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Bike Newport (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Micromobility enhancements/management
└ Micromobility enhancements/management
Disabled veterans and older adults who could no longer cycle faced isolation and limited access to outdoor recreation. Bike Newport launched its Cycling Without Age program, offering scenic trishaw rides piloted by trained volunteers. Over 90 residents participated in 12 excursions, enjoying companionship, nature and cross-generational conversations. The program also raised visibility through parades and community events, inspiring future expansion. One participant shared, "There was a great vibe around Atria all day after this activity... residents are looking forward to this every Tuesday morning now".
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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Powhatan County, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: The Powhatan County Department of Social Services hoped to give local older adults a unique way to get around town. The Department's Ride Assist Services purchased four easy-to-ride adult tricycles. To help allow residents to try them out, they also purchased a covered trailer. This allows them to transport the trikes to community events, including Powhatan's annual Earth Day celebration. Interested riders can borrow the trikes, after signing a waiver and donning a helmet. To further encourage people to explore town by foot or bike, the County also installed decorative benches downtown. In the future, the County hopes to launch a share or rental program to allow on-demand access to the tricycles.
Shawnee Mission, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: To expand access to cycling, this project expanded the BikeWalkKC bikeshare program. Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County set out to install bikeshare stations in four parks, including a new park located near a residential area with a senior living community. The stations serve four municipalities -- Olathe, Prairie Village, Lenexa, Shawnee and Overland Park. To measure the bikeshare program's popularity, each station uses smart technology to track each bike's location, how frequently it is checked out, the length of each checkout and who used it. Organizers plan to specifically market the service to older adults, who represent a growing share of Johnson County's population.
McDonough, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: Older adults in McDonough lacked safe, affordable ways to stay active. The center purchased 10 adult tricycles with helmets and locks, enabling participants to ride to nearby parks and markets. The trikes provide exercise and social opportunities, expand access to fresh food and will connect to future trail networks. "I can't believe I am riding a bike again at 83! I almost feel like a kid again!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Jamestown, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Jamestown needed clearer guidance and simple tools to make their homes safer, especially when mobility challenges increase fall risks. The group expanded its planned sessions into five well-attended events and a two month library display that offered home safety education, low cost products and the option to book personalized home visits. Weekly visits grew from these sessions, and residents received items like night lights, grab bars and toilet handles at no cost. One woman said she could not believe the team would install toilet handles for her without charging, and others expressed similar gratitude. Partnerships with the library and community groups will support continued safety fairs, displays and ongoing home visits that help older adults stay safer and more confident at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bristol, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: The town will prepare for the opening of a new senior and community center by conducting sidewalk audits downtown. They will also hold workshops to recruit volunteers and connect residents with town leaders.
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