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Santa Fe, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: To demonstrate the safety benefits of bike-friendly infrastructure, the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization developed a reusable pop-up toolkit and deployed it in two neighborhoods. The toolkit allows the MPO to create temporary bike lanes in neighborhoods throughout Santa Fe and collect feedback from residents. Materials consist of candlestick delineators to offset cyclists from road traffic, as well as signage to alert drivers to the bike lanes. Based on data gathered during the pop-ups the MPO published a report advocating for more active transportation options for the traditionally car-centric city. Project organizers say they hope ongoing pop-ups help residents envision the value of protected cycling infrastructure, especially in neighborhoods where older adults, lower-income families and people of color live -- all populations that are disproportionately injured or killed when walking or biking.

Ashland, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Ashland's residents have access to an 11-mile Rails-to-Trails network, making getting around by bike easy. However, the City wanted to ensure cyclists -- regardless of income level, age and ability -- had the tools necessary for bicycle upkeep. The City installed five Bike reapair stations along the trail. Each station includes basic tools, an air pump and bike stand. Additionally, the City published an online manual on fixing and maintaining bikes, which people can access by scanning a QR code at the fix-it station.

New Orleans, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Kabel Drive, a three-block corridor of with businesses led by people age 50-plus, faced pandemic setbacks and rising crime while lacking bike infrastructure. Riders locked bikes at storefronts, limiting access for older adults and people with mobility challenges. The project added bike racks, a fix-it station, decorative lighting and a welcome sign to make the area safer and more inviting. A business mixer built trust and led to a Kabel Drive owner joining AEDF's board. "We've built invaluable trust that will lead to better service of this area going forward," said AEDF. These changes sparked plans for holiday events and a Shop Local campaign, and the bike amenities are expected to draw new customers and boost sales.

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

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Lincoln, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: Many older adults struggled to use buses and bike share because of language barriers, unfamiliar technology and uncertainty about routes and fares. The City of Lincoln offered in-person trainings that showed participants how to ride transit and use bike share, supported by multilingual written and video materials. Older adults received hands-on guidance, free passes and help practicing trips, including when fixed-route transit or paratransit made sense. Participants reported greater confidence using transit for medical visits, shopping and social activities. Training materials and partnerships remain in use beyond the sessions.

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

NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: ADUs tiny homes missing middle and manufactured housing

Description: Many rural communities in Nebraska struggled to offer affordable homes, and the lack of zoning and design standards for modular housing made it harder to create options suitable for older adults. NIFA developed new neighborhood and design standards, engaged cities and regional partners and trained Communities for Housing participants on issues such as affordability, accessibility and home size. They also released an RFP to identify manufacturers that meet the standards. These steps will support a planned modular housing procurement facility that can help communities bring well-designed, accessible homes online more quickly. Community partners expressed enthusiasm, noting the program's potential to expand stable housing choices across rural areas.

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

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