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Fort Myers, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Streets Alive partnered with four other organizations to hold a bike rodeo event for children in Fort Myers' Dunbar neighborhood. A dozen volunteers completed a training course on how to teach safe cycling skills. Another volunteer worked with Franklin Park Elementary School to obtain a supply of loaner bikes for the young participants. At the event, children went through a series of stations to be fitted with helmets, have their bikes inspected for safety and receive coaching on how to start, balance and stop their bikes. They learned cycling rules of the road, including hand signals and where to ride on the street. They also received training on how to stay safe as pedestrians when crossing intersections and facing traffic. The organization staged another bike rodeo in 2020.

Hendersonville, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: With the highest pedestrian fatality rate among small towns in North Carolina, and a population that is more than half age 50-plus, Hendersonville faced urgent mobility challenges. To improve safety, the city installed 160 shared lane markings linking neighborhoods to downtown and the future Ecusta Trail. It also added two bike repair stations at key hubs and placed seven custom bike racks in high-traffic areas. These visible upgrades make biking safer and more convenient while encouraging active transportation. The project also spurred plans for a long-term bike parking strategy and updated bicycle plan. One resident said, "These amenities are fantastic additions to our city."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Albuquerque, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Secure bicycle racks will be installed along a busy main street. The racks enable older adults to bike safely, reduce transportation costs and reach nearby businesses while aging in place.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Newport, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: 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.

Newport, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Disaster Resilience Other

Description: The project will host pop‑up events to help older residents enroll in the city’s emergency registry, learn the basics of preparedness and receive starter emergency kits. The project will help people prepare for storms and power outages.

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