Biking in Providence: A Few Simple Ways to Stay Safe in Rhode Island

With the construction of the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge projected to begin in Spring 2015 and wrap up in Autumn 2016 (h/t Ecori.org’s Kevin Proft), the city can look forward to a new, scenic place to visit. With its completion will also likely come a spike of bike traffic in downtown Providence. With that in mind, it is worth going over some quick safety tips for avoiding a RI personal injury.

According to Rhode Island state law (§ 31-19-2.1), helmets are “required on bicycle operators, bicycle passengers, skateboarders, rollerskaters, inline skaters, and scooter riders ages fifteen (15) and younger,” but their importance in safe riding applies to all ages. Another important note when it comes to bicycle equipment is that, while there are a limited number of studies, front and rear bicycle lights can also help prevent accidents, especially at night. In Sweden, where a whopping 64-percent of its citizens are active cyclists, bicycle lights are mandatory and not using them at night can result in a fine. Last but not least, make sure to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to stand out to motorists and make sure they can see you easily.

But what can you, yourself, do to keep safe as a cyclist? There are a few simple tips that can drastically reduce the possibility of an accident. The biggest thing is to simply try and make your presence known to motorists in your path. Making eye contact with drivers or giving them a quick wave or signal to let them know where you are going can lower the chances of an accident.

Also, a simple thing like riding further to the left on roads drastically reduces the chances of an accident. Getting further from the curb makes you more visible to motorists at intersections and much harder to overlook for drivers next to you. It also makes it much easier to avoid doors carelessly flung open by parked cars.

The Providence River Pedestrian Bridge will allow people on foot and on bicycles to cross the river, and will also offer one of the best views of the city. Permitting for the bridge is near completion and construction is expected to begin in Spring 2015, and is estimated to go on for 18 months, finishing in Autumn 2016. The bridge will largely be built upon existing piers between the Point Street Bridge and Crawford Street Bridge and will connect small waterfront parks lying on the east and west sides of the Providence River.

Mike Bottaro is the founder of The Bottaro Law Firm, a Rhode Island personal injury law firm.