Relay for a Livable Mayo Bridge

Now in its 13th year, RVA Bike Month is a centerpiece in the Richmond region for community engagement, enthusiasm, and advocacy around high-quality, connected, and inviting biking and walking infrastructure. For returning advocates and new riders alike, there is no shortage of new things to do, places to explore, and projects to learn about and support.

In New York City, protected bike lanes have reduced pedestrian fatalities by 29% and Overall traffic fatalities by 18%. New York City has installed over 600 miles of protected bike lanes and 1,500 miles of bike lanes. (source)

To kick the month off in spirit, RVA Bike Month 2026 featured an early engagement and advocacy opportunity– a 24-hour relay on the Mayo Bridge. From noon on May 2^nd to noon on May 3^rd, dozens of volunteers biked, ran, walked and even unicycled back and forth across the bridge. Our goal: advocate for protected bike lanes on a once in a lifetime bridge replacement that is central to Richmond’s James River Park system, Shockoe Bottom, Manchester, and the signature forthcoming Mayo Island Park.

We spent our volunteer shifts experiencing the bridge the same way many do every day: vulnerably exposed to fast-moving traffic in travel lanes or navigating narrow sidewalks adjacent to them. However, unlike those who use the bridge daily, we had a mid-way rest stop and personal cheer squads available all night. I can report that this definitely helped with motivation! We appreciated everyone who made our streetside “living room” a little more homey, as well as those who worked to leave the island cleaner than we found it.

Among volunteers, the energy was high. Participants arrived excited to support a cause so crucial to community safety. This event carried personal significance for many of us who have spent years navigating the Mayo Bridge. Many volunteers brought firsthand experience with safety concerns. Throughout the day and night, we engaged with hundreds of passersby and transit riders who stopped to learn more about the bridge and the process of replacing it.

A Federal Highway Administration analysis found that converting a standard bike lane into a protected bike lane can reduce crashes between motor vehicles and bikes by 50% (Source)

The night shift brought out our most dedicated and adventurous riders. The overnight crew reported that, at all hours, the bridge is used by many different types of people to access both sides of the river. And for some, the bridge itself is the destination.   

With this year’s art theme for bike month, it was fun to see friends in the community flex their maker muscles. Some of us test-rode ”skeleton cars” built by Manchester bike company Haute Bikes’ founder Wilson Hale. These car-frame structures allowed riders to claim an entire lane without fear of being passed and contextualize the space we dedicate to people versus cars.

Adding a protected bike lane resulted in a 56% ridership increase in New York City, and aN Over 96% ridership increase in Philadelphia (SOURCE)

At the end of the 24-hour day, we got to experience the potential of a redesigned Mayo Bridge alongside community members from all walks of life. Every person we spoke to said that protected bike lanes here are “a no brainer.” It’s clear that more space, more protection, and a clear prioritization of people who bike, walk, and roll would bring joy to our neighborhoods, commuters, transit users, and park visitors. Seems like a great idea to me. What do you think?

More About the Mayo Bridge Replacement Project:
The Mayo Bridge replacement project started about five years ago and is currently being designed. The latest official design presented to Richmond’s Urban Design Committee and Planning Commission did not feature protected bike lanes. The proposed design cross-section is very similar to the bridge that exists today. Virginia Department of Transportation and Richmond Department of Public Works are currently considering feedback from the last round of public review, and a new design is expected later in 2026. Construction for the bridge is not expected to start until at least 2027, and construction will take approximately two years.

For more information, check out these links:

• Virginia Department of Transportation Mayo Bridge Replacement
• Urban Design Committee meeting – January 2026
• Planning Commission meeting – February 2026
• Richmonder Article – January 2026
• BizSense Article – January 2026