it depends on where, but pretty much i only feel like i won’t get sideswiped is where it’s super duper residential.

Are you commuting during rush hour? Or just looking to take a weekend ride? I find you get a much different experience depending on when you're out.

I have been biking regularly around the city for over a decade. Mostly the west end, downtown, east side, Southside and Olneyville (so not Smith Hill or Mt Pleasant). My advice is to be calm, alert and give yourself space. Assume the worst of drivers. Like if you're close to a car on the road, assume he/she might make a right turn without signaling and almost swipe you. Again, give yourself space and always be prepared. If you expect the worst, you'll minimize your chances of being caught off guard.

The roads can get crowded, especially during rush hour and when there are cars parked too. Don't be afraid to use the middle of the lane for a bit.

Honestly most drivers are fine and I think used to the narrow busy streets of Providence. But you will run into some dodos too.

Providence has also immensely improved their biking infrastructure the last few years although there is a lot to improve too. If you have specific routes you need help with I'd be happy to weigh in!

I bike regularly and everywhere. I do not feel unsafe, even without bike lanes. I have found drivers are plenty courteous to me in giving me room when I bike in the street (which I often do since sidewalks can be more dangerous). I truly do not relate to other bikers feeling like drivers are aggressive towards them.

Bikers are common enough in the city that drivers are used to them.

Also, don’t forget to join the PVD Bike Jam! Or go volunteer with the PVD Bike Collective.

It kinda sucks. Depends on where you live? Going from the east side to the west end sucks and then going from the west end yo Cranston sucks too. Not many dedicated lanes, pot holes and New England weather makes it challenging but I have consistently used a bike here for over three years to commute and travel. One plus side is most streets don’t have high speed limits and people are generally considerate compared to other metro areas. Best of luck out there, not many people bike outside of using the recreational trails or wealthy white folk on the east side.

You will get beeped at almost every time you’re on the road just keep going and give them the bird you’ll be fine

Take the lane when it’s too narrow - don’t give people room/the inclination to squeeze by if it’ll put you in the door zone.

Try different routes & figure out which streets feel better than others; sometimes it’s more pleasant to take a longer route for a roomier / slower road.

On the off chance you do encounter a hostile driver, don’t engage, just let them be on their super duper important way.

I think it’s a marvelous mode of transit and preferable to any of the alternatives.

I bike a good amount, and I generally feel safe. The bike infrastructure isn’t the best, but there are mostly enough routes to get around where you can avoid the busiest streets.

PVD Streets has some info on bike routes and projects: https://instagram.com/providencestreets

I was worried about this thread being full of ridiculous “complain about RI” answers. Thanks for being reasonable and providing a good response! Haha

Second PVD Bike Jam and PVD Bike Collective!

That being said, I bike commute to work and generally it’s not a mean thing, I do think drivers often don’t look for bikes as there aren’t that many of us or bike lanes to remind them.

I’d say it’s totally doable and in fact great, but, the infrastructure ain’t great.

I've looked at biking from both sides now. For ages I biked all over for every occasion. I think most drivers learned to be nicer over time. I chided people who were nervous about riding. Now I would still ride but I got older and the stress became intolerable. Only one careless asshole is enough to kill you and you meet some every day. I am pissed that adrenaline rushes must be routinely endured if you ride. I have seen cities where bike lanes are continuous and actually go all the way to where you want to go. It would take surprisingly little change to make this city like that and I wish I could get out there again.

Look up Providence Bike Jam (I think it’s pvdbikejam on Instagram). They take over the city- between 100 to 300 bikers- one evening a month and do a big route visiting different neighborhoods. Ending at a bar for a hangout. The woman who organized it is active in advocating for updating the city … where bike lanes are needed, etc. Best!

Relatively new to both PVD and biking in urban areas - commuted/got around via bike for a good few months until the sun started setting before I left work… a little nerve wracking but nothing too scary in good weather & light, but had a few close calls in the dark. Definitely depends where in the city you frequent.

Google maps has pretty solid biking directions, and Legend Bikes sells a bike map of the city that lays out bike lanes and more/less bike friendly streets. Protected bike lanes and good lights that make you conspicuous are your friends, poorly marked busy intersections near highways are not

Biking in pvd is way better than it used to be.

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Once you know your route, it's OK. There are streets that are nutty, but there are side roads that are not. I just ride where there is less traffic and get more exercise.

>But you will run into some dodos too.

😐

I ride all over but I don’t typically need to commute during rush hour.

My advice is learn your routes. I’ve found most the streets I feel okay biking on over some trial and error.

I also when possible like to plan my route in advance if I’m going somewhere new. If I have the time I’ll even Google map it a bit and see if there’s a shoulder or make sure I’m not riding a highway of doom.

Legend Bicycle put this cool map of every street in the city with its bike-ability level. It’s from 2018 so Its likely missing some new bike lanes but still a good place to start. https://legendbicycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Layotheland-2018a.pdf

Have fun be safe.

> Does anyone have tips, routes, or general sage wisdom for staying safe while biking round pvd?

Please follow the rules of the road, especially at lights and stop signs. They apply to bicyclists too

Do what you can to be visible, wearing bright colors and using bright bike lights. Assume most drivers are not paying attention, and expect that 20% of cars have tinted windows that will interfere with their ability to see at dusk and night.

I'm mostly a walker, but I get treated very differently (better!) when I have a bright vest on. Drivers are more likely to stop for me when I'm trying to cross the street than when I'm in my regular outerwear. I assume it's because I stick out in the streetscape.

Never had a problem. Those electric scooters have diverted any hostility.