On January 8, Mayor Danny Avula announced a series of measures to address pedestrian safety in Richmond following the deaths of six pedestrians in the past three weeks. In total, 13 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic-related incidents in the city during 2025.
“These losses are heartbreaking, and the recent frequency is, frankly, terrifying,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “We cannot treat traffic deaths as normal, and we cannot accept that losing your life while walking, crossing a street, or heading to a bus stop is just part of living in a city. In a Thriving Richmond, everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely.”
As part of an accelerated Vision Zero response—a strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries—the mayor outlined several immediate actions. A new Department of Transportation (DOT) will be established within the Department of Public Works to lead efforts on street safety and mobility. Andy Boenau has been appointed as Director. The DOT will coordinate across agencies, deliver evidence-based street designs, engage communities, and set measurable Vision Zero safety goals.
The city’s Safety Camera Program will expand to include red-light cameras at ten intersections identified as high-risk areas for dangerous driving behaviors. Four of these intersections are expected to be operational by the end of January, including some located in South Richmond.
Mayor Avula also directed local transportation funding toward fast-tracking infrastructure improvements such as roadway reconfigurations for dedicated bus and bike lanes, left-turn hardening at more than 80 intersections on the High Injury Network, installation of 14 additional pedestrian hybrid beacons for mid-block crossings, addition of 40 new speed tables by mid-2026, and enhanced crosswalk visibility through expanded corner clearance enforcement.
To address specific concerns near City Hall and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health campus, a Pedestrian Safety Task Force will be formed in partnership with VCU. The city will also conduct a road safety assessment along East Broad Street from 1st Street to 14th Street.
“These recent incidents are a painful reminder about the need for all of us to be aware when driving or walking – near VCU, VCU Health or anywhere in the city. With thousands of students returning for spring semester at VCU next week, we ask that all travelers take a renewed focus on remaining alert when traveling near our campuses. While VCU’s partnership with the city continues, we all must do our part to keep each other safe,” said VCU Chief of Police Clarence T. Hunter, Jr.
City Councilmember Andrew “Gumby” Breton commented on the planned infrastructure changes: “Speed tables, safer crossings, and clearer sightlines for pedestrians and cyclists make a difference for a livable city. As a dad and cyclist myself, I know that when we calm our streets, we calm behavior. Calmer streets save lives. I’m grateful to see this structural change and acceleration of funds for safety infrastructure. I’ll be watching closely to see these projects deployed urgently.”
Police enforcement remains central to these efforts.
“While we are changing the streets and strengthening enforcement, I need drivers to do their part,” Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said. “Slow down. Drive the speed limit. Put your phone away; we have a hands-free law in Virginia, and texting and driving is illegal. Vision Zero only works if we all take responsibility for one another.”
“We owe it to the people we’ve lost-and to everyone who walks our streets-to act with urgency and resolve,” Mayor Danny Avula said. “We will redesign our streets, we will enforce the rules, and we will keep pushing until no one has to fear for their life just getting where they need to go.”
Richmond’s Department of Public Works has already secured over $750 million in discretionary funding for transportation projects aligned with Vision Zero objectives; total investments are projected around $1.2 billion over five or six years.
“These investments are transforming our most dangerous corridors into safer multimodal streets,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. “Projects like Hull Street Road and the upcoming Jahnke Road improvements reflect what data-driven people-centered street design looks like in action. Construction is already underway. With the additional new and accelerated projects, we are speeding up our work towards Vision Zero. Everyone plays a role in the shared responsibility to make our streets safer. I urge everyone – drivers walkers riders – look both ways twice.”
Mayor Avula was joined by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II; City Councilmember Andrew “Gumby” Breton; RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras; Bobby Vincent; Clarence T. Hunter Jr.; Rick Edwards; Deputy Chief Sydney Collier; and Major Ronnie Armstead from Richmond Police Department.
For more information about Vision Zero initiatives visit Vision Zero.
