Louisville, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: At a width of 150 feet, Louisville's Ninth Street had the feel of a thoroughfare. To improve the street's safety and aesthetics, Louisville Metro Government upgraded sidewalks, painted bars to make crosswalks more visible to drivers and changed signals to give pedestrians more crossing time. To give people a space to rest, they added benches to an underused green space in the median, the site of an existing sculpture. Doing so created a public space for residents declared that a place to sit and rest in the area was one of their preferred amenities. Organizes say the project has sparked conversations about how to continue improving the pedestrian experience on Ninth Street. Louisville is now exploring adding bike lanes, as well as bump-outs to make crossing distances smaller. "We want to redesign this corridor with people in mind and not just cars, Gretchen Millikin," director of advanced planning, said.

Roanoke, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: When a nearby bridge closed, Ferdinand Avenue became the only route to the Roanoke River Greenway, forcing heavy traffic onto streets already unsafe for walkers and bikers. Wide intersections and no crosswalks made conditions especially risky for older adults. PedalSafe ROA responded with artistic pavement markings and temporary barriers at three intersections, slowing cars and improving visibility. Volunteers painted nearly 7,000 square feet of art and the city committed to a permanent mini-roundabout. Residents report safer crossings and stronger community ties. "This project was exciting because of all of the people that it brought together... and the way that it created a better and more beautiful corridor," said PedalSafe's chairperson.

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

Morris Plains, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Older residents faced safety risks crossing Mountain Way to reach Roberts Garden and the library due to the lack of a crosswalk and sidewalk. The borough installed a new crosswalk with ADA-compliant features, added a sidewalk and placed pedestrian signs to improve access. These upgrades now connect Roberts Garden and the library to nearby neighborhoods and transit.

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