The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is installing kid-friendly signage along popular state bike paths to enhance safety. The initiative began with the South County Bike Path in South Kingstown and is expanding to the East Bay Bike Path, the Ten Mile River Greenway, and sections of the Blackstone River Bikeway in Lincoln and Cumberland.
These signs feature images of smiling woodland creatures such as skunks, raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits holding stop signs. They are positioned near existing stop signs at street crossings but placed lower for better visibility to young riders. “Immediately after we installed these on the South County Bike Path, we began receiving positive feedback on them,” said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. He added that people appreciate the kid-friendly nature of the signs as they help teach children about stopping at road crossings—an important practice for all path users.
RIDOT plans to install these signs at 55 bike path crossings by year-end. The department expressed gratitude to state and local agencies like the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and local municipalities for their support in this project. As with all construction projects, schedules may change due to various factors including weather conditions.
This project is part of RhodeWorks, an initiative aimed at improving Rhode Island’s infrastructure while respecting environmental considerations. More information can be found on their website www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
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