With cycling fatalities on the rise locally and nationally, Roanoke cyclists have formed a new advocacy organization, PedalSafe ROA, to seek safer streets and promote bicycling for transportation, recreation, public health, community building, and economic development. To introduce the group and bring together Roanoke’s diverse cycling community, we’re throwing a party at Sweet Donkey Coffee on Sunday, September 25, from 3 to 5 pm.
We are seeking your ideas and participation as we work on the following:
- Safe Routes to Schools program
- Expanded greenways
- Road improvements
- Outreach to increase access to cycling
- Bicycle infrastructure
- Positive attitudes toward cycling
Starting in 2010, the total number of traffic cycling fatalities in the United States rose steadily, jumping 58% through 2021, when it hit a multi-decade high. Virginia’s statistics are equally alarming. An April 2022 Roanoke Times article cited a 100% increase in traffic cycling fatalities in Virginia for 2020-2021.
For years, the Roanoke-Alleghany Regional Commission has led bicycle and pedestrian master planning for the region. While they have developed three bike plans, and the Greenway Commission has developed three greenway plans, the City of Roanoke has not had its own plan for biking and walking.
All this is about to change. In early September, the city adopted a resolution in support of pursuing a Vision Zero Action Plan. This resolution, and the city’s hiring of the first Vision Zero Coordinator in the region, shows the city’s investment in improving traffic safety. The Vision Zero Action Plan allows the city to address critical safety needs and identify infrastructure that will improve the equity, safety and livability of our streets. The city is also pursuing a Safe Streets for All grant.
PedalSafe ROA aims to engage with the City of Roanoke as it embraces safer streets and ensures that people can walk and bike safely in and between all neighborhoods. While we are beginning our work with the City of Roanoke, we look forward to working with surrounding cities and counties as well. Please come join us as at the PedalSafe ROA Launch Party on Sunday, September 25, from 3 to 5 pm.
The launch party will feature door prizes and topic-themed tables where you can discuss issues, design projects, and sign up to work with fellow cyclists to build a more livable biking community. Sycamore Snacks food truck will be on hand, and Sweet Donkey will be serving drinks. A Party-Paced Greenway Ride will close the event as we identify opportunities for PedalSafe ROA to support continued expansion of the greenway and celebrate our collective power to make Roanoke the city we want it to be.