Expanding RVA’s Active Transportation Network

Active transportation, a term used to describe travel by human energy, such as walking, bicycling or by a mobile assist device, has grown increasingly popular across the Richmond region. As a result, the need for improving regional active transportation networks has grown - especially as community members seek new micro-mobility options that allow for longer trips, using including e-bikes, e-scooters, and other technology. These needs were identified in ConnectRVA 2045, our regional Long-Range Transportation Plan. Understanding the importance of this travel mode in the region, PlanRVA developed this regional mode-specific plan known as BikePedRVA 2045.

BikePedRVA 2045 focuses on building a cross-regional transportation network of shared use paths, interconnected and supported by local level projects for bike lanes, sidewalks, neighborhood connectors, bikeable streets and complete streets elements that together will create more accessible systems for people walking, rolling, scooting, cycling or taking transit.

The adopted plan emphasizes mobility for people of all ages and abilities through a continuous and recognizable pedestrian and bicycle network across Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan counties, the town of Ashland and the city of Richmond.

The greater Richmond region currently has an estimated 136 miles dedicated to safer cycling infrastructure, such as shared use paths, cycle tracks and bike lanes. Projects identified in BikePedRVA 2045 like the creation of Fall Line trail and the extension of the Virginia Capital Trail set a target for another 121 miles of shared used paths and over 650 miles of bicycle and pedestrian routes in the region over the next twenty years.