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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
Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Missoula's Transportation Planning hoped to improve safety at a busy intersection in the Riverfront neighborhood, while also giving people a space to gather. First, project organizers asked residents and local business owners for their ideas to improve the streetscape. Ahead of activating the intersection, the city's public works department made upgrades to pavement and water mains. Based on community feedback, Missoula Transportation Planning then created bulb-outs, which extend the curb into the intersection, giving pedestrians extra space, making them more visible to drivers and shortening the distance needed to cross the road. Curb ramps make the crosswalks accessible. To create a seating area, they also created two parklets -- mini-parks that fit in the footprint of on-street parking spaces. The parklets featured art, a space to park bikes and decorative foliage.
Milton, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Fast-moving traffic made walking hazardous in Milton's historic district. The town launched an Art Crosswalk project, painting colorful designs at key crossings to slow cars and promote pedestrian safety. Over 135 volunteers helped create a walking tour linking parks, shops and cultural sites. The project sparked community pride and inspired plans for future public art. "It's fantastic, so colorful, so whimsical!" said one resident, reflecting how art and safety improvements can transform a town's streetscape.
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.
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.
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.
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