Providence Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

Executive Order 2012 - 1

Creating the "Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission"

May 18, 2012

WHEREAS, Providence seeks to become a city achieving greater sustainability through reduced energy use, a cleaner environment, and improved general health; and

WHEREAS, the City of Providence wishes to enhance bicycling and walking for transportation and recreation by promoting efforts in the areas of bicycle & pedestrian education, enforcement, engineering and encouragement; and

WHEREAS, the City of Providence seeks to increase the number of transportation options available to residents; and

WHEREAS, Providence is committed to the principle of "complete streets;" and

WHEREAS, Providence wishes to maximize the realized benefits of ongoing urban re-design to deliver a more enjoyable "Providence Experience" to residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, the City of Providence has developed and implemented a bicycle plan to enhance and encourage the use of bicycles as a healthy, efficient mode of transportation having minimal environmental impact; and

WHEREAS, Providence wishes to promote and take advantage of the positive impact of bicycling on local businesses; and

WHEREAS, Providence wishes to improve overall performance in schools and in the workplace; and

NOW THEREFORE, do I, Angel Taveras, Mayor of the City of Providence, order the following, effective immediately:

1) The Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission is hereby created.

2) The Commission shall consist of five (5) public members appointed by the Mayor. Members of the commission shall serve a term of four (4) years, or until their successors are appointed. Appointments may be for terms varying between one (1) and four (4) years as the Mayor may decide to establish staggered terms. Staff of the Department of Planning and Development, Department of Public Works, and Office of Sustainability, as designated by Mayor, shall serve as non-voting Ex-Officio members.

3) The goals and duties of the Commission shall include the following:
a. To serve as the advisory body to the Mayor, Planning Commission, Department of Public Works, Department of Planning and Development, and the Office of Sustainability on matters pertaining to bicycling and walking in the City;

b. To make recommendations to the Office of the Mayor;

c. To examine the need for bicycle and pedestrian transportation;

d. To promote programs and facilities for bicycles and pedestrians in this City;

e. To educate and inform the public and local officials on bicycle and pedestrian issues;

f. To perform special studies and projects as requested by the City on bicycle and pedestrian questions, including reviewing development plans and site plans which may have significant impact on bicycle and pedestrian transportation;

g. To facilitate citizen participation in consideration of matters involving bicycle and pedestrian questions;

h. To study changes in laws, regulations, and best practices concerning bicycle and pedestrian issues and to advise the City with respect to such changes;

i. To promote intergovernmental and public/private cooperation and coordination on bicycle and pedestrian matters;

j. To advise the public and the City on matters affecting the relationship between bicycle and pedestrian transportation and parks, schools, transit stops, and other major facilities; and

k. To incorporate bicycle and pedestrian planning in the Sustainability Action Plan in coordination with the Director of Sustainability.

4) The Department of Planning and Development will provide administrative support to the Commission.

Angel Taveras
Mayor

Dated: May 18, 2012