About Us

The Brown Urban Mobility Project (BUMP) is a student organization that envisions Providence, RI as a city built for the people, and believes that all citizens have the right to enjoy and navigate the urban environment, whether they choose to drive or not. Through tactical interventions, community advocacy, and public education, we are committed to promoting sustainable and resilient mobility infrastructure and urban development, and to creating safer, more enjoyable, and more prosperous streets that represent vibrant destinations key to community growth. 

Founded in 2022 with the dream of pedestrianizing Thayer Street– the main commercial corridor near campus– our organization has since pivoted to implementing pedestrian and bicyclist safety interventions across the city, promoting career development in related fields, and playing a key role in local community and political advocacy. 

In 2023, BUMP received a Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project Mini-Grant organized by the Providence Streets Coalition, GrowSmart RI, and RIDOH to fund a project focused on daylighting intersections around the East Side of Providence. Our efforts brought vibrant color to nine intersections on Angell, Meeting, John, Brown, and Governor streets, effectively improving pedestrian safety, reducing traffic collisions, and making walking more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 

We are also proud affiliates of the Providence Streets Coalition, an alliance of 42 community organizations committed to the creation of people-friendly streets in Providence. Through collaborations with community partners in both city government and non-profit organizations, we have played a pivotal role in advocating for stronger bicycle infrastructure, walkable streets, affordable, convenient and reliable transit, and mobility justice.