Pedestrian Safety Campaigns
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Roanoke Pedestrian Safety campaigns!
2020: Every Corner is a Crosswalk
2021: No Need to Speed®
NEW! View the No Need to Speed® Final Report and One-pager.
Stay tuned for information on the next Roanoke Pedestrian Safety Campaign (estimated Spring 2022).
2021 Art Contest
Color Your Corner | Roanoke Pedestrian Safety Art Contest
The 2021 Color Your Corner Contest is now closed. Winners will be notified in November.
This art contest is part of the 2021 Roanoke Pedestrian Safety Campaign, which is led by the City of Roanoke and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to raise awareness of speeding as a pedestrian safety issue and reduce speeding and speed-related crashes in Roanoke.
Artwork submissions must meet the following criteria:
- Original artwork
- Incorporates the message “No Need to Speed” in a positive way
- Highlights the diversity of Roanoke’s neighborhoods and people
- Cannot mimic a regulatory sign
- No offensive wording or images
- No nudity or violence
- No promotion of any business or product
The City retains the right to remove the art for any reason.
Contest Details
- Artists and people who care about traffic safety are encouraged to submit artwork. Submissions by people of all ages are welcome.
- Initial submissions can be a rough sketch submitted by September 30, 2021.
- Each of the five selected artists will receive a $200 stipend. All installation costs will be covered by the City.
- The sketch does not need to be the final artwork, but it should be detailed enough that the selection committee can get an idea of the artwork.
- Selected artists will have an opportunity to refine their sketch upon selection. Artists are welcome to use the signal box artwork template for the design if desired. Final artwork will need to be rendered to fit on the signal box artwork template and reproduce on vinyl wrap for installation.
- Please include a written description of your artwork on the online form, include your process including media and what, if any, aspect of the work was done digitally
- Five proposals will be selected by a panel assembled by the Roanoke Arts Commission.
- The selection panel will follow the City of Roanoke’s public art procedures, evaluating submissions for an overall presentation of originality, artistic merit, presentation of the message, and suitability for the context. The group of selected proposals will reflect the diversity of Roanoke’s neighborhoods and people.
- Neighborhood-specific illustrations are encouraged.
- Artists will be notified in November and will be provided with guidance about the final artwork needed upon selection.
- The final artwork will be installed with vinyl wrap on five signal cabinets in the winter or summer of 2022 (based upon funding sources).
Download the Signal Cabinet Dimension Template: Signal Boxes Sizes
The submission deadline was September 30, 2021.
Color Your Corner 2020 Winners
Congratulations to the 2020 Color your Corner winners: Carly Almarez, Renae Dower, Molly Kernan, Hannah Wheeler, Sunni Purviance and Eliza Kraus.
No Need to Speed Campaign Materials
Special thanks to Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV) for directing and producing these videos and to Kat Pascal, Leola Eduards, Luke Pridy, Garrett Brumfield, Rachel Ruhlen, Ana Anderson, Viana and Joana Garland for participating in the videos.
Every week, the campaign focused on a different quadrant in the City to spread awareness about the dangers of speeding. Hear from neighbors all across the city about why this campaign is important to them:
Social Media Graphic – Download
“No Need to Speed” yard signs were used as an engagement tool during the duration of the pedestrian safety campaign. You are welcome to keep your yard signs, but if you want to return them please return them at the City Transportation Division: 1802 Courtland Rd NE.
Every Corner is a Crosswalk Campaign Materials
The Roanoke Pedestrian Safety Campaign kicked off on July 17 with a Facebook Live Event. The event included videos from local and national organizations with a variety of pedestrian safety tips and historical tidbits. These videos and more are shared here. Take a look and help to spread the word by posting and sharing the videos, using #RoanokePedestrianSafety
St Andrews – Download
Memorial Bridge – Download
“Every Corner is a Crosswalk” yard signs were used as an engagement tool during the duration of the pedestrian safety campaign. The City of Roanoke staff will be picking up yard signs that are in City right-of-way during the month of September. You are welcome to keep your yard signs for as long as you’d like, but we ask you to remove them from the City right-of-way.
If you want to return your yard sign please contact Andrea Garland at andrea.garland@roanokeva.gov to pick them up.
