VIDEO: Just-Completed Bike Lanes on Eaton Street to be Removed

VIDEO: Just-Completed Bike Lanes on Eaton Street to be Removed

The controversial new bike lanes on Eaton Street in Providence are going to be removed. 

Providence City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan announced Thursday that following the implementation of the new bike and driving lanes, that Eaton Street will return to its original traffic pattern. 

“Making our City streets safe and accessible to all is one of my top priorities,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “We need to balance all new initiatives with the needs of the surrounding community, particularly when it is a matter of public safety. After hosting two community meetings and hearing from a cross section of the Elmhurst neighborhood where residents articulated their incisive observations with the Eaton Street traffic redesign, I am pleased to report that the Mayor has agreed with us.”

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Community Feedback Sparked Move

“I want to thank my neighbors for working together to address these genuine issues of public safety," said Ryan. "Our voices were heard loud and clear. Further, I also want to emphasize that my neighbors are not opposed to creating bike lanes on City streets. We simply ask the City administration to be mindful of the public engagement and vetting process.”

Ryan said that after several meetings with Mayor Jorge Elorza and his department Directors that she was successful in convincing City officials to have Eaton Street returned to its original traffic pattern. The remedial work will commence in a "timely fashion," said Ryan. 

Due to the recent developments, the community meeting which was tentatively scheduled on October 2 at St. Pius V Church has been canceled.