2025-62 Supporting the Ride Island Plan

A Resolution Endorsing the 2023 Ride Island Bike Plan as a guiding document in the planning of transportation related infrastructure for Newport

WHEREAS, "Ride Island" is an initiative with the goal of creating an island-wide network of connected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on Aquidneck Island; and

WHEREAS, the Ride Island initiative is working collaboratively with the Aquidneck Island municipal administrators and planners, elected officials, and resident advocates in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth, and Naval Station Newport; and

WHEREAS, Ride Island is using industry best practices and evidence-based research to identify solutions to Aquidneck Island's infrastructure needs and the desires of the communities; and

WHEREAS, Ride Island is a collaborative initiative, serving the interests of the Aquidneck Island community and providing assistance to municipal planning departments by identifying funding opportunities, providing relevant resources and research on best practices, and facilitating collaboration among the municipalities and the Naval Station; and

WHEREAS, the Ride Island Bike Plan of 2023 is based on recommendations in existing studies including the Aquidneck Island West Side Master Plan (2005); Aquidneck Island Transportation Study (2011); the Rhode Island Bicycle Mobility Plan (2020); Keep Newport Moving (2022); RIDOT State Transportation Improvement Program (2022-2031); the municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plans of Newport (2017), Middletown (2014) and Portsmouth (2021); and more; and

WHEREAS, the Ride Island Bike Plan of 2023 addresses gaps in these previous works by incorporating additional transportation data and engagement of previously underrepresented stakeholders and a gathering of representative advisors; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Newport City Council does hereby indicate our endorsement of and commitment to the use of the "Ride Island Bike Plan" as an advisory resource for guidance in the planning and redevelopment of transportation related to infrastructure improvements in the City of Newport where consistent with previously adopted plans, the Newport Comprehensive Plan, and City ordinances.

ELLEN PINNOCK
STEPHANIE SMYTH
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
APRIL 9, 2025

LAURA C. SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK