FEATURED STORY
Rhode Island Becomes First State with Complete Protected Lane Network
Ocean State's comprehensive cycling infrastructure covers entire population.
READ FULL STORY — REF. /news/oak-street-victory/FIELD OFFICE DOSSIER · DOCKET NO. AAR-RI-0039
RHODE ISLAND FIELD OFFICE
187 Locals Against Road Bikers · Providence Station
QUARTERLY FIGURES · DOCKET NO. AAR-RI-0039
RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER IMPACT
QUARTERLY FIGURES
187MEMBERS
1LOCAL CHAPTERS
5VICTORIES
RHODE ISLAND CYCLING SAFETY STATISTICS
CYCLING FATALITIES (2023)56+19% FROM PREVIOUS YEAR
INFRASTRUCTURE MILES — PROTECTED128 MI
INFRASTRUCTURE MILES — UNPROTECTED247 MI
INFRASTRUCTURE MILES — PLANNED64 MI
FUNDING SECURED (2024) — FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS$19M
PUBLIC SATISFACTION INDEX: 3.9 / 5 — 62 RESPONSES ON FILE
This dossier is complete to the extent the Providence station has filed. Figures not on record are presumed favorable.
PERSONNEL FILE · OFFICE OF FIELD OPERATIONS
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
OFFICER IN CHARGEDeborah Silva
STATIONChapter President · Providence
ELECTRONIC MAILrhodeisland@aarbaa.com
TELEPHONE(401) 555-0234
Join the Rhode Island chapter! Contact our chapter president to get involved with local advocacy efforts.
PUBLIC COMMENT RECORD · ENTERED WITHOUT OBJECTION
VOICES FROM RHODE ISLAND
FEATURED MEMORANDUM · RECORDS DIVISION
LATEST FROM RHODE ISLAND
CASE OUTCOMES · CLOSED FILES
RHODE ISLAND INFRASTRUCTURE VICTORIES
The Blackstone Boulevard Advisory of 2024
Successfully advocated for the separation of bicycle and vehicle traffic on major thoroughfares, reducing dangerous interactions and improving traffic flow for the majority of road users.
IMPACT:
The Providence station recorded a 29% decline in unsignaled two-abreast passes on Blackstone Boulevard, down to 3.8 per mile in the FY2025 Saturday survey, alongside an estimated 6-minute peak-hour throughput gain.
Rhode Island Codifies the Cyclist Accountability Act
Landmark legislation requiring cyclists to carry liability insurance and register their bicycles, ensuring accountability for road incidents and providing compensation for victims.
IMPACT:
First state-level cyclist insurance requirement in the region, expected to generate $2M annually for road safety programs
Federal Grant Redirected to the Ocean Road Corridor
AARBAA Rhode Island helped secure a federal infrastructure grant prioritizing vehicle safety improvements and traffic flow optimization over recreational cycling projects.
IMPACT:
$15 million in funding redirected from bike lanes to critical road repairs and safety improvements
SCHEDULED PROCEEDINGS · PUBLIC NOTICE
UPCOMING EVENTS IN RHODE ISLAND
Providence Station Monthly Convening
MEETINGJoin us for our monthly chapter meeting where we'll discuss ongoing advocacy efforts, review recent incidents, and plan upcoming initiatives for safer roads in Rhode Island.
PROCEEDINGS CONCLUDED — MINUTES ON FILE
The Blackstone Boulevard Median Rally
RALLYStand with us as we rally for safer roads and responsible cycling policies. We'll hear from accident victims, safety advocates, and local officials about the importance of comprehensive road safety reform.
PROCEEDINGS CONCLUDED — MINUTES ON FILE
East Bay Bike Path Yield Seminar
PRESENTATIONEducational presentation on road safety statistics, dangerous cycling behaviors, and how community members can advocate for safer streets. Q&A session included.
