The Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC) aims to reduce poverty and the impacts of poverty with research, projects, and public education. RPRC will use grant funds to support a pedestrian safety survey, designed and executed by a network of low-income Richmond residents with lived experience. RPRC will share a final report with the City of Richmond.

The Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC) supports a network of low-income Richmond residents by providing self-advocacy and leadership skills, so they can investigate and advocate on issues important to them. Pedestrian safety is important because residents walk to access work, services, activities, and shopping. The RPRC has heard stories on the issue regarding safety when crossing some intersections, especially for people on wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or strollers.

This project intends to reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths in Richmond by surveying vulnerable residents and reporting results and recommendations to the City of Richmond. The report will outline improvements to road crossings that incur preventable incidents for pedestrians, whether on foot, using a mobility device, or in wheeled transport. Likewise, the RPRC network will engage and train low-income residents with lived experience to learn and practice transferable skills (survey development, communication, and interview skills). Vulnerable groups (i.e. low-income, people with disabilities, seniors, families) who regularly use sidewalks and crosswalks will be provided with the opportunity to discuss options and solutions to make pedestrian travel safer. Lastly, the project will encourage ongoing conversations about road and pedestrian safety in the general public by making the report available as an advocacy and education tool to interested parties and the municipal government.