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Augusta Urban Ministries (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Bikeability
└ Bikeability
Augusta's limited transit options leave older adults with few safe ways to reach essential services. Move Augusta addressed this by hosting a Senior Bicycle Safety Rodeo and training 23 participants in bike and pedestrian safety. It donated 10 three-wheeled tricycles with helmets and locks to adult centers and other community facilities. The event connected 20 local agencies and volunteers to support older adults and sparked plans for a ride-share program. "Seeing the younger volunteers interact with the older participants was a blessing and a joy to watch," said an organizer. These efforts are helping older residents travel safely for groceries, medical appointments and recreation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Older adults with disabilities in Southern Arizona faced barriers to exercise and recreation, limiting opportunities for health and social connection. To address this, the organization launched the Eduardo Aguirre Adaptive Cycling Center, installing storage containers and creating a wheelchair-accessible site with a fleet of adaptive bikes. More than 300 people, including 200 age 50-plus, have used the center for rides and training. Participants report renewed confidence and joy. One woman, age 72, said she now feels supported and can ride with friends again.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lincoln, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Older adults in Lincoln faced barriers to bike share, from safety concerns to cost and lack of education. BikeLNK addressed these challenges through its Bike Share for All program, hosting four citywide events to teach bike share basics, demonstrate pedal-assist bikes and offer discounted memberships. The project also launched a Bike Share Ambassador program, training seven volunteers-most age 50-plus-to promote biking in their communities. These efforts expanded awareness and built a foundation for ongoing engagement. As one ambassador shared, "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the program... It's a wonderful opportunity for exercise and for the reduction of air pollution."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lowell, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Older adults in Lowell often struggle with transportation costs, limiting access to essentials and social activities. To address this, Bike Connector hosted two bike rodeos at the local Senior Center. They gave 53 participants free bikes, helmets, locks, lights, plus safety instruction and practice. Ten new riders learned to cycle, and repair clinics taught maintenance skills to 50 attendees. According to the Center's program director, bike ridership has grown among low-income participants, helping them reach services and stay active. The group plans annual rodeos and multilingual safety guides to sustain momentum.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Augusta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Organizers with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department noticed people were driving their vehicles into Henry H. Brigham Park, making park users feel unsafe. This project set out to prevent this, keeping a walking track, basketball court and playground area free from cars and trucks. The Department installed bollards, as well as benches -- which served the dual purpose of giving park patrons a place to rest. Additionally, organizers planted shade trees to make the park more appealing in the summer heat. To draw visitors, the Department also worked to increase recreational programming in the park, including Tai Chi classes.
Augusta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: This project set out to create vendor stalls near the Jessye Norman School of the Arts building, with the goal of holding regular artists markets. The school purchased benches and kiosks for participating vendors to display their goods. The school then held a street market where artists could sell their work. Organizers say they plan to expand the market in the future and hope it will become a regular event, increasing foot traffic and economic activity in the neighborhood.
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