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.

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.

Saratoga Springs, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: 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.