Document Type
Research Report
Original Publication Date
2015
Date of Submission
May 2017
Abstract
RAMSWay promotes safety for students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a series of safe walkways connecting key locations, such as classroom buildings, gyms, libraries, residence halls, and parking decks, on Virginia Commonwealth University’s sprawling urban campus. RAMSWay paths are designed to be consistent with the theoretical framework referred to as CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). CPTED suggests that altering the physical design of communities or areas in which people congregate can deter criminal activity. CPTED-compliant landscaping and lighting, security features (e.g., cameras, ERTs phones), and increased police presence on the paths promote the sense of safety. Further, increased foot traffic provides safety in numbers, consistent with VCU’s current Bystander Intervention initiative. VCU branded RAMSWay aluminum signs will designate walkways on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, showing pedestrians a preferred route. When traveling on RAMSWay, members of the VCU community will have more opportunities to interface with VCU Police, pass by ERTs phones, and share the route with fellow students, faculty, and staff. By using the path, we all help do our part to promote safety on our campus. Existing organizations and communication platforms, such as VCU University Relations, Student Government Association, VCU Mobile and LiveSafe, will promote the use of RAMSWay to the VCU community. RAMSWay will be executed in coordination with VCU Police and VCU Facilities.
Is Part Of
VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Publications