Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Wisconsin Bike Federation wanted to challenge Milwaukee residents to think differently about their public spaces, especially their streets. To that end, the organization staged a workshop to demonstrate what a safe street looks like and talk with residents about possible improvements in their neighborhood. As part of the event, the Bike Federation conducted a pop-up demonstration showcasing temporary traffic calming interventions outside the United Community Senior Center. Using painted tires and lawn chairs, staff and volunteers created curb extensions, meant to shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians at intersections. They also used chalk paint to add bike sharrows to the street and add color to a crosswalk to make it more visible. Finally, they set up a mini roundabout designed to slow down traffic. The temporary improvements spurred city officials to apply for federal funding to make permanent changes to the street.

Hamlin, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Although Hamlin's residents can access regional bus service, most parts of the community lack transit access and pedestrian infrastructure. To make the community less car-centric, Lincoln County Friends of the Arts installed several artistic crosswalks. They engaged residents to design murals, which volunteers painted on the pavement. The colorful crosswalks draw catch drivers' attention, making them more likely to notice people crossing the street. Organizers hope the traffic calming installations will improve safety for pedestrian and cyclists, ultimately improving mobility throughout the small town.

Altadena, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Altadena's Loma Alta Park is a destination for Los Angeles County residents. But visitors lacked a safe way to access the park on foot. To reduce speed limits and make roads safer for pedestrians, the Altadena Town Council's Safe Streets Committee installed temporary Slow Street signage at park access points that lacked walkable, bikeable or equestrian-friendly design features. They also set up a pop-up sidewalk alongside the park, offsetting it from traffic with white poles and red No Parking curb paint. The Committee then hosted a community walk and ride day that led residents on foot, on bikes and on scooters from the park to nearby nature trails. Organizers say the pop-up project raised awareness of the need for better pedestrian infrastructure and traffic calming in the area.