Lansing, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: The Allen Neighborhood Center installed a bike repair and air station in Hunter Park, Lansing's second busiest park. Located in a low-income neighborhood, Hunter Park's repair station provides tools to residents who may not otherwise have access to them. The station sits next to a bus stop, providing easy access to riders who ride their bikes to and from their bus rides. The Allen Neighborhood Center has hosted bike repair trainings and project organizers report many cyclists regularly make repairs using the tools.

Wilmette, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Environmental advocacy group Go Green Wilmette raised awareness of cycling through tactical urbanism, which involve short-term, low-cost changes meant to inspire longer-term improvements. The organization staged a village bicycle ride in partnership with the Wilmette Park District and Bike Wilmette. Along the route, the group installed a temporary protected bicycle lane. They did this using a pop-up toolkit they created, which includes planters, stencils and signs for use in temporary demonstrations. Go Green Wilmette later redeployed these items at school bike rodeo safety events and made them available to residents to use at block parties. In 2021, Wilmette's village board approved its Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan. Shaped by community input, the plan aims to improve pedestrian and cycling access to the Village's business district, parks, schools, transit stations and other destinations.

Lovettsville, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Without secure bike parking, older adults had fewer options for low-cost, healthy transportation and social connection. The town installed three steel bike racks in front of Town Hall, creating a safe, central spot for cyclists to access shops, events and community spaces. The racks encourage biking for errands and recreation, reducing reliance on cars and promoting physical activity. They've sparked community pride and support future plans for bike-friendly infrastructure, reinforcing Lovettsville's commitment to active living for residents of all ages. One resident said "This project has not only enhanced the convenience for those who enjoy biking, but it has also encouraged a more active lifestyle within the overall community."