Laramie, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: For many older adults in Wyoming, getting outdoors felt out of reach-until a new trishaw rolled into town. Miles of Smiles purchased an electric-assisted trishaw, trained volunteer pilots age 50-plus and began offering rides at local facilities. The experience quickly became a highlight, with passengers scheduling weeks ahead and volunteers calling it "extremely rewarding." One 96-year-old, non-verbal for months, exclaimed "Great fun!" after her first ride. The program is breaking isolation, sparking joy and proving that fresh air and human connection can transform lives.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Honolulu, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: When Bikeshare Hawaii launched its Biki bikeshare program, it found that older adults were not using the resource at the same rate as younger people. In response, it invited Hawaiians age 50 and older to sign up for Biki Social Rides. The rides, held in partnership with Blue Zones Hawaii and the Hawaii Bicycling League, included a tutorial on how to use the Biki app to find stations. Instructors also showed riders how to dock and undock the service's turquoise bicycles. Additionally, Bikeshare Hawaii provided each participant with a helmet and a trial Biki membership.

Atlanta, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: Sidewalk clutter from dockless scooters and bikes and illegal parking near crosswalks made walking hazardous, especially for older adults. To improve safety, the Department of Transportation installed 10 micromobility corrals in busy districts, using quick-build materials like flexposts, curbstops and bike racks. Many corrals doubled as daylighting measures, clearing sightlines and reducing illegal parking. The changes organized shared devices, freed sidewalks and made crossings safer, giving older adults more confidence to navigate city streets. The effort also sparked demand for more corrals and partnerships to expand the network citywide.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.