Open Space & Sidewalk Survey
Every day, thousands of people experience Richmond one sidewalk at a time. Some sidewalks feel welcoming, comfortable, and memorable. Others feel difficult, unsafe, or disconnected.
We’re asking you to help us understand why.
As you walk through the city, take a moment to notice the spaces between buildings and the street—the places where people actually move, meet, wait, shop, play, and experience Richmond.
By sharing your observations, you’ll help create a citywide map of the pedestrian experience that can inform future planning, design, and investment.
There are no right or wrong answers. We’re interested in what you notice and how a place makes you feel.
FAQ
The survey will ask you to rate the quality of the sidewalk, both at a point in your favorite walking route and at your least favorite walking route, from a scale of 1 to 5. 1, or poor quality, describes uneven, narrow and an overall uncomfortable time walking due to the sidewalk. 5, or good quality, describes a sidewalk that is well maintained and does not hinder your walking.
The next question asks what is between the sidewalk and car traffic, this means any possible infrastructure or barrier that separates the sidewalk from vehicle travel. For example, the 6″ curb is a concrete edge on the sidewalk that is six inches above the road.
Following in the same vein, you will be asked what is between the sidewalk and city structures, and this means any possible structure that separates the sidewalk from the building wall.