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Bike Walk Macon (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Using public art, Bike Walk Macon set out to improve pedestrian safety in three high-traffic corridors near community centers. First, project organizers gathered feedback from residents of the East Macon, Pleasant Hill and South Macon neighborhoods. They then commissioned two local artists to design on-street murals and artistic crosswalks. With help from volunteers, the artists painted the designs onto the pavement during three Open Streets events. Organizers say they compiled lessons learned from the placemaking initiative into a toolkit for future traffic calming projects. And since creating the crosswalks, Bike Walk Macon has completed similar interventions in other neighborhoods.
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See More Projects Like This One
Malvern, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: To improve pedestrian visibility and safety, the Malvern-Hot Spring County Library created a colorful crosswalk. Project organizers report the crosswalk has visibly slowed down approaching traffic. A local group -- the Ouachita River Art Guild -- designed and painted the crosswalk with a floral design. Library also worked with local master gardeners to create a pollinator garden and added a story trail. The trail includes sign posts displaying pages from a children's storybook, which can be rotated out as needed to provide visitors with new reading material.
Benton, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Benton city officials wanted the crosswalks in its downtown district to reflect the grandeur of the city's elegant courthouse building, located nearby. First, the City compiled four possible designs for new-artistic crosswalks. Then they reached out to residents via social media, asking them to vote for their favorite option. Nearly 2,000 responded, with the initial vote so close that the City had to hold a runoff. After the tiebreaker, they then installed two wide, visually compelling crosswalks showcasing the winning herringbone pattern.
Harrisonville, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: City Park's disconnected sidewalks forced pedestrians, including older adults, onto roads, raising safety concerns and limiting access to amenities. The city installed 862 feet of concrete sidewalk, added benches, planted trees and placed signage. This created a continuous path that links park features and an ADA-accessible playground. The improvements make walking safer and encourage physical activity and social interaction. "The new park sidewalk allows me to walk early in the morning without fear of being in the street... I love it!" said one resident, reflecting the project's lasting impact on accessibility and community engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Macon, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Residents in two adjacent neighborhoods faced unsafe walking conditions and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure, especially in Pleasant Hill, where many older adults live. To address this, Bike Walk Macon worked with residents and artists to install four artistic crosswalks at a key intersection during Open Streets Macon. More than 50 volunteers helped, and over 1,000 people attended the event. The murals improved crosswalk visibility and sparked plans for future traffic-calming projects. As one participant noted, the art increases visibility of crosswalks and causes motorists to be more cautious and alert. This has helped bridge the gap between the two through art and a common goal to make its residents safer.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Macon, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Fort Hill faced food insecurity and lacked green spaces, leaving older adults with few options for fresh produce or outdoor gathering spots. The project expanded the community garden with 10 new beds, planted shade and fruit trees, and added berry bushes. Volunteers cleared litter and installed an inspirational mural on the basketball court, transforming the park into a vibrant hub. Residents expressed hope for the neighborhood's future, and plans now include chess tournaments and exercise equipment to sustain engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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