View as Webpage

Friends and Supporters,

On January 27, 2023, Mahrokh Khan, a student at VCU was hit and killed by a driver at the intersection of West Main Street and Laurel Street in the City of Richmond. A few weeks ago, David Barnett was hit and killed by a driver on Robinson at Kensington Ave. Our hearts go out to the families. Too many of Richmond’s (and the counties’) streets are dangerous for walking and biking. 

These deaths come at a time when the City of Richmond is studying how to improve our transportation system to better connect people to jobs and services, to improve our transit, and to create safer streets for walking and biking. “Richmond Connects,” is the City’s effort to make Richmond a better place to get around for everyone, and the City wants to hear from you.

First, check out their Transportation Weighted Needs Map – an assessment of the top transportation needs in the City, which shows how accessibility and conditions are often worse in lower-income neighborhoods.

Second, share your thoughts! There are two ways you can provide feedback:

1. Add your comments to the Transportation Needs Map online by choosing a location, the investment needed, and your comment.
2. Email your comments and questions to Kelli.Rowan@rva.gov by February 6, 2023. 

Our take:

• We need safer streets for walking and biking, particularly for areas of Southside and parts of North and Northeast Richmond.
• Fix and connect sidewalks, making crossings safer, and designing streets to ensure speeds of 25 mph or less.
• Remove high-speed one-way streets and convert them to two-way
• Install a citywide network of protected bike/scooter lanes
• We need better transit to improve access to jobs and services, especially for Southside and parts of North and Northeast Richmond
• Add more frequent service – every 15 minutes or better, on more routes AND to ensure good coverage
• Double and triple funding for the city’s bus network
• Access to transit and the conditions at bus stops need improvement
• Ensure sidewalks, bike lanes, and crossings to bus stops are present and safe, with good lighting
• Ensure there are shelters from the weather and trees for shade
• Adopt parking reforms that ensure the city grows without adding more and more cars and traffic
• Remove minimum parking requirements
• Price all parking for offices and multifamily residential, separating the price of parking from the leases
• Install variable meter pricing based on demand for on street parking in downtown and other high activity mixed-use areas

Don’t miss this important opportunity to share your ideas for safer streets and more sustainable transportation in the City of Richmond. Draw from our ideas and add your own. 

Email Kelli.Rowan@rva.gov with the City by February 6th!

Make sure you are subscribed to PSG’s email list for updates on opportunities to participate in shaping your community’s future, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more live updates as they happen! 

Sincerely,

Partnership for Smarter Growth