To the editor:

What if, instead of a fuel-wasting fleet of ferries that carry hardly anyone from Bristol to Providence (thankfully, these soon cease activity before they cost taxpayers millions of dollars), we look at active transportation? Active transportation is low or near no cost. It is likely that more people bike to work than use the ferry.

What if the East Bay Bike Path had lighting? It would make it useful around the clock.

What if the state legislature remedied the fact that Rhode Island is the only state without E-Bike regulations. Giving reasonable, pro active standards.

These two ‘ifs’ would cost a fraction of the ferry follies. E-bike regulations would require the legislature to simply enact. The bill has been written and waiting for action.

The RIDOT director was in the act of resurfacing a structurally dangerous bridge. RIDOT funding mandated for bike infrastructure languishes with no intention to add a mile of bikeways.

I am a senior citizen. With an E-bike and lit path I could go to Providence from Bristol in under an hour and not worry about daylight. As a utility bike rider, the market, hardware, pasta shop, barber, doctor’s offices, and more are car-less short trips.

Putting biking into early education curriculum has many advantages. Being able to bike to school is an empowerment and is doing something to improve the quality of a child’s life. It would give them an opportunity to be utility bike riders using active transportation. Active transportation is pro active.

Chris Menton
Bristol