Last week, we supported Selectman Danielle Chesebrough as she went in front of the Stonington Board of Finance to request the pledge of a 20% local match for a SS4A Grant (Safe Street for All). This funding opportunity is one that would allow the planning for bike lanes on a section of Route 1. Together, we pleaded our case and made it clear how important this initiative is for our local area and our community. 

In the end, we lost the vote by one member of the Board. While some may see this as a failure, we see this as substantial progress. In the past, we could not even bring up the word bike - or a bike-centric project - without substantial pushback and an inability for Board Members to listen and have a conversation that lent understanding. The fact that we had such a lengthy discussion and were so close to a majority vote was positive, impactful, and indicative of the change coming. It was even more impactful to witness those members who openly expressed value in these initiatives for our town. 

We are now looking for other opportunities to secure the local funding required for the match. This funding would be obtained through the federal infrastructure bill, which is a one time shot at funds like these. There are many other grants out there, however, ones of this magnitude - with a small match requirement - are less common. The other consideration is that with the Vision Zero Bill passing, no town will be eligible for federal funds without adhering to Complete Streets policies. This means ensuring that our streets are built for all road users, not solely car transportation.

There are many moving pieces that are putting pressure on our town to do more. We will keep pushing for the progression required. We feel renewed that we can get there in the near future, especially give how close we were to obtaining the local match last week.

Please continue to share this petition and grow our support. The community rallying around these projects only helps our position when we ask for support at a town, state, and federal level. 

Lastly, consider joining us tonight (6/15) at The United Theatre in Westerly, RI for an exclusive 7PM showing of the award-winning film The Engine Inside. The film's story-telling follows the lives of six individuals who have devoted themselves to the age-old machinery of the bicycle; something that has only made their lives better. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended to guarantee entry in the event of admission sell-out. We would love for you to join Bike Stonington, Mystic Cycle Centre, Brumble Bikes, and Remy's Cycles as we co-host our 1st-ever bicycle film event: https://bit.ly/EngineInsideWesterly