Supporters of South Water Street bike lane project hold rally

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Supporters of a controversial new bike lane near the Pedestrian Bridge in Providence held a rally late Friday afternoon.

The city defied a Rhode Island Department of Transportation order to halt work on the project on South Water Street.

• RELATED:City moves forward with bike lane, defying letter from RIDOT

The Department of Transportation said the state must agree to any changes.

While bikers may be happy, businesses are not because traffic is down to one lane and parking's been a problem.

• MORE: State won't intervene in South Water Street bike lane project

Bike riders at Burnside Park Friday night said the lane is better for everyone and the environment.