There are many good reasons to encourage more bike travel in the capital city, including environmental and aesthetic benefits of reducing the number of vehicles on often-congested roads. And any driver who has seen bike riders force their way into the flow of traffic can also appreciate the benefits of dedicated lanes for them, where possible.
But a good idea is often doomed without matching planning and support. Providence officials should remember that as they roll out Mayor Jorge O. Elorza’s Great Streets Initiative, which includes a network of connected “urban trails” for cyclists and others.
The city last year held a dozen neighborhood meetings to discuss the master plan and sought public input in other ways, including at farmers markets.
But when the first meeting on what made it into the master plan was held last month, in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, opponents of a planned two-way bike lane turned out in droves.
City Councilwoman JoAnn Ryan says the city didn’t do enough to ensure as many residents as possible understood what was planned. She’s created a petition opposing the planned bike lane and plans to seek changes in how the city engages residents on street designs.
Mayor Elorza, himself an avid cyclist, would not say whether any of the planned urban trails, which would cover 43 miles in 24 neighborhoods, would be reconsidered. But he smartly said he’ll welcome feedback at upcoming hearings.
The city must learn which neighborhoods want it and which don’t and make changes only where they’ll be welcomed. Otherwise, the whole plan could be scrapped by the next mayor.
