R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-13-8: Pedestrian control signals.

Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words “walk” or “wait” or “don’t walk” are in place the signals shall indicate as follows:

(1) Walk. Pedestrians facing the signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles.

(2) Wait or don’t walk. No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his or her crossing on the walk signal, shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the “wait” or “don’t walk” signal is showing.