RICHMOND, Va. — In response to growing concerns over traffic safety, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Police have intensified enforcement efforts along Belvidere Street, a heavily trafficked corridor running through the heart of the VCU campus. This initiative, which began on March 7, is aimed at curbing the rising number of traffic violations in the area, which has become notorious for its congestion and pedestrian activity.
The five-block stretch of Belvidere Street, extending from West Broad Street to Canal Street, is a critical thoroughfare for both pedestrians and vehicles. The area sees a high volume of students walking to and from classes, often in close proximity to fast-moving traffic. VCU Police have made 113 traffic stops in the corridor since the initiative began, issuing 64 tickets and 49 warnings. The heightened enforcement will continue through May 2, with the department promising to monitor traffic trends year-round.
According to VCU Police, traffic violations in the Belvidere corridor have seen a significant rise over the past few years. In 2022, only 22 violations were recorded, but that number nearly doubled to 42 in 2023. The trend continued into 2024 with 62 violations, and in 2025, the number has already reached 105, with several weeks remaining in the current initiative. The 69% increase from 2024 to 2025 is particularly alarming, as the Belvidere corridor now accounts for 16% of all traffic stops within VCU Police’s jurisdiction.
Officer Ervin Taylor of VCU Police emphasized that the initiative is about more than just issuing citations. “With that enforcement, it’s showing our presence on campus and it’s also ensuring our students and anyone else that their safety is one of our priorities and main concerns,” he said. The department is focusing on shifting driver behavior, hoping that the threat of a citation will serve as a reminder for drivers to slow down and be more cautious.
“We want our drivers to know that when they come to VCU campus, they might get away the first time speeding, but the second time, there’s no chance of that,” Officer Taylor added.
While the initiative targets drivers, VCU Police are also urging pedestrians to exercise caution. The safety of pedestrians has been a particular concern this year, with two students struck by vehicles on campus. Although this marks an improvement over previous years, the department is striving for zero pedestrian accidents. “Go old school, like your mom used to tell you: look both ways before you cross and then step out,” Taylor advised.
The traffic safety initiative is part of a broader effort to improve overall campus safety. As VCU Police continue to enforce traffic laws, they also emphasize education, hoping to instill long-term changes in driving and walking behavior on campus.
The department has committed to maintaining increased enforcement through early May, but it plans to keep monitoring traffic trends throughout the year to ensure a continued focus on safety.
