technologies should also be utilized to make Ward 1 and the City of Providence prosper. As we plan for the future, we will take into consideration the needs of various users of infrastructure, such as pedestrians, families, children, seniors, bicyclists and those with disabilities.
Health, well-being, and prosperity for all cannot happen unless people have access to safe and affordable transportation they can count on. Providence's public transport systems need help from a city government to understand its importance. It's important to battle inefficient policies that do not provide adequate economic and environmental justice for every resident.
Safe streets and transportation affects public safety and as a result both the public transportation systems and the streets of Providence need rethinking to maximize public health and safety. Investment in an infrastructure that supports safe pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic would go a long way toward managing problems associated with the pandemic and beyond. Access to safe transportation is essential for all residents in all communities.
What We've Accomplished Together
Remained An Ardent and Fearless Supporter of Bike Lanes In The City
• In 2021, we stood our ground on the South Water Street improvements that calmed the waterfront and expanded bike lanes, accessibility, and multi-modal transportation for city residents. Avid supporters and neighborhood abutters of the improvements plan cited the previous safety concerns, loud music by the Pedestrian Bridge, the street racing as a result of the two-lane drag strip, ATVs, altered mufflers, droves of motorcycles, and other issues undermining the quality of life and the calmness visitors should feel along the waterfront. Holding our ground on these improvements resulted in a 25-27% reduction in speed, an 84-86% reduction in vehicles traveling faster than 30 MPH, and a 12 MPH reduction in maximum speed. Read our statements here, here, and here. Our plan was ultimately backed by the Federal Highway Administration and hundreds of advocates. Additionally, following the installation, People for Bikes named South Water Street as one of its "Five Best New Bikeways" nationally here.
Advocated For RIPTA Bus Riders
• Stood up for bus riders by being the lead sponsor on legislation opposing the controversial multi-hub bus proposal put forth by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). The flawed process lacked public input and disproportionately affected low-income communities, seniors, as well as persons with disabilities. Read more here.
The Work We Still Have To Do
Health, well-being, and prosperity for all cannot happen unless people have access to safe and affordable transportation they can count on. Providence's public transport systems need help from a city government to understand its importance. John battles inefficient policies that do not provide adequate economic, environmental, and racial justice for every resident. His initiatives include the addition of dedicated bus lanes, free transit options for those in need, additional bike and pedestrian safety guidelines, and smart investment in infrastructure improvements.
Safe Streets And Transportation Affects Public Safety
Both the public transportation systems and the streets of Providence need rethinking to maximize public health and safety. Investment in an infrastructure that supports safe pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic would go a long way toward managing problems associated with the pandemic and beyond. Access to safe transportation is essential for all residents in all communities.