What to know about the more than 70 miles of bike paths across RI
Whether you're looking for recreation, exercise or an alternate means of transportation this summer, Rhode Island offers eight state-built bikeways, with more than 70 miles of pedal parkway, most of that on off-road bike paths.
They go from the 1-mile Warren Bike Path to the 19-mile Washington Secondary Bike Path, from Cranston to Coventry. And that's not counting the fact that the Blackstone River Bikeway and East Bay Bike Path meet in Providence's India Point Park, connecting for a combined route from Bristol to Woonsocket of more than 32 miles.
Here's why Rhode Island's bike paths are awesome
While some stretches are decidedly urban in character, most follow old railroad routes through scenic and tranquil settings. Many parts of the state's bikeways pass through or near retail districts, offering dining and shopping opportunities, from tacos and ice cream to Indian and contemporary American cuisine.
"It feels secluded, but the businesses are right there," said AnnMarie Callahan, one of several riders The Providence Journal caught up with one Sunday on the Blackstone River Bikeway as it passes through several spots in Lincoln. "It makes a nice day if you take the path up a way, and then get off and have a good lunch."
Callahan, of Woonsocket, is a public school teacher in Wrentham. "It's flat," she said. "It's an easy ride. Anybody can do it. It's really good exercise."
A note about flatness: because most of Rhode Island's bikeways follow former railroad routes, they tend not to have steep grades. But some extended uphill grades, though not steep, can add to the work required to ride them. And a few short hills, notably on the East Bay Bike Path and Blackstone River Bikeway, will be challenging for novices. See the notes about those paths.
On many of RI's bike paths, the water views are a standout feature
Marissa Maloney, of Smithfield, riding near Albion Dam, echoed Callahan. "I like how it's pretty much flat," she said, adding that she likes how the route alternates between sunny and shady spots. "I like the views, the water views."
That was also a highlight for Donna Sawyer, a retired Pawtucket public elementary school teacher who lives in North Attleboro.
"Hearing the rushing of the water in the background is peaceful," said Sawyer, who was interviewed near a waterfall at Pratt Dam. "It helps me stay healthy."
The bikeways have been a multi-generational asset for Sawyer and her family. "We actually taught our oldest granddaughter to ride a bike on the bike path," she said, adding the young woman is now 24.
Here's details on each of the eight state-owned bike paths (Clicking the name of each links to the state website with even motre details, including where to park a vehicle near each path):
Blackstone River Bikeway
Length: 18.2 miles overall: almost 10 miles of off-road path, from Cumberland to Woonoscket, plus 1.6 miles of scattered individual segments of off-road path and 6.8 miles of marked, on-road routes between Cumberland and India Point Park in Providence.
Notable features: The bikeway passes over or near eight dams along the Blackstone River and travels along Providence’s Blackstone Boulevard. The off-road path crosses the Blackstone river several times, including in protected lanes on highway bridges and two bikeway bridges. It also crosses a 540-foot-long wooden boardwalk over Lonsdale Marsh.
Sights along the way: Capt. Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum, Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark and the historic Blackstone Canal.
Food businesses are near, but not readily visible along the off-road path, and plentiful at several spots along the on-road bike route.
Are there hills? Notably hilly from the shore of the Seekonk River in Providence to near the Blackstone River in downtown Pawtucket, plus on the off-road path just south of Albion Dam and just south of River’s Edge Park, Woonsocket.
The off-road bike path begins/ends behind Blackstone Valley Prep High School, Cumberland, and in River’s Edge Park, Woonsocket.
East Bay Bike Path
Length: 14.5 miles of off-road path, between India Point Park, Providence, and Independence Park, Bristol
Notable features: Includes sweeping vistas of the upper portion of Narragansett Bay, beautiful shore views in Bristol, plus many food opportunities right on the path.
Access along the way to the Crescent Park carousel and the Audubon Society's Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge and boardwalk.
Two significant hills: the climb over the Washington Bridge, which uses separate infrastructure from the I-195 highway bridge, and along the Veterans Memorial Parkway in the northern portion of the path through East Providence.
Fred Lippitt Woonasquatucket River Greenway
Length: 5 miles of on-road bike route and off-road bike path, connecting Lyman Avenue, Johnston, to Providence Place mall and the Providence Riverwalk. The state recommends on-road segments for experienced riders.
Notable features: Passes Button Hole Golf Course, Providence.
Quonset Bike Path
Length: 3.7 miles in North Kingstown from Post Road to Pettee Avenue, entirely off-road
South County Bike Path
Length: 7.8 miles, between Kingston Station, South Kingstown, and Mumford Road, Narragansett.
Notable features: Gradually slopes down toward Narragansett. Two-mile spur path connects to Route 138 and the University of Rhode Island campus near the Ryan Center.
Sights along the way: Passes through villages of Wakefield, with many shops and a rest area, and Peace Dale.
Ten Mile River Greenway
Length: 3 miles, connecting Doreen Ann Tomlinson Sports Complex, Pawtucket, to Kimberly Ann Rock Memorial Athletic Complex, East Providence, by way of Pawtucket's Slater Park.
Notable features: Not a former rail route, so curvier and slightly hillier than most other paths in the state.
Sights along the way: Passes near Slater Park carousel.
Warren Bike Path
Length: 1 mile, mostly level, between the Kickemuit River and Long Lane, near the Massachusetts border.
Notable features: Follows abandoned rail spur.
Washington Secondary Bike Path
Length: 19 miles, between Cranston Street, Cranston, and Log Bridge Road, Coventry.
Notable features: Follows abandoned rail corridor, generally sloping down toward Cranston, with exceptions. More than half of the path runs parallel to Pawtuxet River. The Coventry section includes an equestrian trail following the same route.
Sights along the way: Several sections have direct access to shops, including malls, though the state recommends only experienced riders brave the traffic to the malls.
Includes many picturesque river crossings, including on iron truss bridges and a high trestle. Views of old mill buildings and waterfalls.
Access to the homestead of Gen. Nathanael Greene, second in command to George Washinton during the Revolutionary War.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Users guide to RI bike paths