This spring and summer, life is different and the ways we move around our city are changing. But while new regulations are shaping our daily lives, getting where we need to go — safely — isn’t canceled. Streets that were once full of traffic congestion are largely empty, sidewalks are narrow and cramped, RIPTA has had to adapt to keep riders and drivers safe, and more people than ever are dusting off their bicycles. In response, Providence is testing new ideas, experimenting with pilot projects, and simply trying to respond to a rapidly evolving landscape. We believe that artists, designers, community groups, civic organizations, local businesses, faith communities, and neighborhood leaders—who are also struggling with canceled projects and programs—can help.
As the City of Providence adapts to COVID19 and moves forward with its Great Streets Initiative and Urban Trail Network and RIPTA continues improving our public transportation, the Providence Streets Coalition seeks to build excitement, momentum, and grassroots support for safer and healthier streets, expanded public space, and more transportation choices in our local communities by offering mini-grants of $500-3,000. Applications will be reviewed starting June 1st, 2020 and granted on a rolling basis.
Do you have an idea for an installation, activity, or project that will build support for safer streets while helping our city adapt to the COVID19 crisis? Or know someone who does? Click here for the Mini-Grant application.
Project proposals can include but are not limited to:
- Creating durable, aesthetic, affordable, and appealing barricades and signage for small businesses and restaurants to practice social distancing for outdoor dining and retail on streets and sidewalks
- Temporary art installations on Providence Slow Streets, future urban trails, or bus stops
- Creatively designating space for queuing on sidewalks, at bus stops and transit stations, at markets, takeout restaurants, food pantries and other retail spaces
- Leading a neighborhood conversation about safe mobility
- Starting a sidewalk poetry project
- Creating walking or biking tours for physically distanced mobility
- Designing wearable objects for physical distancing in public spaces
- Essay or photo contests
- Bicycle / scooter / other safety education workshops near future urban trails – either virtual, or physically distanced
- Safety equipment giveaways (bike helmets, lights, locks, etc.)
- Your idea for supporting safer streets, more transportation choices, and/or transportation-related COVID19 response
It’s with people, our community health, and all the ways we move around in mind, that we’re pushing the City and our communities to support more safety and less stress on Providence streets. These Mini-Grants are meant to empower local residents, organizations, and leaders to showcase how these changes can benefit their communities.
The Providence Streets Coalition is an alliance of community nonprofits, local businesses, schools, professional associations, and engaged individuals advocating for safer streets and more transportation choices in Providence. We believe in constructing streets in a way that lets all people move safely and easily no matter how they travel – whether driving, walking, biking, taking buses, scooting, skating, and/or using mobility-assistance devices.