See More Projects Like This One

Alamosa, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Alamosa lacked safe, connected routes for biking and walking, leaving older adults without infrastructure that supports active transportation. The project trained 10 volunteers-40% age 50-plus-to lead bike and walk audits and explored several neighborhoods to identify gaps. These audits informed a bicycle recommendation plan and strengthened advocacy for improvements. The effort prompted city discussions on adopting the plan and installing temporary and permanent infrastructure, laying the groundwork for safer, more walkable streets.

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

Hatfield, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Hatfield lacked safe bike routes, leaving cyclists-including older adults-without reliable infrastructure. To address this, the group led six bike audits at eight intersections, engaging residents and municipal leaders. Findings were presented at borough and county meetings and will guide new bike lanes, racks and signage. Recommendations will feed into the Bike More, Drive Less project and future grant applications. Local officials expressed strong interest, and a manufacturing site manager testified about employees safety needs, underscoring the urgency for action.

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

Rutland, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports addressed barriers that limited older adults and adaptive riders from using wooded trail systems where path width and design often made three wheel bikes difficult to navigate. In a state with a large older adult population, trail managers lacked clear assessments of whether existing routes could safely support these riders. The project conducted adaptive bike assessments across three trail systems, supported by GPS photos shared with land managers. The work increased awareness of how trail design affects access for older adults and adaptive riders. Some trail systems began making upgrades based on the findings. A project lead said the effort reinforced that everyone deserves the opportunity to recreate outdoors.

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

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Maywood, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Many Maywood residents lacked affordable bike maintenance, limiting mobility for commuters, older adults and unhoused individuals who depend on bicycles. To address this, the library installed a public repair station with eight tethered tools and a manual air pump near its entrance, creating free access for routine and complex fixes. Within days, residents were using the station, helping older adults stay active and connected to local trails. The project also complements the Healthy Maywood initiative, promoting safe, low-cost transportation options for the community.

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

Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services

Description: Many older adults living in their own homes faced safety hazards that increased fall risk and made daily routines harder to manage, with limited options for affordable repairs. Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago addressed this need through its Second Saturdays initiative, completing targeted home safety and accessibility improvements that helped residents move more confidently through their homes. Skilled volunteers carried out hands-on repairs while spending time with homeowners, pairing practical fixes with human connection. One resident said the work was an answer to their prayers and eased worries about falling or being forced to move. The changes reduced everyday safety concerns and supported older adults who wanted to remain where they live while demonstrating a repeatable model for addressing small but critical home safety needs over time.

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

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Illinois State Office

222 N. LaSalle Street
Suite 710
Chicago, IL 60601
United States

Phone: 866-448-3613
Fax: 312-372-2204
Email: [email protected]