As a resident, I'm deeply troubled by rising traffic fatalities in Richmond. Despite the Vision Zero pledge made in 2017, fatalities have nearly doubled. We deserve a city prioritizing safe streets for all, where pedestrian safety is paramount.
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: