Pine Bluff, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Cyclists in Pine Bluff faced safety risks from the lack of bike lanes, limiting options for active transportation. To address this, the city held three bike audits in the regional park, engaging older adults to identify hazards and shape plans. The audits set goals for adding bike lanes and created a safe space for residents age 50-plus to ride. Findings will guide funding requests for bike lanes and ramps, and the effort sparked interest in future cycling events. One participant said she hopes for more opportunities to "ride and fellowship," underscoring the project's role in promoting safety and social connection.

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

Brookfield, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Cycle Brookfield addressed bicycle safety concerns along several north-south corridors where crashes were concentrated. These concerns created added risk for residents who bike for daily travel, including older adults. The group organized three structured bike audits that brought together volunteers of different ages and abilities to document conditions and identify hazards. Using a standardized audit approach, participants developed specific recommendations such as improved crossings, clearer signage and better connections, then presented those findings to village leaders ahead of planned roadway resurfacing. The project built local capacity by training residents to spot safety issues and contribute meaningfully to transportation decisions. With audit recommendations already under review for upcoming projects, the work is positioned to influence near term street improvements and strengthen ongoing collaboration between Cycle Brookfield and local officials.

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

Hickory, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Residents in Hickory needed a clearer understanding of sidewalk gaps, unsafe crossings and the barriers faced by people using mobility devices. During the statewide Transportation Summit, BikeWalk led bike and walk audits that taught participants how to identify safety issues. The audits revealed problem areas downtown and near the Salt Block, and several attendees said the mobility roll audit opened their eyes to challenges wheelchair users encounter. The findings are expected to shape the design of the Olle Art Walk and guide future improvements to sidewalks and crossings as city projects move forward.

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