On January 21, 2026, community leaders, planners, researchers, and advocates from across Virginia convened for the kickoff of the Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI), a collaborative initiative focused on advancing safer, more accessible, and community-informed active transportation solutions.
The kickoff marked the beginning of a new cohort of multidisciplinary teams committed to improving conditions for walking and biking in communities across the Commonwealth. Through a combination of technical assistance, peer learning, and community engagement, VWAI supports local partners in designing projects that center health, equity, and lived experience.
A Collaborative Approach to Walkability
A Collaborative Approach to WalkabilityParticipants represented a wide range of sectors, including public health, transportation planning, academia, and grassroots advocacy. Throughout the session, teams shared their project concepts, identified technical assistance needs, and engaged in thoughtful dialogue on how to translate data, community voice, and policy into actionable change.
A recurring theme across discussions was the importance of grounding transportation improvements in real community experiences, particularly in areas facing systemic barriers such as limited infrastructure, health disparities, and car-dependent environments. Teams also emphasized the need for storytelling, data sharing, and sustained engagement to ensure long-term impact.
An alumni panel featuring past VWAI participants provided additional perspective, highlighting lessons learned and strategies for navigating implementation challenges, building partnerships, and sustaining momentum beyond the program.
2026 Cohort Projects
Each cohort team is advancing a unique, place-based project tailored to the needs of their community:
Roanoke – Pedal Safe ROA
The Roanoke team is focused on improving access to the Roanoke River and Lick Run Greenways within the 10th Street Corridor through the installation of wayfinding signage. By partnering with local organizations and residents, the project aims to enhance navigation, increase visibility, and encourage more walking and biking, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, while strengthening connections to key community assets.
Norfolk – Norfolk State University
Led by Norfolk State University, this project centers on a community-informed research effort to better understand transportation safety and accessibility. Through interviews with up to 200 residents, the team will gather insights on lived experiences, perceptions of safety, and daily mobility challenges. The findings will inform future improvements and help ensure that transportation solutions reflect community needs and priorities.
Lynchburg – City of Lynchburg
In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, Lynchburg’s team is addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety along the Twelfth Street Corridor, particularly near local schools. The project combines data analysis, education, and programming to improve infrastructure conditions and promote safer travel behaviors, with the goal of creating safer routes for students, families, and residents.
Clifton Forge – Town of Clifton Forge
Clifton Forge’s project focuses on increasing safe access to essential services, including grocery stores and pharmacies, in a rural context with limited transportation options. By developing a temporary demonstration project and collecting data, the team aims to build the case for a permanent walking connector that addresses geographic and infrastructural barriers.
Staunton – City of Staunton
Staunton will implement a one-month demonstration project on Beverley Street, temporarily reconfiguring the roadway to prioritize pedestrian space. The project will introduce expanded sidewalks, seating, and landscaping to create a more welcoming downtown environment while testing design strategies that could inform long-term improvements.
Alexandria – George Mason University
George Mason University’s team is developing a university-based case competition program inspired by VWAI. This initiative will engage students in designing real-world solutions to improve the built environment and promote active transportation, fostering the next generation of planners and community leaders.
Looking Ahead
As the VWAI cohort moves forward, teams will continue refining their projects with support from technical experts and peers. Key focus areas include equitable community engagement, data collection and storytelling, partnership development, and identifying sustainable funding pathways.