Brookfield, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Cycle Brookfield addressed bicycle safety concerns along several north-south corridors where crashes were concentrated. These concerns created added risk for residents who bike for daily travel, including older adults. The group organized three structured bike audits that brought together volunteers of different ages and abilities to document conditions and identify hazards. Using a standardized audit approach, participants developed specific recommendations such as improved crossings, clearer signage and better connections, then presented those findings to village leaders ahead of planned roadway resurfacing. The project built local capacity by training residents to spot safety issues and contribute meaningfully to transportation decisions. With audit recommendations already under review for upcoming projects, the work is positioned to influence near term street improvements and strengthen ongoing collaboration between Cycle Brookfield and local officials.

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

Wake Forest, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: The Town of Wake Forest examined why older adults and other residents interested in biking often avoid local streets due to disconnected and unsafe infrastructure. Through a series of bike audits involving volunteers from the Senior Center, participants documented where bike lanes end abruptly, crossings felt unsafe and routes failed to connect neighborhoods to greenways. The audits produced clear, location-specific findings and recommendations prepared for planning staff and elected officials. Volunteers noted that riders often gather downtown and then leave town to stay safe, highlighting missed opportunities for local travel. The results are positioned to inform age-friendly planning and support future investments such as safer crossings, clearer signage and expanded bike facilities.

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

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.