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Rancho Cordova, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Rancho Cordova's first roundabout raised safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians along Lincoln Village Drive, a one-mile stretch with 15 intersections where cars often speed. Volunteers conducted a bike audit, reviewing proposed traffic calming measures and sharing feedback with city staff. Their input will guide quick-build improvements within six months and shape long-term plans, including an upcoming repaving project. One participant noted, "Talking through the proposed traffic calming has changed how I think...about the bike trails and intersections in my own neighborhood."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wake Forest, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: The Town of Wake Forest examined why older adults and other residents interested in biking often avoid local streets due to disconnected and unsafe infrastructure. Through a series of bike audits involving volunteers from the Senior Center, participants documented where bike lanes end abruptly, crossings felt unsafe and routes failed to connect neighborhoods to greenways. The audits produced clear, location-specific findings and recommendations prepared for planning staff and elected officials. Volunteers noted that riders often gather downtown and then leave town to stay safe, highlighting missed opportunities for local travel. The results are positioned to inform age-friendly planning and support future investments such as safer crossings, clearer signage and expanded bike facilities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Brookfield, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Cycle Brookfield addressed bicycle safety concerns along several north-south corridors where crashes were concentrated. These concerns created added risk for residents who bike for daily travel, including older adults. The group organized three structured bike audits that brought together volunteers of different ages and abilities to document conditions and identify hazards. Using a standardized audit approach, participants developed specific recommendations such as improved crossings, clearer signage and better connections, then presented those findings to village leaders ahead of planned roadway resurfacing. The project built local capacity by training residents to spot safety issues and contribute meaningfully to transportation decisions. With audit recommendations already under review for upcoming projects, the work is positioned to influence near term street improvements and strengthen ongoing collaboration between Cycle Brookfield and local officials.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Marshall, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: With no gyms or adult fitness options, many older residents lacked safe ways to stay active, contributing to high rates of chronic disease. Madison County installed permanent outdoor equipment-including pull-downs, sky walkers and chin-up bars-at the health department campus. The space was introduced with a ribbon-cutting event. The equipment is in heavy use, encouraging healthier habits and family interaction. One resident said adding the low-impact machines to her routine helped her lose weight and improve health, calling the free access "convenient and life-changing."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Brevard, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: In Brevard's Rosenwald neighborhood, residents lacked access to fresh food and safe outdoor spaces. The city created a community garden with raised beds for older adults and children, added ADA-compliant benches and picnic tables and hosted events to engage neighbors. The garden now offers a place for healthy activity and social connection. One resident shared joy at gardening with her son, who has a brain injury, while another found comfort there after losing a partner.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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