AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Fairfield County Health Department (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Bike Audits
└ Bike Audits
A bike path connecting a high school and a community park lacked safety features, prompting two audits to identify hazards and gather community input. Residents, local partners and an injury prevention specialist joined the effort, and feedback was shared with the city planner to guide upgrades. Plans now include safer crossings and enhancements like public art, while the audit report will support funding applications for long-term improvements. One older participant suggested organizing groups to keep the path clean, reflecting strong community engagement.
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
Arlington Heights, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Older adults helped audit a multi-use path where safety and accessibility issues limited use. Their input highlighted hazards and informed plans for improvements. The project also built ties with the bike advisory committee, giving older adults a voice in shaping safer routes. Continued engagement, including monthly meetings, ensures their concerns remain central to future upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Merrimac, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Older adult volunteers will conduct a bike audit focused on areas they frequent. The audit will assess the condition of sidewalks and paths and inform efforts to implement an e-bike program.
Stockton, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: The Partnership set out to understand safety issues along a 12-mile stretch of the Delaware River Scenic Byway, where cyclists faced hazards such as debris, cracked pavement and faded markings that forced riders, including older adults, into traffic. Volunteers completed 34 audits, documenting conditions across three segments and noting that while many riders enjoyed the route for recreation and commuting, problems like fallen branches and drainage issues created real risks. One rider described ending up in the emergency room after hitting a branch on the shoulder. The project produced clear recommendations for permanent "share the road" signage, more frequent debris removal, better maintenance and guidance for less experienced riders to use the adjacent canal trail. These findings will be shared with municipalities and land managers to help improve safety for the long term.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Whitehall, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Whitehall lacked safe walking routes near a major health center and housing for older adults, limiting mobility and health. Heart of Ohio led two walk audits along East Main Street and near Whitehall Senior Center, engaging older adults, students and city leaders. The project expanded into "Why We Walk", with educational presentations made to the Center and city schools, as well as a Wellness Walk event. Findings are shaping citywide plans and regional partnerships and older adults report feeling empowered to advocate for safer streets. One participant said walking helped improve her diabetes management.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Columbus, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: Frequent tornadoes and flooding put older adults with mobility or medical needs at high risk. To improve readiness, Franklin County Public Health distributed 160 emergency kits with essentials like flashlights, first aid supplies and convertible bags on wheels. They paired this with disaster planning education at more than 20 community events, including tips for pets and service animals. The effort boosted awareness, strengthened partnerships and set a model for future programs. This helps lay the groundwork for sustained outreach and policy advocacy to protect vulnerable residents.
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
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 Ohio State Office
17 S. High Street
Suite 800
Columbus, OH 43215
United States