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Bike Anchorage (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Anchorage lacked safe bike routes downtown, discouraging older adults from riding beyond trails and limiting access to social destinations. Bike Anchorage introduced a two-way protected bike lane and hosted nine group rides, including a Senior Center block party, to help residents experience the new design. Riders received safety gear and repair kits, building confidence and community support. The pilot cleared the way for future bike infrastructure. One participant said the rides showed bike lanes "aren't just infrastructure, they're a catalyst for community connection."
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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See More Projects Like This One
River Falls, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: A deteriorating intersection identified as a high-risk crash area posed safety challenges for pedestrians and cyclists, including older adults living nearby. The project installed high-visibility crosswalk markings, upgraded buttons with auditory signals and added bollards to create a protected bike lane and pedestrian corridor. Public art and a "paint the pavement" event engaged volunteers and raised awareness. These improvements made the crossing safer and more accessible, connected residents to downtown and trails and informed future bike and pedestrian plans.
Jasonville, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Jasonville lacked safe sidewalks for older adults to walk and socialize, with no local gyms and uneven routes limiting activity. The Heritage Walkway project added ADA-compliant sidewalks, benches, signage and lighting around the downtown Heritage Block. Volunteers painted a colorful crosswalk leading to the community garden. The walkway now connects key destinations and offers a safe space for exercise and gathering. Residents praised the improvements during a community event, and plans include hosting farmers markets and seasonal activities to keep the area vibrant.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Alaska Trails worked with Bike Anchorage to shape sustainable transportation in Anchorage. The two organizations educated residents about the city's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, an effort to integrate bike, pedestrian and train networks into a multi-modal system. They also informed residents about Anchorage's Complete Streets policy, which aims to remake city streets to safely accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and bus riders of all ages and abilities. In addition, Alaska Trails supported Safe Routes to School, an initiative that promotes walking and bicycling to school. This outreach effort included social media posts, print and television news coverage and a newsletter. Alaska Trails continues to work to encourage locals to use the state's trails and each year Bike Anchorage holds a Winter Bike Fest to promote cycling in the city.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Reconnecting Communities
Description: Fairview has endured decades of disinvestment and danger from a highway that splits the neighborhood, leaving older adults with few safe options to walk or connect. To address this, NeighborWorks hosted creative engagement events, including a block party with real-time greenway design, art installations and a bus/walk audit focused on safety. Outreach engaged older adults and youth, with translated materials and workshops at the local center. These efforts amplified a long-standing campaign to redesign the corridor, prompting city plans for improved lanes and a greenway demonstration.
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