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."

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

Bayfield, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Visitors to Beaver Hollow -- a popular outdoor recreation center -- often arrived by bicycle. But the facility didn't offer secure bike parking. Responding to community members' feedback, the Friends of North Pikes Creek Wetlands installed a new wave-style bike rack, which accommodates 13 bikes. They also added a bench nearby to give people a place to rest. To make the space appealing, volunteers planted native flowers and added decorative boulders. Organizers hope the improvements draw more people to Beaver Hollow, allowing them to spend time outdoors.

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.