We are a grassroots movement dedicated to restoring and sustaining a balanced quality of life on Block Island.

ABOUT US

Block Islanders have enthusiastically conserved our physical landscape. We hope to protect Block Island’s cultural landscape and quality of life with the same vigor. Our first initiative is moped reform.

For almost half a century, Block Island’s visionary leaders have made heroic efforts to preserve open space and protect the island’s unique physical landscape. Today, nearly half of the Island is permanently protected from development and The Nature Conservancy has named Block Island one of 12 Last Great Places in the western hemisphere. 

Now we are focusing the same energy and effort on guarding Block Island’s unique cultural landscape by preserving the quality of life its visitors and residents deserve.

RespectBI was formed in the summer of 2020 in response to an alarming increase in traffic, congestion, reckless roadway behavior, and related injuries and death.

To enhance the health and safety of visitors and residents, RespectBI’s first issue is moped reform. Through independent research, and collaboration with island businesses, local government, and other civic organizations, we aim to help set an agenda that prioritizes maintaining the peaceful, unspoiled, and bucolic atmosphere of Block Island for generations to come.

INITIATIVES

First Call to Action.

It all began with an ad in the Block Island Times on August 2020 calling for a community dialogue on moped reform.

Inaugural Meeting.

On August 20, 2020, RespectBI hosted a public, pandemic-safe Zoom meeting attended by over 163 concerned citizens.

Moderated by RespectBI Founder, Sarah Bacon, panelists included: NSPD Police Chief Vin Carlone, Traffic Expert Alan Davis, Realtor Gail Hall, Business Owner Thea Monje, Town Councilor Sven Risom, Creative Director Michael Rock, Longtime VFRS member Lisa Sprague and Dr. Tom Warcup, BIHS Medical Director. Moped Operator John Leone was confirmed but did not attend.

Call Your Town Councillor.

A call for RBI followers to implore the Town Council for a temporary ban on mopeds after a tragic moped fatality on August 15, 2020, and dozens of serious crashes, resulting in over 200 letters to the Town Council.

Eyes on the Roads.

RBI members document infractions of the Town Council/moped operator good faith agreement in August, 2020.

Ask the Residents.

Survey of prevailing sentiments on Block Island regarding residents' perceptions on environment, overcrowding and island spirit. Over 650 respondents.

Ask the Hosts.

A survey of Block Island hospitality sector on visitors’ transportation preferences.

Candidates’ Stands.

Block Island Times ad, 10/30/2020, reflecting stances on moped reform of seven Town Council candidates.

Community Education.

Thought-provoking weekly ads in the Block Island Times providing timely and factual information.

Recommendations.

Recommendations to Town leadership for feasible moped reform before Memorial Day 2021.

New Moped Ordinances.

Passed by the Town Council 3-2 on March 4, 2021, the new moped ordinances mandate training off of Weldon’s Way, require safety and operations video training for all moped rentals, limit operational hours & more.

Moped Incident Analysis.

RespectBI analyzed moped police incident reports from 2015-2020, and submitted our analysis to the Town Council. Crashes are trending up and age of moped renters is trending down. We also compared data on moped crashes from the the medical center to police reports.

Legal Action.

RespectBI hired legal counsel with the goal of filing an amicus brief in support of Town’s effort to implement the new moped ordinances. While our Emergency Motion to Intervene was denied by the judge, we will continue to support Town as the case develops.

Traffic Study.

Summer 2021, commissioned national mobility consultant, Nelson/Nygaard, to collect and analyze preliminary data on Block Island’s roadway users and submitted report to the Town Council.

Where Do We Go From Here?

On August 30, 2023, RespectBI and the Block Island Residents Association (BIRA) convened a community forum on Block Island’s roadway safety with Representative Tina Spears, Senator Alana DiMario, and Island panelists Kate Butcher of Block Island Realty, Rescue Captain Tracy Fredericks, Police Chief John Lynch, First Warden Keith Stover, and Dr. Thomas Warcup of the Medical Center. Watch here.

Public Forum, May 3, 2022.

Panelists Mary Anderson, Tracy Fredericks, Chris Littlefield, Cheif Moynihan & Dr. Warcup discuss the public safety challenges mopeds pose on Block Island, and RespectBI’s legal research team introduce an exciting opportunity for the island this summer. Watch here.

Sign the Petition.

Urge our Town Council to lobby the RI state legislature to amend the moped statute so Town has more elbow room to regulate mopeds. Use your voice for the public good here, and thanks for spreading the word to family, friends, neighbors, colleagues.

GET INVOLVED

#RespectBI engages supporters with calls to action, brief surveys, updates, and community events.

Join the movement, protect the beauty and tranquility of the island you love.

Your contact information will not be shared or made public.

We welcome your feedback and would love to hear from you.