A film screening and panel discussion aimed at promoting safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists is coming to Newport on Aug. 13.
The event, organized by Ride Island, will feature “The Street Project,” a documentary examining unsafe street designs across the United States. The screening will take place at 6 p.m. at the JPT Film & Event Center.
Bicycling and pedestrian fatalities continue to rise nationwide. In 2022, 1,360 cyclists were killed on U.S. roads, according to the National Safety Council. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports 7,318 pedestrian deaths by motorists in 2023.
Rhode Island saw 302 fatal crashes and 1,395 serious injury crashes between 2019-2023, with 2% involving cyclists and 17% involving pedestrians.
On Aquidneck Island, 80% of trips that start and finish on the island are four miles or less, with half being two miles or less. Despite this, few residents choose to walk or bike due to safety concerns and lack of infrastructure.
“We know that 60% of the population want to bike but don’t because they are afraid to do so, because the infrastructure doesn’t feel safe or comfortable,” said Bike Newport Executive Director Bari Freeman in a statement.
“The Street Project” explores how America views its streets and potential safety improvements. The film spans the globe, examining cycling-friendly cities in Europe and contrasting them with conditions in U.S. cities like New York and Phoenix.
The documentary delves into the history of street use, effective street design, the impact of automobiles, and the misuse of victim-blaming concepts like jaywalking.
Following the screening, a panel discussion and audience Q&A will allow attendees to engage with advocates and technical experts in safer street design.
Panelists include Will Handsfield, Bike Program Specialist with the Washington, D.C. District Department of Transportation, who will discuss the municipal process of street design.
Michelle Danila, Director of Engineering Operations with Toole Design, a firm focused on people-centered streets, will speak about designing safer streets.
Local educator and advocate Allyson McCalla, Director of Operations with Bike Newport and founder of Black Girls Do Bike: Newport, will address ways to advocate for more walkable and bikeable streets.
Freeman emphasized the broader benefits of safer streets, stating, “Making active transportation viable on Aquidneck Island helps us reduce traffic congestion, improve our health, and bring related economic benefits to the island.”
“The Street Project” is directed by Jennifer Boyd and produced by Lindsay Thompson. The film received major funding from Travelers, with additional support from GM and 3M.
The screening is part of a film series highlighting women filmmakers at the JPT Film & Event Center.
Ride Island, the event organizer, is an initiative to advance and support active transportation on Aquidneck Island. The organization aims to create safer conditions for walking, biking, and using transit.
“This film is inspiring about local solutions that create safer conditions so more people will walk, bike and use transit,” Freeman added.
The event provides an opportunity for community members to learn about street safety issues and engage in discussions about potential solutions for Aquidneck Island.
Tickets for the screening and panel discussion are available at janepickens.com/shows/street-project-w-ride-island.
For more information about the event and Ride Island’s initiatives, visit www.rideisland.org/ and bikenewportri.org/the-street-project/.
The film’s trailer and additional details can be found at https://www.thestreetproject.com/.
As communities across the country grapple with rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, events like this aim to spark conversations and drive action toward creating safer, more inclusive streets for all users.
