Rhode Island General Laws Title 24. Highways § 24-16-1. Legislative findings

(1) To achieve a cleaner, greener transportation system the transportation plans of Rhode Island should consider the needs of all users of our roadways including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, motorists and citizens of all ages and abilities, including children, the elderly and the disabled. By encouraging good planning, more citizens will achieve the health benefits associated with active forms of transportation while traffic congestion and automobile related air pollution will be reduced. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the state to consider people of all ages and abilities and all appropriate forms of transportation when planning roadway projects.

(2) For all state and local transportation projects that are eligible for both federal and state funding and are subject to department of transportation oversight, Rhode Island must provide for the consideration of safe travel by all users of the road network, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation users, regardless of age or ability, through the use of complete street design features for safe travel in the planning, design, and construction of new or reconstructed facilities, but not including, resurfacing, or other maintenance-level projects.