The Elephant in the Room: Cars

While many of the people surveyed indicated that they prefer to walk, bike, or walk safely along Chamberlayne Ave., the current reality is that most people get around primarily by car.

This is consistent with national trends: In 2017, fifty-three percent of Americans reported they would prefer to live in a walkable neighborhood than one with larger properties, up from 48 percent in 2015. (Source: National Association of Realtors)

What does this mean for future development? The Richmond300 plan designates this corridor as Corridor Mixed-Use, prioritizing transit-oriented development. Our survey results substantiate this future vision for the area.

In the immediate future, new development should keep in mind this future vision. Best practices for walkable urban design include prioritizing pedestrians, buildings built to the sidewalk with large storefronts, on-street parking that helps to act as a traffic-calming instrument. Large surface parking lots should be avoided, and parking structures considered as a supplementary measure only if the demand cannot be met by improved public transit and safe routes for walking and biking. Refer to the Guide for Change section for additional ideas to create a vibrant mixed-use corridor.

3.1%

2.1%

5.2% 5.2%

83.3% What is your primary form of transportation?

● Car ● Biking ● Bus ● Public Transportation ● Walking