Building confidence & Community at BIKE WALK RVA ACADEMY

On March 18, I graduated from Bike Walk RVA’s Academy as one of the 2026 class of “Champions.” As a Sports Backers employee, I had the unique opportunity of experiencing the program as a first-time participant while also seeing behind the scenes course planning and development.

The purpose of the Academy is to equip people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for better walking and biking infrastructure. What stood out to me most as a participant is how it blended this practical skill-building with community-building. For six weeks, I looked forward to coming class and being surrounded by like-minded people who share my passion for bike/ped safety.

Structured Approach to Advocacy

The six weeks of the academy built on each other, guiding us through the process of turning ideas into action to accomplish our desired results. The first sessions focused on understanding how local government works and why citizen advocacy is essential. In fact, we heard this message directly from Mayor Avula at the beginning of our first class. During his visit with us, the mayor emphasized that meaningful policy change directly depends on informed and engaged residents advocating for important issues. The work we are doing matters— a lot!

Our coursework focused on the mechanics of advocacy. Through readings and discussions, we learned how to:

• Identify infrastructure needs in our communities as well as name bike and pedestrian infrastructure best practices
• Distinguish between strategy and tactics
• Use both social and traditional media effectively

The BikeWalkRVA Academy was fun, informative and inspirational. I enjoyed learning strategies for cycling and pedestrian advocacy that improve how we respond to the built environment— from methods and plans to outreach and organizing.

Paul Bethel, 2026 Champion

The next step was applying these theoretical ideas to real-world situations. Our cohort of 24 participants split into smaller working groups based on our interests and strengths—ranging from policy research to volunteer organizing to tactical urbanism. In these groups we collaborated on real campaign ideas, addressing issues like pedestrian safety and bike accessibility.

In my group, focused on events and tactical urbanism, we developed two projects. One centered on a community-led crosswalk art initiative in neighborhoods impacted by speeding and pedestrian injuries. The goal of the art projects was to bring residents, artists, local businesses, and community leadership together around a shared safety concern through a unifying and accessible art form.

Our second project was a “Bike to Work with the Mayor” event, starting in Church Hill and riding to the Capitol via the Leigh Street Viaduct. This ride would highlight both the successes and gaps in Richmond’s bike infrastructure, centering the conversation around the separated but unprotected bike lanes on the MLK bridge. My group decided to make this idea a reality, by submitting it for inclusion in the official 2026 Bike Month Calendar!

Personal Narratives

One of the most powerful components of the Academy was the Personal Narrative assignment, in which we shared our motivations for advocacy.  Using stories about our personal experiences, we practiced calling for change and motivating others in preparation for public comments and speaking at city council or neighborhood meetings.

Each class, a few participants shared their two-minute narratives, filled with commentary about close calls on unsafe streets, the freedom found through biking, or their hopes for a more connected and equitable Richmond. Others connected transportation to broader issues like public health, access, and community belonging.

What became clear was that there is no single path into advocacy. Every person brought a different perspective, but all 24 of us arrived at the same conclusion. Hearing those stories reinforced how important it is to add your own voice. Your experience might be the one that resonates with someone else and inspires action.

Community-Building Between Classes

Some of the most meaningful moments happened outside of structured sessions, when we had time to get to know each other and build friendships. As a participant, I had the opportunity to fully engage in conversations over dinner, post-class happy hours, and bike rides home.

By the end of the six weeks, our cohort was feeling like a strong network of advocates. These are people committed to improving their communities and now have both the skills and the support system to do it. Advocacy can sometimes feel overwhelming or even isolating, but it is more enjoyable and more productive to approach in cooperation with others.

The academy is a great way to meet people, get involved, and be inspired to advocate for biking an walking in the Richmond Region!

Charlie Prideaux, 2026 Champion

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