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Teaneck, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Township of Teaneck installed rapid flashing beacons at a busy intersection to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing the street. Project organizers hoped making crosswalks safer would encourage walking, leading to better health outcomes for residents. Teaneck has since upgraded additional crosswalks by adding more flashing beacons, lit pedestrian crosswalk signs and improved pavement striping.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Organizers with Bike Anchorage wanted to give neighbors a glimpse at what their streets could look like with tweaks to make them safer and more pedestrian-friendly. They equipped a trailer with cones, spray chalk, signage and other traffic calming supplies, ready to deploy to locations ripe for pop-up demonstrations. In one such demonstration at a busy intersection near the public library, volunteers installed a temporary roundabout which successfully calmed vehicle traffic. They also created a temporary protected bike lane downtown. The project has already inspired more permanent improvements -- officials have earmarked funds for a future roundabout at the site near the library.
Pensacola, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Gonzalez Street Shareway in Pensacola is a wide, busy road dominated by cars. To demonstrate how the thoroughfare could accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians, Bike Pensacola conducted a one-day demonstration of traffic calming features. Bike Pensacola fabricated traffic circles and temporarily narrowed the roadway from four to two lanes. To test out the traffic control measures, about 300 bicyclists participated in a slow ride along the Shareway, cycling between three Pensacola parks. Additionally, Bike Pensacola partnered with local businesses and organizations to bring a local art market to the shareway including a sidewalk book sale, food trucks, self-guided walking tours and a scavenger hunt.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Reliable internet was out of reach for many Philadelphia residents, leaving older adults disconnected and unable to manage essential tasks. The project installed free Wi-Fi across senior residences and nearby public spaces, hosted town halls and distributed 100 laptops with digital literacy training. The network now serves hundreds, easing financial strain and improving access to telehealth and communication. One resident shared gratitude, saying older adults are often overlooked when it comes to technology access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Uneven sidewalks, obstructed curb ramps and short crossing times on Girard Avenue limited safe travel for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Two community-led walk audits engaged more than 20 participants and produced a report with recommendations on curb ramp repairs, clearer crosswalk markings and better signal timing. The process strengthened ties with city agencies and made officials more responsive to unified community input. A near-miss when a driver ran a light underscored urgency and helped build support for long-term corridor improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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