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Raleigh, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Older adults in Raleigh faced unsafe biking conditions and missing sidewalks, limiting mobility and access to transit. Oaks and Spokes launched bike audits on key corridors, engaging older residents and students to document hazards. Findings prompted City Council to adopt protected bike lanes on Brookside Drive and plan sidewalk improvements. A second audit on Garner Road highlighted urgent safety gaps and drew council attention during a live stream. These efforts accelerated infrastructure changes and built advocacy momentum for safer, age-friendly streets.

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

Portland, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: At least three bike audits will examine safety and connectivity near parks and transit. Many older adult volunteers will learn how to share findings with local agencies.

San Diego, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Fairmount Avenue is a busy corridor lined with housing for older adults and other essential services, where people using mobility devices face daily safety risks. Bike San Diego responded by leading bike and walk audits with residents who live and travel the route, capturing firsthand details about crossing times, curb access and confusing signage. Findings were translated into specific recommendations and shared with teams updating long-range city plans. One participant said that he has noticed people with manual wheelchairs often struggled to get to the other side in time. By grounding planning discussions in lived experience, the project increased the chance that future street changes better reflect how older adults actually move through the corridor.

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.

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