I promise to work to make sure our neighborhoods have ample bike and pedestrian infrastructure. This is not only a matter of safety and accessibility, but it will drive economic growth. Bike and pedestrian infrastructure makes our neighborhoods more attractive to potential residents, businesses, and tourists. Studies suggest that bike and pedestrian infrastructure can increase City tax revenue by
up to 10 times and reduce utility infrastructure costs by 38%. Another
study found that improvement projects for greenways, sidewalks, and bikeways created more jobs than any other type of project at 17 jobs per $1 million spent.
2015 Strategic Bike and Pedestrian Plan and Vision Zero
Vision Zero is a global initiative that aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for everyone. Norfolk is a part of Vision Zero but we need to move quicker in implementing the necessary changes that create safer streets where no loss of life is acceptable, and all road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—are protected.
I fully support the Vision Zero initiative and the faster implementation of the
2015 Strategic Bike and Pedestrian Plan. While it may be in need of some minor updating for the current times, this plan outlines many of the critical steps to improve and expand our bike and pedestrian infrastructure across the city. We need to be relentless in pursuing state, federal, and private funding opportunities to support an accelerated rollout.
Expanding the Elizabeth River Trail
The Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) is a tremendous asset for Norfolk, providing a beautiful, safe route for cyclists, runners, and walkers. I am committed to supporting the expansion of the ERT, with a vision to extend it from the Navy Base all the way to Virginia Beach. This expansion will create a continuous, scenic pathway that connects key areas of our city, promoting both recreation, transportation and economic development.
Recent grant money awarded to neighboring cities like Portsmouth and Virginia Beach for their trail expansions highlights the growing regional commitment to enhancing outdoor infrastructure and to the availability of outside resources to assist in this endeavor. By investing in the ERT and securing these grants, we can further enhance Norfolk’s appeal as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and contribute to a healthier, more connected community.
Repairing Streets, Adding Sidewalks, and Addressing Dangerous IntersectionsA critical part of creating safer, more accessible streets is repairing damaged roadways, adding sidewalks where they are lacking, and focusing on intersections that have been identified as high-risk areas for accidents. By addressing these issues head-on, we can significantly reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, while also making our neighborhoods more walkable and bikeable for all.
I will work to ensure that our neighborhoods receive the necessary attention for road repairs, sidewalk construction, and improved intersection safety. These infrastructure improvements will not only enhance public safety, but they will also promote healthier, more vibrant communities by encouraging walking and cycling as viable means of transportation.
To support these efforts, I will relentlessly pursue state and federal funding to help finance these much-needed improvements. By tapping into available resources, we can accelerate the rollout of these projects and ensure Norfolk’s streets are safer and more accessible for everyone. Targeting statistically dangerous intersections with design solutions that reduce accidents is just one way we will prioritize safety and infrastructure upgrades across the city.
