EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WJAR) — Bill Eldred, 80, of North Kingstown, was killed in a motorcycle crash involving a pickup truck on Frenchtown Road on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Eldred was struck while riding uphill around 6:30 p.m. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the collision but confirmed he did not survive the incident.
According to the East Greenwich Police, a left turn into the Frenchtown Road Park and Ride is illegal, although no signage prohibits it. Local resident Russell Weiss, a friend of Eldred’s, previously raised concerns about safety issues in the construction zone and reported the hazardous conditions.
Witnesses reported that Eldred was en route to meet Weiss for coffee when the incident occurred.
Emergency services assessed the scene, but no additional injuries were reported. The pickup truck driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Authorities noted that lane closures are in effect on Frenchtown Road due to ongoing construction work, which is set to conclude in 2027. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is awaiting the results of the police investigation before considering additional safety measures.
Local officials expressed concern that without proper signage and markings, more accidents may occur in the area.