🚦 RVAPB For Safer Streets
“The people closest to the problem are often the closest to the solution.” Glenn Martin
This issue is a quick 2–4 minute read—we hope you enjoy it!
Over the last few weeks, we have all heard the tragic news of pedestrians that have been killed in traffic-related crashes. As Mayor Avula said, “In a Thriving Richmond, everyone deserves to get where they're going safely." We applaud 🙌 the creation of a new Department of Transportation and the City’s renewed commitment to Vision Zero.
This month, we thought we’d share some of the ways that the Richmond People’s Budget will be working with the Department of Public Works to achieve these goals. Public Mobility projects were our most popular ideas submitted by Richmond residents to make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
Why This Matters
In 2025, Richmond lost 13 lives to traffic-related pedestrian incidents. These tragedies were avoidable. Every number represents a neighbor, a friend, a family member—and a reminder the importance of safety in our neighborhoods.
The Richmond People’s Budget (RVAPB) cannot solve every challenge our city faces, and we never shy away from that truth. But what we and our friends in the Office of Transportation can do is create a mechanism for community voices to shape solutions—consistently and meaningfully.
Everyday people are a wealth of knowledge. When we listen, we learn. When we act, we save lives.
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What We Heard From You
This cycle, residents submitted hundreds of ideas focused on traffic calming and pedestrian/biker safety. 41% of the ideas we heard focused on public mobility projects. Here are some of the most common themes:
Speed Reduction Measures: Raised crosswalks, speed humps, and curb extensions to slow down vehicles in high-risk areas.
Protected Bike Lanes: Dedicated lanes with physical barriers to keep cyclists safe.
Improving Lighting/ Visibility: More streetlights and less obstructed views at intersections
Accessible Crossings: ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian signals for all abilities.
Public Mobility Projects in the Works
In 2025, you voted to support 8 projects that focused on public mobility. Our team is currently working closely with city departments to evaluate feasibility and cost for these projects.
Project Title | District |
|---|---|
Improving Pedestrian Safety at Hamilton and Monument | 1st |
Improving Pedestrian Safety at Belmont Library | 1st |
Improve Pedestrian Crossings at Brookland Park Blvd | 3rd |
Improve Sidewalks | 4th |
Implement Neighborhood Road Safety Improvements | 5th |
Implement Neighborhood Road Safety Improvements | 8th |
Improve Sidewalks Along Jahnke Road | 4th and 9th |
Implement Neighborhood Road Safety Improvements | 9th |
We just published this map to keep you up to date on these projects and we’ll keep showing up in your neighborhoods to collect more ideas for future cycles.
How can you get involved?
There are a bunch of other ways to help make streets safe for everyone!
Fill out the Safter Intersection Survey
The City is asking for your feedback on how to improve pedestrian crossings throughout the city. Here is a link to those.
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Near Miss Map
Did you have a close call? Report it to PlanRVA to help inform transportation investments around Richmond.
RVA Connects Action Plan
Over the last five years, the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility has been working to address pedestrian and bike needs. Check out their City Council approved plan.
Stay Connected
Share this news letter with a friend
Come to a future Commission Meeting.
Thank you for being part of this work. Together, we’re building a Richmond where safety is not a privilege—it’s a promise. Lastly, please put the phones down, DO NOT DRIVE DISTRACTED.
