Street Stories: Julio Berroa

Street Stories is an interview series with Providence residents about how they move around the our city by local photographer Brittanny Taylor. Would you like to share your story? Get in touch

Name, age, any personal identities you feel like sharing, neighborhood where you live, who you live with/care for, the school you go to, type of work you do or hope to do. 

Julio E. Berroa, 23, Afro-Latine, Artist, Queer. West End, living with my domestic partner, Rhode Island College, Health Care/Research Assistant.

How do you typically travel around Providence? Is that working for you? How does it affect your life, your job, your family? 

Before the pandemic, I used to bus pretty much everywhere. Over the years, I gained access to my own money, so I started taking Lyft and Uber only when necessary, like when it’s raining or snowing or running late. This, primarily walking to the bus, was my primary source of exercise. I would walk about 10-15 minutes to Atwells Ave to catch bus 92. Most of my jobs at the time were also at RIC, so it was perfect.

How would you ideally like to get around Providence, and what would need to happen to make that a reality?

In all honesty, walking because it is one of the easiest ways someone can exercise. For that to happen, we need better pedestrian access to a lot of the city. Our sidewalks are constantly broken, so high maintenance for pedestrian sidewalks—also new pedestrian regulations.

Do you feel safe when traveling around Providence? Where do you feel safe, and where do you not? 

I haven’t felt safe since 2016; we all know what that means. Safety is a hell of a thing. When traveling, I feel the safest when I’m near my house/home, as many of us do.

How could the City or RIPTA improve your experience getting around?

FREE FARE!!