Requires anyone using a bicycle trail or path to stay to the right on the path and would always pass on the left when safe to do so.
Summary
H5192 amends Rhode Island’s bicycle operation laws by creating a new section governing conduct on bicycle trails and paths. It requires all users of bike paths—including bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers, inline skaters, roller skaters, skateboarders, scooter riders, and authorized electric motorized vehicle users—to observe traffic rules and signs, keep to the right, and pass on the left when safe to do so. The bill also requires hand signals and verbal notification when passing others.
The measure assigns the Rhode Island Department of Transportation jurisdiction over bike paths in the state and directs the department to adopt and enforce rules and regulations needed to implement the new requirements. The act would take effect immediately upon passage, making the new trail-use rules effective without delay.
Impact
The bill would add a new statutory section to Chapter 31-19 of the General Laws, expanding state regulation of bicycle trail and path use. It would impose a uniform right-side travel and left-side passing rule on shared-use paths, apply those rules to a broad range of path users, and authorize RIDOT to regulate and enforce compliance. The practical effect would be to standardize behavior on bike paths and give the state transportation agency explicit oversight authority over trail operations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the available record suggests a straightforward, administrative measure rather than a controversial policy proposal. The bill appears aimed at improving safety, predictability, and shared use on bike paths, which generally indicates a favorable or neutral reception. No formal opposition, amendments, or divided vote are reflected in the provided materials.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available context. Potential areas of concern, if raised, could include the breadth of users covered by the rule, the practicality of enforcing passing and signaling requirements on mixed-use paths, and the scope of RIDOT’s new enforcement role. However, the provided record does not show any named opponents, competing viewpoints, or committee debate.