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Bloomfield Development Corporation (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Pittsburgh's Bloomfield District has two busy intersections which lack stoplights. To make crossing the street safer, the Bloomfield Development Corporation worked with neighbors to design artistic crosswalks. Volunteers then painted the bright designs onto the pavement to make the crossings more noticeable to drivers. During painting days, project organizers talked to residents about the importance of pedestrian infrastructure. Since adding the artwork, the organization has hosted walks to observe local birds and trees. In addition to making the area more walkable, organizers say the project helped build intergenerational connections in a neighborhood that's home to older adults and young adult newcomers.
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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.
Burnsville, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Burnsville city staff identified four crosswalks in need of safety improvements. To make the crossings safter for people on foot, they installed flashing beacons, which pedestrians activate by pushing a button. The flashing lights alter drivers to people crossing the street, prompting them to slow down. They also repainted pavement striping, added signage and improved sidewalks to make them ADA-accessible. To evaluate the efficacy of the changes, the City conducted a pedestrian study after installation. The City is now working to educate drivers about the beacons and crosswalk safety.
Bozeman, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Western Transportation Institute conducted three temporary traffic calming projects and two pop-up bus shelters. The temporary demonstrations included new pedestrian crossings, curb extensions and traffic circles. The Institute then partnered with local community groups and the Streamline Bus Service to gather data and evaluate how well these installations calmed traffic and increased pedestrian safety. The City of Bozeman later replicated the three traffic circles in other locations to manage disruptions from a large construction project.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Pittsburgh, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This project will train people how to advocate for their neighborhoods to receive traffic calming improvements to protect cyclists and pedestrians, as well as people with disabilities and older adults.
Pittsburgh, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: This project will provide seven accessible bikes specifically suited for older residents and people with disabilities, which will be available for rent in Pittsburgh's Southside neighborhood along the Great Allegheny Passage.
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