Campaign Press Release
Posted on: July 14, 2020
The city of Roanoke Launches “Every Corner is a Crosswalk” Pedestrian Safety Campaign
The goal is to reduce vehicle crashes involving pedestrians;
Virtual kickoff event planned for Friday, July 17
More people venturing out as the economy reopens means more summertime pedestrians on the city’s sidewalks and streets. But that also increases the chances of pedestrians being struck by vehicles. It’s more important than ever to pay attention to pedestrian safety, and so the City of Roanoke this week is launching a new pedestrian safety campaign: “Every Corner is a Crosswalk.” The goal is for people who drive to follow the law and stop for pedestrians at painted and un-painted crosswalks and for pedestrians to be predictable by crossing at the corner or a designated crosswalk throughout Roanoke. Read More
No Need to Speed Campaign Details
About
Street safety is more important than ever. Slower driving leads to fewer crashes and fewer deaths and injuries. To help reduce speeding and decrease speed-related crashes, the City of Roanoke received a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle grant to create the second phase of the citywide pedestrian safety campaign, called No Need to Speed. The campaign ran from June 21 to August 15, with the goals of:
- Reduce speeding and speed-related crashes
- Increase awareness of speeding as a pedestrian safety issue
Thank you to the following organizations for helping to promote this campaign:
- Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV)
- Roanoke City Schools
- RIDE Solutions
- Roanoke City Police Department
- Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
- Black Lantern Inn
- Roanoke Public Libraries
- Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Association
- Southeast Action Forum
- Noble Neighborhood Watch
- Greater Grandview Neighborhood Association
- OSW, Inc. Neighborhood Organization
- Farmburguesa
- Woodrow Wilson Middle School
- Noel C. Taylor Learning Academy
- Lincoln Terrace Elementary School
- Fairview Elementary School
- Monterey Elementary School
- Fishburn Park School
- Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Campaign Targets
City of Roanoke staff analyzed crash data to identify and prioritize locations to focus on in the No Need to Speed campaign. Although the campaign aims to reach residents citywide, the selected corridors provided a basis for the campaign approach and locations for traffic speed studies. The City of Roanoke staff will conduct traffic speed studies at each of the ten locations (shown on the map below) before and after the campaign to determine the campaign’s impact on traffic speeds.
Campaign Plans
The No Need to Speed Campaign includes a mix of campaign activities including paid, donated, and earned media to raise awareness of the campaign. The campaign also includes community engagement activities intended to deepen community members’ involvement in the campaign and help the campaign reach more people.
Campaign Final Report
The No Need to Speed campaign ended on August 15, 2021. The campaign’s final report and summary one-pager are available below.
Every Corner is a Crosswalk Campaign Details
In the City of Roanoke, too many pedestrians are hurt or killed in crashes with cars. To help decrease pedestrian-involved crashes, the City of Roanoke applied for and received a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles grant to create a citywide pedestrian safety campaign. The eight-week campaign ran from July 13 – September 4, 2020, with the goals of:
- Reducing the number of crashes between vehicles and people walking
- Increasing compliance with Virginia state law at crosswalks for both drivers and pedestrians
Pedestrian Crash Map
Click here to see a map of where there were pedestrian-involved crashes between 2014 and 2018.
The Roanoke Pedestrian Safety Campaign included a mix of paid media and community outreach to reach people who live or work in the City of Roanoke. Campaign materials aimed to increase awareness of an important part of Virginia law: that in Virginia, every corner is a crosswalk, whether it’s painted or not.
Campaign materials included:
- The radio
- TV
- Valley Metro buses
- Berglund Center Marquees
- Communications from City agencies and local businesses
- Yard signs and posters throughout the community
The Roanoke Pedestrian Safety media campaign ended on September 30, 2020. We will continue to spread the word on pedestrian safety with our social media and infrastructure projects. The campaign’s final report and summary one-pager are available below.
For Drivers
Traffic Speed Laws for Drivers
Virginia law states that drivers may receive a fine of up to $200 if they exceed the maximum speed limit. VA Code 46.2-878.2.
The maximum speed limit is fifteen miles per hour in most school zones in the City of Roanoke. Drivers may receive a fine of up to $250 if they exceed the speed limit in a school zone. VA Code 46.2-873. Learn more here.
Crosswalk Law for Drivers
Virginia law requires people driving to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, whether it is painted or not. Drivers may be more familiar with painted crosswalks, but they should know that every intersection (or corner) is a crosswalk whether it is painted or not. VA Code 46.2-926
Careless Driving Law
Virginia law prohibits driving in a careless or distracted way that causes serious bodily injury to a vulnerable road user (such as a pedestrian). Drivers may receive a fine of up to $2,500 and one year in county jail for committing careless driving that injures a vulnerable road user. VA Code 46.2-816.1
Hands Free Law
Virginia law prohibits using any handheld communication device while driving. Drivers may receive a fine of $125 for a first offense, and a fine of $250 for a second for subsequent offense. VA Code 46.2-1078.1.
How People Driving Can Prevent Crashes:
Obey the speed limit
- Travel the speed limit and at safe speeds for roadway conditions
- Follow slower speed limits in school zones, neighborhoods, and parks
Be aware
- Be aware of your surroundings and always on the lookout for pedestrians (especially children) on the side of the street. Be prepared to slow down and stop should a pedestrian step into the road.
Look for people crossing the street before turning right or left
- Before turning right or left, look for pedestrians and stop for them.
- When turning right on red, come to a complete stop and scan for pedestrians. Only proceed when it is clear.
Stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks, and remember some crosswalks are not painted
- When in doubt, consider that just about every corner in Virginia is a crosswalk. While some crosswalks are painted, many are not.
- Stop for pedestrians who have a “Walk” signal and anyone in a crosswalk. Drivers must stop even if the pedestrian is crossing once the “Walk” signal has expired.
