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Bicycle Coalition of Maine (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
To increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine held a series of short-term traffic calming demonstrations in Bangor, North Yarmouth and Bangor. The pop-up installations increased the visibility of crosswalks and shortened crossing distances with simple, cost-effective tools. The Coalition deployed flexible lane delineators and pedestrian-crossing signs. They also painted pedestrian landings at crosswalks and added shared-lane markings -- called sharrows -- to street pavement. To gage the effectiveness of these activities, the organization collected survey responses and traffic data, which showed that traffic speeds decreased and pedestrians appreciated it. Project organizers say the demonstrations helped prove to municipal leaders that streets are for people -- not just people in cars -- and improving safety is possible without complex, expensive road construction.
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Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: In Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood, speeding cars and unsafe crossings put older adults at risk, especially after one was struck near a church. The project installed a temporary traffic calming circle and added painted crosswalks, picnic tables and buddy benches. The benches feature vibrant designs created by local artists, along with older adults and youth. More than 300 residents joined Pedestrian Safety Month events, building momentum for permanent solutions like raised crosswalks. Community advocacy continues with city officials to secure lasting infrastructure changes that make streets safer and foster neighborhood pride.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Columbia, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Many of Columbia's sidewalks and bike lanes are outdated and substandard. To make the community aware of needed pedestrian infrastructure improvements, Columbia PedNet created a pop-up demonstration kit. Outfitted with traffic cones, paint, stencils, signs and other supplies, the kit allows local advocates to make temporary changes to the streetscape. Project organizers then worked with residents and the city's Public Works Department to stage two demonstrations to reduce vehicle speeds, making walking and cycling safer. Project organizers report many residents attended the events and gave their feedback on how to make streets safer. Columbia PedNet has more demonstrations planned and hopes to work with the City to make pop-ups part of its neighborhood traffic calming program.
Hamtramck, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Joe Louis Greenway is a planned recreational pathway between Hamtramck and Detroit intended to unify the region's neighborhoods, people and parks. Organizers with Eastern Michigan University hoped to help shape the design for an alleyway connecting to the greenway. They planned a pop-up activation of the alley, turning it into a pedestrian-friendly route and community gathering space. The demonstration featured temporary traffic-calming measures, as well as sidewalk bump outs meant to make crossing the street easier. Organizers surveyed visitors during the demonstration, using their feedback to inform permanent changes to the alley.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: AIA Maine saw that many residents living in older homes needed clearer ways to plan for safe aging in place. Limited affordable options and uncertainty about how to adapt homes made it hard for people to understand their choices. The group hosted webinars on adaptable housing, aging in place and multigenerational design, then used its 207 HOME competition to surface practical ideas for one floor living and flexible layouts. Seventeen submissions highlighted ways older adults could remain safely housed while staying connected to their communities. A traveling exhibit will bring these examples to public venues and expand awareness. The competition also strengthened conversations with state partners about the housing needs of older adults. One collaborative team designed a series of small ADU style units to support shared living, and their enthusiasm reflected the value of generating ideas that can shape future policy and design.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Social isolation and cost barriers limited opportunities for connection in Portland's downtown. Friends of Congress Square Park introduced weekly chess meetups, a month-long badminton series and an open disc golf session, creating inclusive spaces for play and conversation. These activities drew older adults and neighbors together, breaking down social barriers and fostering community ties. Organizers plan to continue the programs, noting that participants enjoyed "meeting others through play."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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