East Bay Bike Path Parking

RIDOT lists 11 public parking spots for the East Bay Bike Path, from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol: India Point Park, two lots on Veterans Memorial Parkway, Kettle Point, Riverside Square, Haines Memorial State Park, County Road in Barrington, Railroad Avenue and Franklin Street in Warren, Colt State Park and Independence Park. Colt's lots are free and the path crosses the park by its entrance. Pick a lot by how far you want to ride.

The Public Lots, North to South

RIDOT's East Bay Bike Path page links a map for each of these lots. In order from Providence:

1. India Point Park (Providence). The north end of the path, by the Washington Bridge.
2. Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lot One (East Providence). The first of two lots beside the parkway; RIDOT calls both popular starting points.
3. Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lot Two (East Providence). After this lot, RIDOT says, comes the steep downhill to the waterfront and the causeway along the Providence River.
4. Kettle Point Public Parking (East Providence). On the stretch RIDOT describes as being redeveloped for office and residential use.
5. Riverside Square (Riverside, East Providence). RIDOT calls Riverside Square the first stop on the path for water, food and restrooms. It is where DEM's Phase 1 and Phase 4 sections meet.
6. Haines Memorial State Park (Barrington). A DEM park on the path with picnic areas, game fields, a boat ramp and restrooms. See Haines Memorial State Park.
7. County Road (Barrington). RIDOT says the path passes close to a commercial corridor here with food and a large grocery store.
8. Railroad Avenue (Warren).
9. Franklin Street (Warren). RIDOT notes shops and restaurants in Warren's Main Street area and near the waterfront.
10. Colt State Park (Bristol). See below.
11. Independence Park (Bristol). The south end of the path, on Bristol Harbor.

Parking at Colt State Park

Colt State Park, in Bristol near the south end, is on RIDOT's list of bike path parking. The path crosses the park's entrance road and DEM says the park's own bike trails intersect it. Entry and parking at Colt are free, and there are restrooms in each of the park's three picnic areas. From Colt you can ride the last stretch south to Independence Park, or head north toward Warren, Barrington and Providence. The Colt parking guide shows where the lots are inside the park.

Parking at the Ends

The path's two ends are India Point Park in Providence and Independence Park on Bristol Harbor, and RIDOT lists parking at both. Independence Park is also a public boat launch (DEM site 21).

Which Lot for Which Ride

• The whole path, north to south: start at Veterans Memorial Parkway and ride to Independence Park; arrange a pickup or ride back.
• A flat family ride: start at Colt State Park or Franklin Street and ride the Warren–Bristol stretch, which RIDOT describes as passing through less densely populated areas with views of the bay.
• Restrooms at the start: Riverside Square, Haines or Colt.
• Avoid the big hill: start at Riverside Square or anywhere south of it; the hill is in East Providence.

Bike Path Map

RIDOT publishes a separate map for each parking lot from its East Bay Bike Path page, plus a statewide Bike RI story map. DEM's map of Colt State Park shows the path crossing the park's north-east corner. For the route itself, the East Bay Bike Path guide walks through it town by town.

Before You Go

The path is open sunrise to sunset and gets no snow removal (DEM). Bring water; RIDOT names Riverside Square as the first water stop heading south from Providence.