« R.I. education official finalist for top college job in Penn. |
Today
| Last day for tickets for R.I.'s Heritage Hall of Fame event »
April 28, 2008
Blackstone River Bikeway getting longer / Photo

Journal Photo/Mary Murphy
John Rohland of East Providence, a member of the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen, tries out the new section of the Blackstone River Bikeway today after the ribbon cutting. Riding in the covered trailer is his year-old son, Christopher. They were taking off at the start of the Lonsdale Marsh boardwalk.
Rain didn't stop the dedication of the newest leg of the Blackstone River Bikeway.
The new, 1-mile segment brings the path up to 10.3 miles in each direction, from Cumberland to Woonsocket.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, bikers and a few onlookers stood in the rain to attend the dedication ceremony for the path, which boasts an elevated boardwalk to carry bikers through the Lonsdale Marsh -- giving bikers an up-close look at the habitat without disturbing it.
"This environmentally sensitive feature allows the bikeway to continue on an off-road path while not disturbing the flow of water in the marsh – something that is critical during times of high river levels,” RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said in a statement.
“Combined with the restoration of the Lonsdale Drive-In into a scenic meadow and wetland, these projects improve the ecology of the river while allowing everyone access.”
This year also marks the debut of the Blackstone River Valley Bikeway Patrol -- volunteers who will ride the path and help riders with everything from patching flat tires to giving historical tours.
“The continuing expansion of the path provides better access to historic areas along the river that otherwise might be overlooked,” Lewis said. “Each area on its own may not attract much attention, but when linked together by the bikeway, the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts.”
Posted by Brandie Jefferson
at 1:30 PM | Permalink
Gordon | April 28, 2008 3:54 PM link
Joan | April 28, 2008 7:11 PM link
Post a comment
Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.
This is witout doubt some of the best money spent by the state/federal government. Just riding this bike path shows the effort that is being made to improve the quality of life in our area and preserving nature. I rode the new section on Saturday and saw several deer and other wildlife in the area. Hats off to all those responsible for making this possible. It is a true jewel for the Blackstone Valley and northern RI.