Political professor says ‘sustained attention’ will help Richmond’s ‘Vision Zero’ succeed

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — An expert is speaking on whether Richmond's "Vision Zero" will be properly executed after a string of pedestrian deaths between December and February. 

According to an April 1 press release, the city announced new upgrades for walking and biking on Forest Hill Avenue near the intersection of 41st Street and 43rd Street. Officials said construction is expected to be completed by winter 2026.

These improvements were made as part of Richmond’s “Vision Zero” initiative, an international movement aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero. The initiative includes a pedestrian safety task force, safety camera expansion and a new Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT).

Rich Meagher, Randolph-Macon College political science professor and host of VPM’s “RVA’s Got Issues," said the city is taking an "all the above" approach.

MORE: Richmond to lower speed limit on city roadway to improve safety

“They're trying a whole bunch of different things. They're restructuring the bureaucracy, this new department of transportation. They're investing in the built environment, new structures and sidewalks, and they're stepping up enforcement,” said Meagher.

Meagher said the initiatives are headed in the right direction, but they must be sustained for a long period of time.  

“Can Mayor Avula and his administration dedicate sustained attention to this, not just right now, not just later this year, but over the next two years, the next four years, the next six years?" he said.

Meagher added that making it harder to drive fast is key.

“There always will be folks who aren't paying attention, whether they're walking or driving,” he said. “You can make the built environment a place where it just slows people down, not that we want to be stuck in traffic, but you don't want to be driving 60 miles an hour through residential streets.”

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8: Forest Hill Avenue at 41st Street will be closed to install conduit across the roadway. The road will reopen at the end of the day.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 9: Forest Hill Avenue at 43rd Street will be closed to install a conduit. The road will reopen at the end of the day.