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Allen Neighborhood Center (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Bikeability
└ Bikeability
The Allen Neighborhood Center installed a bike repair and air station in Hunter Park, Lansing's second busiest park. Located in a low-income neighborhood, Hunter Park's repair station provides tools to residents who may not otherwise have access to them. The station sits next to a bus stop, providing easy access to riders who ride their bikes to and from their bus rides. The Allen Neighborhood Center has hosted bike repair trainings and project organizers report many cyclists regularly make repairs using the tools.
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See More Projects Like This One
Salisbury, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Rowan Helping Ministries lacked secure bike parking for people accessing meals, shelter and transitional housing, many of whom are older adults relying on bicycles. The project installed both large and small racks at four campus locations and added concrete pads for stability, replacing unsafe practices like chaining bikes to handrails. The racks are already in steady use. One patron said he was grateful to have a place to leave his bike while he went inside. The effort has sparked partnerships to expand bike infrastructure countywide, supporting mobility and independence for residents.
Cumberland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: The project will provide two fat tire tricycles for older adults to use on Town Forest trails. These tricycles will offer a safe and inclusive way to enjoy outdoor activities, with staff support and mandatory safety talks.
Lovettsville, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Without secure bike parking, older adults had fewer options for low-cost, healthy transportation and social connection. The town installed three steel bike racks in front of Town Hall, creating a safe, central spot for cyclists to access shops, events and community spaces. The racks encourage biking for errands and recreation, reducing reliance on cars and promoting physical activity. They've sparked community pride and support future plans for bike-friendly infrastructure, reinforcing Lovettsville's commitment to active living for residents of all ages. One resident said "This project has not only enhanced the convenience for those who enjoy biking, but it has also encouraged a more active lifestyle within the overall community."
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: As part of its mission to make biking safer, the League of Michigan Bicyclists set out to test a new style of lane separators meant to protect cyclists from vehicle traffic. The League did a demonstration project, setting up hundreds of wave delineators -- arc-shaped metal pieces that create the appearance of waves when placed end to end. They also used narrow traffic cones to separate bike lanes from the roadway. During the pop-up, project organizers collected feedback from people using the protected lanes. They report the demonstration's success has spurred other cities in the region are to undertake similar projects.
Lansing, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Faded crosswalks and a worn roundabout near Mt. Hope STEAM school left pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable, especially older adults and children from nearby low-income neighborhoods. To improve safety and encourage active transportation, the city installed six bike racks at two parks and organized a volunteer event to paint crosswalks and refresh the intersection with art. These changes aim to slow traffic, increase driver yielding and boost bike ridership. The project also inspired other neighborhoods to pursue similar improvements and prompted plans for a citywide toolkit to replicate crosswalk painting.
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