Toledo, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Crossing Highway 30 was dangerous for pedestrians, cutting off access to groceries, pharmacies and schools. The committee installed ADA-compliant crosswalks with flashing beacons and curb ramps, plus short sidewalk sections to improve safety. The project spurred plans for more upgrades and even influenced a bond issue for a new school nearby. Two older adults now bike 1.5 miles to aerobics class using the new crosswalk, showing how small changes can transform daily routines.

Baltimore, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Many intersections in the Johnson Square neighborhood were unsafe for pedestrians, and especially for children walking to school. The Re-Build Johnson Square Neighborhood Organization created the Bee Safe program, a crosswalk art project. Local teenagers and other residents worked together to create artistic crosswalks, meant to slow down traffic by catching driver's attention. Volunteers worked to paint floral designs onto the pavement. Other improvements -- including flexible delineators and painted bump-outs -- separate pedestrians from street traffic and shorten the distance needed to walk across the street. Additionally, project organizers added a new crosswalk with accessible ramps at the main crossing point to and from the local elementary school.

Baton Rouge, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Center for Planning Excellence set out to improve community health by promoting walking and biking in North Baton Rouge. Partnering with the local parks and recreation commission and utility departments, they improved lighting, directional signage and visibility in and around Longfellow Park. They also founded a walking club and staged a twilight walking event. Additionally, the Center launched a website with information about walking clubs, which also includes a tracking feature where residents can record their health status.