Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: This project improved the South Memphis neighborhood of Soulsville neighborhood by creating an artistic crosswalk at a busy intersection. The installation served to beautify the street, as well as improve pedestrian and cycling safety by making the crosswalk more visible to drivers. Project organizers say they hope the street art also fosters a sense of pride among the neighborhood's residents.

Boise, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Idaho Bike Walk Alliance wanted to make walking and biking safer for elementary school students. To do this, they deployed lightweight traffic items around N. 8th Street to reduce driving speeds. The traffic calming equipment included cones -- used to shorten the distance needed to cross the street -- as well as reusable neon signs and plenty of chalk. The Alliance papered the neighborhood with flyers, created a social media campaigns on the project, and met with stakeholders to gain buy-in. They then demonstrated the traffic calming tools over five days in November. An online survey showed community interest in making such features permanent. As a driver, the curb extensions provided greater visibility of pedestrians, one respondent said.

Columbia, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Many of Columbia's sidewalks and bike lanes are outdated and substandard. To make the community aware of needed pedestrian infrastructure improvements, Columbia PedNet created a pop-up demonstration kit. Outfitted with traffic cones, paint, stencils, signs and other supplies, the kit allows local advocates to make temporary changes to the streetscape. Project organizers then worked with residents and the city's Public Works Department to stage two demonstrations to reduce vehicle speeds, making walking and cycling safer. Project organizers report many residents attended the events and gave their feedback on how to make streets safer. Columbia PedNet has more demonstrations planned and hopes to work with the City to make pop-ups part of its neighborhood traffic calming program.