May 4, 2020
Providence, RI – After a successful weekend launch, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced the following updates to Providence Slow Streets, a new effort to make it safer for residents to walk, run and ride bicycles while maintaining social distancing.
“We saw folks enjoying our streets in new ways and exploring their neighborhoods at a safe social distance,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Traffic is hard to predict on the streets our neighbors live on and our business owners work on, so we’ve adjusted and will continue to evaluate the current streets and add or remove streets and spaces accordingly as we respond to COVID-19 together.”
After initial deployment this weekend and feedback from residents and businesses, the following changes have been made to Slow Streets segments:
- Oxford Street between Elmwood Avenue and Prairie Avenue has been removed
- Parade Street between Wood Street and Cranston Street has been removed
- Camp Street between Doyle and Stenton Avenue has been removed
- Pleasant Valley Parkway has been temporarily removed to accommodate construction through mid-May. Green spaces and off-road trails will remain open.
Throughout the weekend, the Department of Public Works installed signs and temporary barricades along designated streets to divert and slow down traffic. These barricades are being reinforced and/or updated as use is evaluated.
The Providence Slow Streets pilot creates extra space for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in dense residential neighborhoods so residents can be outside and maintain a safe social distance. A 10 MPH speed limit is be posted with daily monitoring by community volunteers. Police will enforce speeding infractions, when necessary. Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/6bAeACfXwo65bLEn7.
Residents can also explore this page and check back regularly for newly posted information or sign up for PVD311 for future updates to the program. Anyone interested in adding a Slow Street to their neighborhood or with additional questions can reach out to .