Motorists who drive regularly around Richmond will need to take note of some changes in speed limits in some areas. In accordance with Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s Safe and Healthy Streets Challenge and the Vision Zero initiative, the Department of Public Works, Richmond Police Department and VCU Police are teaming up to promote the Mayor’s message as safety projects are underway.

Speed reductions from 35 mph to 25 mph on US Route 1 include:
•    Jefferson Davis Highway from Albany Avenue to Hull Street
•    Cowardin Avenue from Hull Street to Semmes Avenue
•    Belvidere Street from Idlewood Avenue to Leigh Street

The decision to lower the speed came as a result of modifications in the GRTC Bus Network; higher density land use and the growth of VCU; exposure of pedestrians and cyclists to higher than average traffic volumes and wide crossings; and new signal timings that promote safer speeds and less illegal speeding. 

Speed reductions from 35 mph to 30 mph also include Forest Hill Avenue/Semmes Avenue between Prince George Road and Cowardin Avenue.

In addition to the ongoing project to retime signalized intersections citywide (e.g using lead pedestrian intervals at certain high volume intersections), plans are underway to deploy additional high visibility crosswalk markings at intersections with traffic signals on major federal and state routes.

Various pedestrian safety-focused improvements are also planned at signalized intersections at Rowe Street; Idlewood Avenue and Spring Street; Cowardin Avenue and Semmes Avenue, Hull Street and Cowardin Avenue and US Route 1 and Decatur Street in the coming years.

Key points in the Mayor’s Safe and Healthy Streets Challenge for residents and visitors to the City are:
•    Share the Road
•    Obey Speed Limits
•    Buckle In
•    Avoid Distractions
•    Drive Sober

Vision Zero is a multidisciplinary global strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic crashes resulting in fatalities or severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

Our current safety campaigns are focused on transportation users (people who walk, bike, ride transit and drive) and are based on the Mayor’s challenge and guidance from the VCU Brandcenter. 

Mayor Levar M. Stoney will be hosting community town hall meetings over the coming weeks to discuss his proposed FY2020 budget. The mayor presented his fully balanced budget to Richmond City Council on Wednesday, March 6, which includes an investment of $18.5 million for Richmond Public Schools, $16.2 million for roads and sidewalks, $2.9 million for affordable housing, an additional $965,000 for increased GRTC service and $485,000 in funding for eviction diversion.

Click here to view the presentation shown at each meeting.
Below are the scheduled Town Hall meetings:

Thursday, March 21
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Southside
Southside Community Center
6335 Old Warwick Rd.

Wednesday, March 27
6:30 – 8 p.m.
West End
Thomas Jefferson High School
4100 W. Grace St.

Tuesday, April 2
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Northside
Northside Family YMCA
4207 Old Brook Rd.
For more information, please contact Tameka Jefferson at Tameka.Jefferson@richmondgov.com or call (804) 646-6936.
 

The City Treasurer’s Office is proud to announce the Inaugural Financial Literacy Fair to be held on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 10 am – 3:30 pm in the lobby of City Hall.  Richmond city residents can earn chances at prizes by attending workshops on budgeting, savings and banking 101.  Financial counselors will also be available during the fair to talk through questions and issues individually with attendees.

The event will include remarks from the Mayor, Treasurer and other city officials. City Departments, GRTC and other organizations will have tables making information and resources available to give participants confidence in their financial decisions.

The purpose of this fair is to empower the citizens of Richmond to take more control of their finances and begin the initial steps needed to build personal wealth. The mission of the Richmond City Treasurer's Office is to inspire, encourage, and pursue the high possibilities of potential in others through the elimination of financial barriers by taking "Small Steps for Big Change." This literacy fair is one step toward positive change and hope you will take part.

For more information please contact Kimberly Morris at (804)646-6474 or Treasurer@richmondgov.com

Dear Richmond Resident, 

We want to hear from YOU! We would greatly appreciate you taking the time to participate in this 5-minute survey. The Richmond Office of Emergency Management is conducting a brief survey to assess the Richmond City residents' preparedness in the case of an emergency. 

We are asking you to provide information on your emergency preparedness education and awareness as well as how prepared you or your family are in the case of an emergency. The data collected from this survey will be used to create additional public outreach, but personal information will remain confidential. 

To take the survey, click here

Thank you for your time.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Richmond Office of Emergency Management at askemergencymgmt@richmondgov.com or (804) 646-2500.

Estimado(a) residente de Richmond, 

¡Queremos escuchar su opinión! Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para participar en esta encuesta de 5 minutos. La Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias de Richmond está realizando una breve encuesta para evaluar la preparación de los residentes de la Ciudad de Richmond en caso de una emergencia.

Le pedimos que brinde información sobre su educación y conocimiento sobre la preparación para emergencias, y sobre qué tan preparados están usted o su familia en caso de una emergencia. Los datos recopilados en esta encuesta se utilizarán para crear una mayor difusión pública, pero la información personal se mantendrá confidencial.

Para realizar la encuesta, haga clic aquí.

¡Gracias por su tiempo!

Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes, comuníquese con la Oficina de Asuntos Multiculturales de Richmond en llamando al (804) 646-0145.

On Thursday, March 21, the city is adding 20 new battery operated pedelec bikes to its RVA Bike Share fleet. These electric-assist e-bikes are designed to make it easier to climb hills and endure long rides. This will enable those who were previously unable to use the current 8-speed bikes to also use the bike share service.

The pedelec bikes will be docked at current RVA Bike Share stations, but are identified by a yellow lightning bolt. Riders will be able to unlock the bikes using their RVA Bike Share key fob or from the RVA Bikes application. The motor automatically turns on once the rider starts pedaling. The bikes can reach speeds up to a safe 12 mph. The motor stops when the rider stops pedaling or uses the brake.

RVA Bike Share was implemented in summer 2017. It currently has 220 bikes at 16 docking stations. In February the city began electrifying docking stations and converting the existing 8-speed bikes to make them pedal-assist. Eventually the entire fleet will have pedal assist capability.

To learn more about RVA Bike Share and the app, visit RVABikes.com 
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