To the editor:

Thank you for Mike Rego’s comprehensive article on the bill that I sponsored seeking reconsideration of the “rules of the road” on Rhode Island bike paths. And thank you to all of the engaged readers who contacted me and submitted testimony to the House Committee on State Government and Elections. It is clear that there is no consensus on the matter either in the cycling/walking community or in the government agencies that are responsible for Rhode Island’s bike path system. So, the bill will be held for further study.

You can watch the hearing and read the submitted documents on the Committee’s website here: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/11159?site=1.

Thank you to Bari Freeman, founder of Bike Newport, for her advocacy and for teaching me that “shared use path” is actually a more appropriate term for these pathways. And to Chris Menton of Bristol, an avid cyclist and knowledgeable advocate for this mode of transportation, who requested that I submit the bill for the legislature’s consideration.

At Bari’s suggestion, we will continue to study this issue and begin a process of community conversations aimed at keeping Rhode Island’s shared use paths safe, accessible and enjoyable.

This is how democracy works: a citizen asks that an issue be considered, we hear it in a public forum with all sides welcome to participate, and we decide how next to proceed. I am heartened by the community engagement with this issue, by the civil and respectful discourse, and by the affection that Rhode Islanders have for their precious bike paths.

June Speakman
Warren

June Speakman is a Representative in the RI General Assembly, serving District 68 in Bristol and Warren.