Paths Boost Our Economy
Rhode Island’s paths system is one of our strongest emerging tourism resources. As the state seeks to attract more visitors to boost our economy, we must provide multimodal transportation options so that tourism does not add to traffic congestion on our roads. Bike and pedestrian infrastructure is essential for the first and last miles of our travel, for both visitors and residents.
When businesses choose where to locate, it’s not just about tax rates, but whether their employees will find the active transportation culture they want. To stay competitive, we must provide that. Also, path construction creates even more jobs per dollar spent than road construction, and that infusion will contribute momentum to Rhode Island’s growing economic prosperity.
Therefore, now is the time to invest in this vital statewide resource. RhodeWorks will help, but a bond will also be a critical piece of the funding for these needs.
Broad support of recreational paths
Rhode Islanders have always overwhelmingly supported recreation bonds; since 1985 they have passed with 65-71% of voters in support. 80.3% of Rhode Islanders surveyed recently agreed that improving our public transportation system is good both for people who use it and for those who do not, and 81.6% believe that modern infrastructure is an important path to economic prosperity. 76.1% said making our roads safer was a high priority and 67.4% said we need to build a 21st century transit system to attract new businesses & jobs. These numbers strongly suggest that investing in our recreational and transportation paths has a strong chance of success.