Submitted by Zealousideal-Bus5806 t3_115g3k9 in providence
I don't write or engage my local politicians enough. But I have felt and also seen even on here, a lot of anxiety and concern about the recent pedestrian incidents (i.e. North Main, Judge Licht getting hit by the state house), and felt like I needed to do something. I'm just one person, but this is the letter I'm going to send later today to the Mayor. Please be nice! Hoping maybe this can inspire others to write to him or local electeds! Thanks and have a nice day.
Dear Mayor Smiley,
As a Providence resident of nearly 12 years, I am excited about all the beneficial changes happening in our city. From all the new businesses, to the arts and culture scene, to all the efforts to make Providence a more accessible, diverse, and world class city.
One of my favorite things about Providence that I'm sure you and many other residents share is how close everything is. It's walkable and bikeable. However, I have been concerned about the recent pedestrian safety issues that have come up, including the hit and run death on North Main street, and Judge Licht getting struck walking by the State House. I myself have been hit by a car while bicycling twice in Providence over the last 3 months because drivers did not use their blinker to turn right and did not see me.
So many of your constituents share similar experiences – close calls with vehicles while walking/biking, actual accidents, and just an overall anxiety and fear of trying to commute in a more sustainable and non-car centric way.
Every day that the dangerous street design and traffic flow around places like North Main is not addressed is a day that another person could be injured or killed as a result of unsafe street design and traffic flow. This is an opportunity to lead in our community and make a real impact in the lives of my neighbors.
I am also concerned about some of your office’s comments about reviewing existing bike lane infrastructure like the one on South Water street. I ask that you listen to all your constituents, not just those who may be a vocal minority opposing broadly accessible, safer, cleaner commuting options.
Please take immediate action to work within your municipal authority and/or with the state to make sure nobody else is hurt or killed as a result of irresponsible and dangerous traffic patterns. Please make Providence a place where all people - residents and commuters, walkers and drivers, churchgoers and schoolchildren - can move around safely and comfortably. Please don’t shuffle your feet or lead Providence backwards, stalling or undoing the progress we’ve had the last several years around our safe street infrastructure.
Edit: appreciate everyone's support and interest! Wanted to add I'm sending the letter through here :
https://www.providenceri.gov/mayor/mayors-office-contact-us/
jakejanobs t1_j91f3a8 wrote
Love it, what I’ve come to realize is local politics is a lot easier to sway than state or federal politics. Most people don’t realize the power of a single letter or speech at a community meeting. It may be a shitty undemocratic system, but it’s surprisingly easy to change things