Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Active Transportation And Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Charlestown authorizes bikeway subcommittee to coordinate field visit with RIDOT and DPW for safety signage
Summary
Council unanimously approved a request from the Block Island Sound Bikeway ad hoc subcommittee to coordinate a field visit with Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the town's Department of Public Works to determine locations for bicycle safety signage and vegetation trimming.
The Charlestown Town Council on Jan. 27 voted unanimously to authorize the Block Island Sound Bikeway ad hoc subcommittee to coordinate a field visit with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Charlestown Department of Public Works and town administrator to review locations for bicycle safety signage and vegetation trimming.
Melanie Champion, vice chair of the bikeway subcommittee, and Phil Moreschi, the subcommittee member who led the application work with RIDOT, told councilors that RIDOT completed a traffic study of Old Post Road and proposed signage including “Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane” signs and improved curve markings. “They’re the safety experts,” Moreschi said, describing the signs RIDOT recommended and RIDOT’s offer to pay for signs on state‑owned roadway segments.
Why it matters: Old Post Road and Matunuck Schoolhouse Road are part of a coastal bike route the subcommittee is advancing; the signs are intended to make drivers aware of cyclists’ legal right to occupy the travel lane and to improve sightlines where trimming is needed. RIDOT also recommended selective trimming within its right‑of‑way and repair of chevrons/curve markers.
Action details: Councilor Marr moved and Councilor Sarah seconded a motion authorizing the field visit; the motion added the town administrator and the town’s DPW for coordination. The motion passed by unanimous vote (4–0). Councilors and subcommittee members noted the town will pay for signage on municipal segments when needed, while RIDOT will fund state segments. The subcommittee will share RIDOT’s proposed signage and mapping with council staff.
