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Santa Fe, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: To demonstrate the safety benefits of bike-friendly infrastructure, the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization developed a reusable pop-up toolkit and deployed it in two neighborhoods. The toolkit allows the MPO to create temporary bike lanes in neighborhoods throughout Santa Fe and collect feedback from residents. Materials consist of candlestick delineators to offset cyclists from road traffic, as well as signage to alert drivers to the bike lanes. Based on data gathered during the pop-ups the MPO published a report advocating for more active transportation options for the traditionally car-centric city. Project organizers say they hope ongoing pop-ups help residents envision the value of protected cycling infrastructure, especially in neighborhoods where older adults, lower-income families and people of color live -- all populations that are disproportionately injured or killed when walking or biking.

Erath, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: COVID-19 pandemic restrictions led to an increase in pedestrian and bicycle activity in Erath, as people sought out safe ways to get around and spend time outdoors. And many residents of the small town do not own cars. For local leaders, the increase in biking and walking represented an opportunity to effect long-term change. Since Erath only had one bike rack, the Town purchased and installed new racks in 16 locations around town to encourage locals to bike to the local park and businesses. Volunteers helped design the racks and coordinate the best places to install them.

Jacksonville, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: To incentivize business development along Jacksonville's Main Street, the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council worked to improve the appearance of area. They installed trash receptacles, bike racks and bike maintenance stations. The improvements keep the streets clear of litter, give visitors with a safe place to lock their bikes and provide a convenient place to repair bike and wheelchair tires. Organizers say they hope the improvements set the stage for this historic community's continued popularity.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Dover, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Description: This project will extend the installation of five kinetic sculptures in downtown Dover's historic green space. New programming includes workshops, talks, walking tours, and bus tours from local senior centers.

Dover, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: The City of Dover wanted to spread the word about its North Street/West Street trail, a bikeable route developed from two smaller trails, constructed with state funding. The new route connects several major neighborhoods, as well as a medical center and employment centers, including Dover's Enterprise Business Park. Hoping to attract plenty of cyclists and pedestrians, Dover's Public Works Department installed signs along the trail. All are situated near street intersections and inform people about the route's existence, as well as which turns they need to make to remain on the route. Since refurbishing the West Street portion of the trail in 2018, Dover has continued to promote cycling for mobility. In 2020, the city published a comprehensive bike and pedestrian plan, which focused on underserved neighborhoods and reducing traffic stress.

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