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City of Saratoga Springs (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Bikeability
└ Bikeability
The City of Saratoga Springs was working to connect existing trails to its new, 24-mile Saratoga Greenbelt Trail. Ahead of constructing a new trail connection, the City wanted to test proposed streetscape changes meant to accommodate cyclists traveling between the Greenbelt and downtown. The proposal included creating a two-lane cycling path on Henry Street, converting the street from two-way to one-way and dedicating one side to parking. The City conducted a two-week pilot program. Orange cones, temporary pavement striping and a one-foot buffer separated cyclists from street traffic. During the trial, the number of pedestrians using the route increased, and the number of cyclists more than quadrupled. A survey or residents showed general support for the changes. The City ultimately decided to permanently convert Henry Street to one-way to accommodate a two-lane bike path. Project organizers also say the pilot raised awareness of the Greenbelt Trail.
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Dover, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: This project installed three bicycle repair stations along the Capital City Trail and outside the public library.
Sioux Falls, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: A community health assessment showed Sioux Falls residents wanted better bike amenities to help them keep physically active. To support bikeability, the City installed benches and bike maintenance stations along a popular bike route. Additionally, the City installed two electric wheelchair charging stations at public library branches that sit along the bike path, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use it. If individuals have more opportunities to get on a bike and know there are amenities on the trail to make their ride more comfortable, they will likely increase their regular activity levels using a bike for recreation and for commuting, project leader Mary Michaels said. Organizers say the project also raised awareness about safety on the trail, as well as the community's accessibility needs.
Worcester, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: To encourage intergenerational cycling, this project created a program that paired twenty teenaged cyclists with twenty older residents and awarded free e-bikes. It also held five bicycle workshops, as well as several group rides.
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Schenectady, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project enlivened an empty lot downtown with murals, ADA-compliant benches, lighting and tables featuring game boards.
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing stability
Description: This project will help construct 16 on-bedroom apartments in a supportive housing community for older adults experiencing homelessness. The Center will also host a series of health literacy, wellness and aging-in-place workshops for residents.
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