Not sure if this is still true, but years ago you could wander into the Nazarian Center (the music building) at RIC and use the upstairs practice rooms.

Relatively new to both PVD and biking in urban areas - commuted/got around via bike for a good few months until the sun started setting before I left work… a little nerve wracking but nothing too scary in good weather & light, but had a few close calls in the dark. Definitely depends where in the city you frequent.

Google maps has pretty solid biking directions, and Legend Bikes sells a bike map of the city that lays out bike lanes and more/less bike friendly streets. Protected bike lanes and good lights that make you conspicuous are your friends, poorly marked busy intersections near highways are not

No, they haven’t for many years.

Yes, most of the vegan brunch sit down spots start at 10 or 11. I didn’t realize you were looking for something earlier than that, my bad.

Basil & Bunny is super, but last I checked, the brunch isn’t until midday or so.

Look up Providence Bike Jam (I think it’s pvdbikejam on Instagram). They take over the city- between 100 to 300 bikers- one evening a month and do a big route visiting different neighborhoods. Ending at a bar for a hangout. The woman who organized it is active in advocating for updating the city … where bike lanes are needed, etc. Best!

I've looked at biking from both sides now. For ages I biked all over for every occasion. I think most drivers learned to be nicer over time. I chided people who were nervous about riding. Now I would still ride but I got older and the stress became intolerable. Only one careless asshole is enough to kill you and you meet some every day. I am pissed that adrenaline rushes must be routinely endured if you ride. I have seen cities where bike lanes are continuous and actually go all the way to where you want to go. It would take surprisingly little change to make this city like that and I wish I could get out there again.

Second PVD Bike Jam and PVD Bike Collective!

That being said, I bike commute to work and generally it’s not a mean thing, I do think drivers often don’t look for bikes as there aren’t that many of us or bike lanes to remind them.

I’d say it’s totally doable and in fact great, but, the infrastructure ain’t great.

Thank you!!

Even still, only like half of the smoothie options are vegan. The others have either milk or honey

Pianta and Basil & Bunny apparently do brunch on the weekend but I haven’t checked them out myself. Apothica Cafe in Cumberland is incredible. Crazy Burger is definitely an OG vegan breakfast spot too. If you’re willing to head to MA, Sweet Rose Cafe in Fall River is great too. And if you want something quick, Coffee Connection has great vegan options.

I was worried about this thread being full of ridiculous “complain about RI” answers. Thanks for being reasonable and providing a good response! Haha

Vegan and vegetarian are very different in the breakfast world (ie eggs). Amy’s is mostly breakfast sandwiches and buttermilk pancakes. I guess they have smoothies.

I bike a good amount, and I generally feel safe. The bike infrastructure isn’t the best, but there are mostly enough routes to get around where you can avoid the busiest streets.

PVD Streets has some info on bike routes and projects: https://instagram.com/providencestreets

I think Amy’s on Wickenden is vegetarian, they probably have some vegan options.

I love this!

Take the lane when it’s too narrow - don’t give people room/the inclination to squeeze by if it’ll put you in the door zone.

Try different routes & figure out which streets feel better than others; sometimes it’s more pleasant to take a longer route for a roomier / slower road.

On the off chance you do encounter a hostile driver, don’t engage, just let them be on their super duper important way.

I think it’s a marvelous mode of transit and preferable to any of the alternatives.

Pianta does brunch on Sundays

I find many if not all of them keep to themselves and only hang around with one another they all seem to be related in some way or another, I’m referring to people that come from the jungle areas of Asia, not sure what you were really asking

Following

- a south asian with no other desi friends here 😂

You will get beeped at almost every time you’re on the road just keep going and give them the bird you’ll be fine

Over by Garden Grille, Rasoi does a good vegan brunch on either Saturday or Sunday (I forget)

Poster’s so dead

It kinda sucks. Depends on where you live? Going from the east side to the west end sucks and then going from the west end yo Cranston sucks too. Not many dedicated lanes, pot holes and New England weather makes it challenging but I have consistently used a bike here for over three years to commute and travel. One plus side is most streets don’t have high speed limits and people are generally considerate compared to other metro areas. Best of luck out there, not many people bike outside of using the recreational trails or wealthy white folk on the east side.

Thank you!!!!