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Brett Smiley
Mayor | Providence, RI

Community EMS Bike Response Program

Idea Category: 2025 Ideas Challenge, Improving Quality of Life

2025 Ideas Challenge Entry

Public health crises—particularly mental health and substance use—are straining emergency services and reducing overall quality of life in key business districts. In one recent year, nearly 20% of more than 30,000 EMS runs were related to these issues, exceeding staff capacity and slowing response times. Limited access to appropriate healthcare and broader social factors further drive overuse of emergency services.

Launched as a pilot in 2023, the Community EMS Bike Response Program proactively addresses these challenges. Staffed by trained first responders, bike teams deliver rapid, on-the-ground emergency care, overdose prevention, and public education. They distribute Naloxone kits, fentanyl test strips, and recovery resources, and carry essential medical equipment including AEDs, oxygen, and IV supplies.

Strategically deployed in high-need areas, bike teams arrive nearly three minutes faster than other units and resolve one in four calls without requiring ambulance transport—freeing resources for more critical emergencies. In its first year, the program distributed nearly 500 Naloxone doses and 300 fentanyl test kits.

Impact or how it will be measured:

The City’s Department of Housing and Human Services provides essential project management and evaluation support. Early pilot results demonstrated the program’s effectiveness in reducing response time and a need for expanded hours.