For Pedestrians
Crosswalk Laws for Pedestrians
Virginia law says that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks and at intersections. However, the law also says that pedestrians should never step into the crosswalk (painted or not) if there is not enough time for a driver to stop. While painted crosswalks are easy to see, unmarked crosswalks are not. Unmarked crosswalks exist wherever streets intersect, at the corners of the street. VA Code 46.2-924
How people walking can prevent crashes:
Be predictable
- Cross at the corner or designated crosswalk. Drivers won’t expect you to cross mid-block without a crosswalk, and you may be held accountable for a crash if you are not in a legal crosswalk.
Expect the unexpected
- Look both ways for right and left-turning vehicles before you cross. Cross only when it is safe to do so.
Always cross at the corner, rather than mid-block
- If there is not a painted crosswalk mid-block, don’t cross there. Walk to the corner and cross there instead.
Follow the signals
- Use the pushbuttons to cross, when they are available. In Roanoke, some push buttons trigger “Walk” signals, and others trigger green lights which give you the right-of-way to cross the street in the same direction of the traffic flow.
- Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this campaign or pedestrian safety in your neighborhood, contact:
The City of Roanoke Transportation Division
Transportation@roanokeva.gov
540-853-2676
Related Updates
The City of Roanoke is working on several infrastructure projects to upgrade pedestrian facilities throughout the city.
Announcing Brandon Avenue Safety Improvements Project
Receiving 2021 with new pedestrian intersection updates throughout Downtown
Announcing the 2020 Color your Corner Art Contest Winners
This is Luanne Rife’s story, whose life was forever changed after being struck by a driver while walking in a crosswalk.
New Crosswalk Signal Downtown Roanoke
Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
The following intersections will be improved with pedestrian pushbuttons and countdown beacons, ADA and paving marking upgrades
- Bullitt Avenue SE and 9th Street SE
- Williamson Road NW and Epperly Avenue NW
- Williamson Road NW and Truman Ave NW
- S Jefferson Street and Bullitt Ave SW
- Campbell Avenue SW and 3rd Street SW
- Elm Avenue SW and Franklin Road
The following intersections in Downtown Roanoke will be upgraded with audible pedestrian countdown beacons.
- Campbell Avenue and 1st Street
- Campbell Avenue and 2nd Street
- Church Avenue and 1st Street
- Franklin Road and 1st Street
- Franklin Road and 2nd Street
- Jefferson Street and Salem Avenue
- Jefferson Street and Campbell Avenue
- Jefferson Street and Church Avenue
- Jefferson Street and Franklin Road
- Salem Avenue and 1st Street
- Salem Avenue and 2nd Street
- Williamson Road and Campbell Avenue
- Williamson Road and Church Avenue
- Williamson Road and Franklin Road
A new Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon will be installed at the intersection of Williamson Road SE and Bullitt Avenue SE
Leading Pedestrian Intervals
FAQ
No Need to Speed Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of the Roanoke Pedestrian Safety campaign was to reduce speeding and speed-related crashes by raising awareness of speeding as a pedestrian safety issue.
Speeding is a major factor in determining whether a crash will result in injuries and fatalities, especially when vulnerable road users such as pedestrians are involved. Prior to the campaign, the City of Roanoke staff looked at crash data and determined that pedestrians in Roanoke are overrepresented in serious injury and fatality crashes compared to all crashes. This means that when a pedestrian is involved in a crash, it is more likely to result in serious injury or fatality. Reducing speeding will help to protect pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Check out the Campaign Targets section in the Campaign Details tab for more detail.
The campaign lasted eight weeks, starting June 21, 2021 and ending August 15, 2021.
Stop signs may often seem like a good solution to neighborhood speeding, but traffic studies and experience show that using stop signs to control speeding doesn’t necessarily work. Drivers increase their speed between signs. Some drivers tend to accelerate rapidly after a stop. Most drivers reach their top speed within 100 feet of a stop sign. (Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation)
The City Transportation Division installs driver feedback signs upon request on neighborhood streets. Driver feedback signs show “your speed” and help remind drivers to slow down. Feedback signs are generally installed for a week at a time. To request a feedback sign, please contact the Transportation Division at Transportation@roanokeva.gov.
No, currently the City does not install speed bumps as traffic a calming measure.
- The City of Roanoke sets the speed limits based on street hierarchy. Starting with the statutory clause that all streets are 25 MPH otherwise posted. This applies to all residential and business areas in the City of Roanoke. Furthermore, collectors are generally marked at 30 or 35 MPH and major arterials are marked at 40 and 45 MPH. Per City of Roanoke ordinance, some streets within school zones and park roads are marked at 15 MPH.
- City of Roanoke traffic engineers often conduct traffic studies to review and modify speed limits when necessary, usually, establising new speed limits is associated with changes on the land uses around the study area.
- Yes, No Need to Speed® is a trademark of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25, 12418 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68144 used with permission. No other entities may use this mark without prior permission. See KKAD25.org for more information.
While you’re here…
We are currently seeking community feedback for the following projects. Please take a minute and share your ideas!
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