I am extremely saddened and concerned by the escalating incidents that further highlight a need for reexamination of Main Street and island promenades as it pertains to safely traversing this progressive island.
Those who were personally and heartbreakingly impacted, as well as all residents and visitors, can be assured that RIOC will be immediately addressing these safety issues with both short-term and long-term plans. We are treating this with the utmost urgency, seriousness, and importance needed to restore the feeling of safety to all.
Our immediate plans for Main Street and island promenades are as follows:
Main Street Safety Improvements:
Two crossing guards will be posted on Main Street near PS/IS 217 intersections during school hours.
Speed bumps will be strategically placed on Main Street.
Portable radar signs will be placed in strategic locations on Main Street.
Promenade Safety Improvements:
Restriction of vehicles, motorized scooters, and e-bikes on promenades. However, emergency vehicles or permitted vehicles will be escorted by PSD.
Public Safety officers will be posted on the west promenade to ensure compliance.
New signage will be ordered.
In the most recent incident and to dispel misinformation, Public Safety Department (PSD) officers were in the vicinity of the event when the incident occurred. It was an unfortunate accident that could have easily been a tragedy, which is a further reason for great concern. As another point of clarification, the Public Safety Department is not short-staffed as we have only one vacant position at this time.
Sincerely,