Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: To mark the arrival of a new grocery store to the Bellevue neighborhood, Safe Routes to Healthy Food for Older Adults set out to improve traffic safety, increasing locals' ability to access food. At the annual Taste of Harvest Festival, residents of the Bellevue neighborhood helped paint a vibrant, vegetable-themed crosswalk. The event also invited attendees to paint reusable shopping bags, which gave project organizers an opportunity to chat with residents about their ideas for improving neighborhood safety. Following the success of that even, organizers created a second artistic crosswalk at a mobile farmer's market near a local library branch. While painting took place, project organizers conducted a survey to gather feedback on traffic safety. This led to conversations about residents' frustrations accessing healthy, affordable food. Organizers say they hope the project leads to permanent infrastructure improvements in the future.

Indianapolis, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Indianapolis has several dangerous intersections where 120 pedestrians have died or been injured over the past ten years. The Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center worked with local teenagers to paint the words 120 Is Enough on the pavement at these locations. Organizers say the message is meant to calm traffic and encourage drivers to be more mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and runners. Installation involved working with the city's Department of Public Works to negotiate local rules governing crosswalk designs. Since completing the crosswalks, project organizers say other local advocates have reach out for guidance to successfully create their own artistic crosswalks.

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.