The state of North Main Street in photos and videos
Updated:
Providence’s North Main Street has been the site of horrific deaths, injuries, and crashes. This post is dedicated to documenting just a few of the problems individuals face when traversing North Main without a vehicle. None of these show the true extent and violence one faces in these areas.
Be mindful of how you proceed down this dangerous corridor. Those with limited mobility should expect it to be inaccessible at best. Bicyclists should be wary of uncaring, close-passing speeding motorists who may go out of their way to also verbally and physically threaten you. Pedestrians, even on sidewalks, are prone to getting hit; getting shouted at while using a crosswalk is common, and if you jaywalk, expect some vehicles to speed up in an attempt to hit you. Lastly, bus riders should be ready for what the weather brings, in addition to long stretches of absent bus stops.
Accidents are very common, and since motorists drive quickly, they often careen into and beyond the sidewalk. Debris such as glass and vehicle parts are never cleared and damage to infrastructure is seldom fixed.A newly completed pedestrian crossing signal is entirely obstructed as it was placed directly behind a utility pole.Bus stops do not have adequate shelter and are heavily damaged. Notably, the ones pictured are the nicer ones as most do not even have a place to sit.Years long stagnant construction materials eat away at sidewalk space while uneven sidewalks are strewn about.In the wintery months, many parts remain permanently unshoveled, often getting icy.
Cars block sidewalk access at multiple businesses across North Main whether it be through drive-throughs or waiting for street lights that are positioned facing the sidewalks of businesses.
Cars idle in crosswalks and park on sidewalks.Long stretches of no crosswalks has led to desire paths and needing to jaywalk. Additionally, despite large amounts of unused space on the side of the road, there are no bicycle lanes.
Some street lights are broken.
A driver passes me closely, stops in crosswalk, and yells profanities. These interactions are normal for bicyclists.
