AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Cycling Without Age at the Bike Library (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Transportation Other
└ Transportation Other
Many older adults and wheelchair users in Iowa City are unable to ride bicycles independently, limiting access to outdoor recreation and social connection. The Bike Library addressed that barrier by launching the state's first community-based chapter and introducing a wheelchair-accessible trishaw that allows riders to participate without transferring. Trained volunteer pilots, including many older adults, began offering free rides through neighborhoods, parks and riverfront trails from a central hub. One wheelchair user said it was the fastest and farthest they had traveled in 30 years, calling the experience a gift. By embedding adaptive cycling into local recreation and disability partnerships, the project created an ongoing way for residents to reconnect with nature and community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Mahnomen, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: Mahnomen County sought to fix an entrance at the Senior Living Center that was too narrow and difficult for older adults using wheelchairs or scooters to navigate. The county widened the doorway, added a ramp and installed an automatic door opener to make the entrance safer and easier to use. These changes helped create a more welcoming space where older adults could participate in meals and activities with fewer mobility barriers. The redesign now supports fuller engagement in community programs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pelzer, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: The town will install visible crosswalks and protective sidewalk railings in the downtown district. These upgrades will help residents walk safely between civic spaces and local businesses.
Lakeland, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: The city will improve pedestrian safety along a busy boulevard by installing crosswalk signage, pavement striping and a speed table. These upgrades will create a safer, more walkable connection between nearby housing and activity centers.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cedar Rapids, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public Places Other
Description: A pickleball court will be built as part of a new activity center for adults age 55 and older. The court will support regular exercise and social play in an affordable community setting.
Cedar Rapids, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: A citywide ADU design competition will focus on universal design and education. The project will increase awareness of housing options that support aging in place.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect 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 Iowa State Office
600 E. Court Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States