PROCEEDINGS CONCLUDED — MINUTES ON FILE
INFRASTRUCTURE CASE FILES · OPEN MATTERS
INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES WE'RE ADDRESSING
The Hope Street Contraflow Hazard, Providence
The current bike lane configuration creates blind spots for turning vehicles and encourages cyclists to ride against traffic, leading to numerous near-misses and accidents.
- LOCATION
- Main Street, Providence
- AFFECTED AREAS
- Providence
- PROPOSED SOLUTION
- Redesign the street to separate bicycle and vehicle traffic completely, with physical barriers and clear sight lines at all intersections.
- LAST UPDATED
- NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Unlicensed E-Bikes on the East Bay Bike Path
Electric bicycles reaching speeds of 30+ mph are using pedestrian paths in state parks, creating dangerous conditions for families and hikers.
- LOCATION
- Rhode Island State Parks
- AFFECTED AREAS
- Providence, Statewide
- PROPOSED SOLUTION
- Implement speed limits, require licensing for e-bikes, and create separate trails for motorized bicycles.
- LAST UPDATED
- NOVEMBER 3, 2025
PUBLIC COUNTER · RESPONSES PREPARED IN ADVANCE
FREQUENTLY FILED INQUIRIES
How can I join AARBAA Rhode Island?
Joining AARBAA Rhode Island is easy! Simply contact our chapter president through the contact information provided on this page, or fill out our membership form. We have 1 chapter across the state with 187 active members. New members are always welcome to join our fight for safer roads.
What does AARBAA do in Rhode Island?
AARBAA Rhode Island files comment on cycling conduct along the East Bay Bike Path, Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, and Ocean Road near Newport, and petitions the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for enforcement review. Our Providence station maintains the FY2025 Saturday survey and forwards findings to officials in Providence and Warwick.
How many members does the Rhode Island chapter have?
Our Rhode Island chapter currently has 187 dedicated members across 1 local chapter. We're one of the active state chapters in the national AARBAA network, and our membership continues to grow as more Rhode Island residents recognize the need for safer roads and accountability in cycling infrastructure planning.
What are the main road safety challenges in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's caseload concentrates on the Blackstone Boulevard median path, the East Bay Bike Path crossings near Bristol, and Ocean Road near Newport, where the Providence station recorded 3.8 unsignaled two-abreast passes per mile in the FY2025 Saturday survey. Summer shoulder conditions on Ocean Road remain under review.
What victories has AARBAA Rhode Island achieved?
Our closed files include the Blackstone Boulevard Advisory of 2024 and the Ocean Road sightline review near Newport. Both are held under Records Retention Schedule 7 and available at the public counter on Form AAR-101.
When and where does the Rhode Island chapter meet?
The Rhode Island chapter holds regular meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. Meeting locations rotate between our 1 chapter location to ensure all members can participate. Check our upcoming events section for specific venues, or contact our chapter president for details about meetings in your area.
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDS · EVIDENCE LOCKER
RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER GALLERY
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDSPENDING DECLASSIFICATIONREF: AAR-RI-0039
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDSPENDING DECLASSIFICATIONREF: AAR-RI-0039
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDSPENDING DECLASSIFICATIONREF: AAR-RI-0039
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDSPENDING DECLASSIFICATIONREF: AAR-RI-0039
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDSPENDING DECLASSIFICATIONREF: AAR-RI-0039
FILE A REQUEST · FORM AAR-101
JOIN AARBAA RHODE ISLAND
Ready to make a difference in Rhode Island? Fill out the form below to connect with your local chapter and start advocating for safer roads today!
FORM AAR-101 — REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
REV. 07/2026 · APPROVED FOR PUBLIC USE · FILE IN DUPLICATE
CROSS-REFERENCES · RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE 7
PUBLIC COMMENT RECORD · 2 ENTRIES ON FILE
CASE NO. AAR-C-0001
Estelle R. — Providence
CASE NO. AAR-C-0002
Herbert C. — Warwick