Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Chicago's Clark Street commercial district is a busy area for commuters and shoppers. To increase safety, decrease crime and beautify the neighborhood, the Rogers Park Business Alliance created its Cross the Street: Art on Clark project. Organizers painted murals on the pavement at intersections near the local commuter train station, as well as on side streets leading to the Clark Street shopping district. The permanent art installations are meant to encourage drivers to slow down as they approach. Also meant to be a placemaking intervention, the pavement art also encourages pedestrians to engage with local businesses. Since installation, project organizers say Art on Clark has improved economic vitality and public safety in the neighborhood.

Sioux Falls, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: This demonstration project had the goal of calming traffic and improving the streetscape for pedestrians. Downtown Sioux Falls used paint to create temporary bumpouts -- or curb extensions -- at a local crosswalk, which shortened the distance pedestrians spent in the street. They also used large planters to create a physical barrier between pedestrians and cars and added reflective delineators to make crosswalks more visible at night. A camera installed onsite helped capture data about traffic and pedestrian behavior during the pop-up project. The result: Drivers actually slowed down said Joe Batcheller, the organization's president. The project helped reduce speeds by 20 percent on average. Project organizers say the demonstration sparked a cultural shift around pedestrian safety. Since the pop-up, the City has painted curb bumpouts in other locations.

Fort Wayne, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Trail users often passed Stillwater Hospice without knowing its prairie and pond were open to the public, and the existing path was inaccessible for people with mobility challenges. The project installed ADA-compliant curb cuts, flattened a steep curve and added a cement pad for bike racks, a trash can and doggie pot. New directional and educational signs now guide visitors and highlight prairie features. A retired cyclist noted that she rides past this area all the time but did not know about the pond or prairie until the new signs and ADA ramps went in, and that she looks forward to returning. These changes are expected to boost community walks and bike rides starting from Stillwater Hospice.

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