Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) welcomed representatives of Bike Newport and advocates of the “Rhode Island Waves” campaign to the State House yesterday to honor them for their successful campaign to make streets safer for everyone.
The Rhode Island Waves campaign, created by Bike Newport, asks all road users, including walkers, bikers, runners, skateboarders, motorists and those engaging in any other activity, to stop, look and wave to each other when crossing intersections. The objective is to ensure that both parties have noticed each other to create a safer environment.
“This is a great public awareness campaign that encourages people to use the power of a friendly wave to keep everyone safe while also fostering human connections in neighborhoods and city streets. I think it’s a great idea to use this simple gesture in this way. Only good things can come from people exchanging a wave and a smile,” said Representative Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) in a press release provided by the Rhode Island General Assembly.
Representative Carson today introduced a House resolution (2019-H 5952) honoring the campaign and encouraging all Rhode Islanders to join the campaign and exchange waves with other road users at intersections to increase public safety. The House passed the resolution, and took a moment to wave in the chamber in honor of the campaign.
On hand for the adoption of the resolution were Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Public Affairs Director Barbara Polichetti; AAA Northeast Traffic Safety Programs Manager Diana Imondi; JaiCG Founder Joseph Phommasith; Bike Newport Executive Director Bari Freemen and Bike Newport representatives Liz Davis, Allyson McCalla, Alice Cialella, Clare Woodhead and Jordan Miller.
“RI Waves is a grassroots campaign — improved safety on our streets depends on participation by all road users — people biking, walking and driving,” said Freeman in the statement. “We’re especially grateful for Representative Carson’s commitment to spearhead the adoption of this resolution, as well as continued support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, AAA and RIPTA to help us spread the word — and the wave — among Rhode Islanders.”