Stopping Traffic Fatalities

In Richmond, traffic fatalities are not just accidents; they're tragic outcomes of inadequate planning and traffic engineering. Despite the "Vision Zero" pledge made in 2017, annual traffic fatalities have nearly doubled since then, highlighting the urgent need for action. Our city deserves streets that prioritize people's safety above all else, creating a walkable and livable environment for everyone.

The history of traffic fatalities in Richmond reflects a failure in urban planning and transportation policy. Poorly designed streets, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of pedestrian-friendly features have contributed to increased risks for all road users. Furthermore, the city's commitment to "Vision Zero" has fallen short, with fatalities persisting at alarming rates, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.

At the core of our approach to stopping traffic fatalities is the recognition that every life lost on our streets is preventable. We must shift our priorities from prioritizing traffic flow to prioritizing human lives, revising directives for traffic engineers to emphasize safety over speed. This includes adopting traffic calming measures, enhancing infrastructure, and implementing comprehensive street design changes to create safer environments for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.

To achieve our vision of safer streets and zero traffic fatalities, we must take decisive action across multiple fronts. This includes increasing enforcement of traffic laws, revising zoning codes to promote walkability and mixed-use developments, and addressing systemic issues like food deserts and urban heat islands that impact community health and safety. Additionally, we will focus on decommissioning certain streets and developing superblocks to create more pedestrian-friendly environments.

Ultimately, our goal is to foster a culture of safety and sustainability in Richmond, where all residents can move freely and safely throughout the city. By adopting policies that prioritize multi-modal transit options and promote active transportation, we can create a more equitable and resilient urban landscape for generations to come. To achieve this vision, we must:

Implement Traffic Calming Measures

• Introduce measures such as speed bumps, road narrowing, and raised crosswalks to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance pedestrian safety in residential areas and high-risk locations.
• Work with traffic engineers and urban planners to identify suitable locations for traffic calming measures based on traffic flow data and community input.
• Conduct thorough assessments of the effectiveness of implemented measures through ongoing monitoring and community feedback, making adjustments as necessary to optimize safety outcomes.

Revise Traffic Engineering Directives

• Update directives for traffic engineers to prioritize safety over traffic throughput, emphasizing the implementation of infrastructure designs that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety.
• Collaborate with traffic engineering departments and transportation agencies to develop new guidelines and standards that reflect the latest research and best practices in road safety design.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for traffic engineers to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to implement safety-focused designs effectively.

Adopt Better Zoning Codes

• Implement zoning codes that promote walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use buildings, and the elimination of food deserts and urban heat islands, fostering healthier and safer communities.
• Engage with urban planners, architects, and community stakeholders to develop zoning code revisions that prioritize pedestrian safety, access to amenities, and the reduction of environmental hazards.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing zoning codes to identify areas for improvement and establish benchmarks for success in creating more livable and sustainable neighborhoods.

Decommission Certain Streets

• Identify and decommission streets with high rates of accidents or low pedestrian usage, reallocating space for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, public spaces, and green areas.
• Conduct thorough traffic analyses and safety assessments to identify streets suitable for decommissioning based on traffic volume, accident data, and community usage patterns.
• Work closely with local residents, businesses, and transportation agencies to develop plans for street decommissioning that address concerns and prioritize community needs.

Develop Superblocks

• Focus on developing superblocks that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, restrict vehicle access, and create vibrant, community-oriented spaces for residents to enjoy.
• Collaborate with urban planners, architects, and landscape designers to design superblocks that incorporate pedestrian-friendly features such as wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and public plazas.
• Engage with local communities to gather input and feedback on superblock development plans, ensuring that they reflect the unique character and needs of each neighborhood.

Adopt Multi-Modal Transit Policies

• Implement policies that encourage the use of multiple modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, public transit, and micro-mobility options, to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and promote sustainable urban mobility.
• Invest in the expansion and improvement of public transit infrastructure, light rail, and bike-sharing programs, to provide convenient and accessible alternatives to driving.
• Develop integrated transportation networks that prioritize connectivity between different modes of transportation, making it easy for residents to choose sustainable travel options for their daily commute and recreational activities.