Washington Secondary Bike Path

Washington Secondary Bike Path. The Washington Secondary Bike Path is a paved bike path that spans 19 miles from Cranston to Wickford Junction in Rhode Island, passing through Warwick and Coventry. This bike path is part of the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile trail system that connects Maine to Florida, and is also linked to the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. The path is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and is a popular route for both commuters and recreational riders, including those visiting nearby Goddard Memorial State Park and Scituate Reservoir.

Overview

The Washington Secondary Bike Path is a significant transportation corridor, providing an alternative to driving on nearby Interstate 95 and US Route 1. The path is used by thousands of riders each year, including students from University of Rhode Island and Community College of Rhode Island, and is an important link to the Providence metropolitan area. The bike path also passes through the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge and the Arcadia Management Area, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Nearby attractions include the Newport Mansions and the Cliff Walk in Newport, as well as the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Route

The Washington Secondary Bike Path begins in Cranston and heads southwest through Warwick and Coventry before ending in Wickford Junction. The path follows the former New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad corridor, which was abandoned in the 1980s and converted into a bike path in the 1990s with the help of the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy and the Federal Highway Administration. The path passes through a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including the Pawtuxet River valley and the Scituate Reservoir watershed, and offers connections to other local trails, such as the Ten Mile River Greenway and the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Riders can also access the path from nearby TF Green Airport and the Kingston train station, which is served by Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

History

The Washington Secondary Bike Path has a long history dating back to the 19th century, when the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad was built to connect New York City to Boston. The railroad played a significant role in the development of the region, facilitating the growth of industries such as textile manufacturing and shipbuilding in cities like Pawtucket and Newport. In the 20th century, the railroad was abandoned and the corridor was converted into a bike path, with the help of organizations like the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the National Park Service. Today, the path is an important part of the regional transportation network, providing a safe and convenient route for commuters and recreational riders, including those visiting nearby Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design.

Features

The Washington Secondary Bike Path features a wide, paved surface that is suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists like those competing in the Tour de France or the USA Cycling series. The path is well-marked with signs and mileposts, and includes amenities such as parking areas, restrooms, and picnic tables at locations like Godard Park and Toll Gate High School. The path also passes through several parks and nature reserves, including the Lincoln Woods State Park and the George B. Parker Woodland, which offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities, such as kayaking on the Scituate Reservoir or fishing in the Pawtuxet River.

Safety

The Washington Secondary Bike Path is considered a safe and well-maintained route, with regular patrols by local law enforcement agencies like the Rhode Island State Police and the Cranston Police Department. The path is also equipped with safety features such as streetlights and emergency call boxes, and riders are encouraged to follow basic safety rules, such as wearing helmets and following traffic signals, as recommended by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the League of American Bicyclists. Additionally, the path is monitored by local organizations, such as the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition and the Providence Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, which work to promote cycling safety and advocacy in the region, including events like the Providence Cyclovia and the Rhode Island Bike Month.