Grove, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Crossing busy highways in downtown Grove was risky for older adults, discouraging visits to shops and events. The city installed two pedestrian-activated lighted crosswalk signals, an advance warning signal and LED lights to improve safety and complement earlier ADA upgrades. These changes make it easier for residents to walk downtown and join festivals and shopping. One resident said, "Before the lighted crosswalk signals were installed... I stayed away from the downtown area and missed out on a lot of festivals and events. With the added crosswalk signals my friends and I enjoy visiting downtown Grove."

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.

Wayne, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The downtown area of Wayne, Maine, appears suddenly to drivers traveling along Route 133, a busy state highway. Because of curves in the road and a hill, pedestrians crossing Main Street often aren't visible to drivers until the last second. "Logging trucks and other large trucks race through town, barely slowing down as they do," said Stan Davis, chair of the community's aging-at-home committee. To make pedestrians more noticeable, Aging at Home installed flashing Reduce Speed at either end of Wayne's downtown area. The town also purchased portable pedestrian crossing signs. Spurred by the success of the improvements, they plan to continue advocating for sidewalks in central Wayne to make walking even safer.