Strong Towns RVA is looking to save Richmonders a parking spot

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Strong Towns RVA is looking to save you a parking spot as a part of their demonstration to celebrate car-free travelers.

The "I saved you a spot" event is set to occur at Shop Two Three on 1437 Hull Street Road from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19.

The demonstration will publicly celebrate the ways that car-free travelers save a parking spot for everyone, including drivers, local businesses and city planners, according to a press release. During the event, demonstrators will hand out stickers inviting visitors to play a tabletop parking game.

"We will show how the antagonism that often surrounds parking conversations can be sidestepped," states the release.

While some want cheaper parking in Richmond, others want more expensive and fewer parking spaces, according to Strong Towns RVA.

"It seems like a zero-sum game, where paving the way for car-free alternatives comes at the expense of driver convenience," the release reads. "Because of this, people on both sides of the debate become antagonistic, and the debate itself becomes less productive."

According to the Parking Reform Network, 25% of Richmond is off-street parking. Richmond falls in the average amongst U.S. city centers' parking layouts.

Strong Towns RVA claims that for every car-free traveler, there's one fewer car taking up a parking space.

"Every time I ride my bicycle, the car driver behind me gets an extra shot at the close parking space," said Community Coordinator of Strong Towns RVA Jacob Sherrod. "When I take the bus, the truck driver in the next lane gets more off-street space to unload, making it easier for him and everyone else in the city to go about their day without interruption.”