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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.
Florence, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Homeless residents and older adults in Florence relied on bicycles, but often lacked tools for safe repairs. The church installed a bike rack and repair station with community signage, offering free access to tools and a pump. Volunteers age 50-plus completed the installation, and guests now maintain bikes for transportation to showers, meals and jobs. The project promotes mobility and safety for those facing economic hardship.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cumberland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Older adults who wanted to enjoy local forest trails often could not walk long distances or manage a two-wheel bicycle, leaving many disconnected from nature close to home. By adding fat tire tricycles and helmets and inviting residents to help assemble them, the town created an accessible way to explore five miles of wooded paths. Early riders showed how meaningful this new access was. One woman said she had lived there for 37 years and never knew the trails existed. The project boosted confidence, reduced isolation and encouraged plans for more inclusive outdoor programs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bayfield, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The North Pike Creek Wetlands is a 410-acre natural habitat located along the southern shore of Lake Superior. To help visitors with disabilities enjoy nature, Friends of the North Pike Creek Wetlands installed a wheelchair-accessible walkway. The path connects the wetlands' parking area to a pavilion and boardwalk. Project organizers say finishing the walkway prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was serendipitous because it accommodated thousands of visits from those looking for a safe space to enjoy the outdoors. Organizers also say the county has plans to replicate accessibility features in other nature areas.
Ashland, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Ashland's residents have access to an 11-mile Rails-to-Trails network, making getting around by bike easy. However, the City wanted to ensure cyclists -- regardless of income level, age and ability -- had the tools necessary for bicycle upkeep. The City installed five Bike reapair stations along the trail. Each station includes basic tools, an air pump and bike stand. Additionally, the City published an online manual on fixing and maintaining bikes, which people can access by scanning a QR code at the fix-it station.
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