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Residents press Henrico supervisors for pedestrian and bicycle safety after fatal crash on Three Chopt Road
Summary
Multiple residents spoke during public comment Aug. 26 urging immediate safety improvements on Three Chopt Road after an 11‑year‑old was struck and killed. Speakers asked for speed‑limit reductions, audited safety improvements, raised crosswalks, more sidewalks, crossing guards and equitable access for students walking or biking to school.
Residents and parents urged the Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26 to act quickly to make Three Chopt Road and nearby school crossings safer after an 11‑year‑old child was killed in a crash on Sunday.
Ian Trapp, a Three Chopt Road resident, told the board the fatality was the “predictable result of a road that is not safe” and asked for three immediate actions: reduce the speed limit on the stretch between Perham and Forest Avenue, commission an independent safety audit, and expedite physical safety improvements including raised, lit crosswalks and lane‑restriping to create space for protected bike lanes. “I came tonight to ask for 3 things,” Trapp said, listing lower speeds, an audit and expedited infrastructure changes.
Students, parents and other residents described inconsistent access for children who walk or bike to school. Eugene Kevinson and his daughter, who attends Shady Grove Elementary, said recent stop signs improved traffic flow but that the school’s walking/biking program was not being applied equally to all students because of safety concerns at a specific intersection. Student Faith (Evaine) said: “Every student deserves the same chance to get to school safely without worrying about accidents or dangerous streets.”
Other speakers including Paul Momquist and Jennifer Lieberman urged improved bicycle safety education and helmet use; Kaye Carrithers, a registered nurse with public‑health experience, urged painted crosswalks, signage and a short‑term public‑safety campaign while longer projects continue. Carrithers noted that a major bus‑rapid‑transit project affecting West Broad Street will not be completed until 2029 and said “we can’t wait that long” for basic safety fixes.
Board members acknowledged the requests and several supervisors said staff already have some Three Chopt projects under review. A supervisor said the county will examine additional changes and gather further information from police and staff to consider near‑term measures. The board requested staff follow up on residents’ suggestions and provide options for speed‑limit changes and physical crossing improvements.
