AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Friends of the Northern Rail Trail (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Micromobility enhancements/management
└ Micromobility enhancements/management
Older adults with mobility challenges struggled to access Lebanon's rail trail. The group launched a Cycling Without Age program, purchasing an electric trishaw and training 27 volunteer pilots to give free rides. Residents now enjoy the outdoors, attend community events and build friendships with volunteers. The program reduces isolation and expands trail access, creating a model for inclusive recreation.
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
Grand Forks, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: Many riders who wanted low-impact exercise or an easy way to get around could not use the standard bike share fleet, which made trips difficult for people with limited balance or strength. To address this, the program added e-bikes and adaptive bikes, promoted them at pop-up events and created a video featuring riders age 50-plus. Volunteers helped explain the bikes and encourage new users. The additions led to greater participation among older riders and offered a more comfortable way to stay active. One rider said the adaptive bikes made outings easier, noting, "I didn't have to struggle with my balance... they make me want to get out and enjoy rides more often."
Alexandria, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: Older adults and people with limited mobility in Alexandria faced isolation and few chances to enjoy nature. The group purchased two trishaw bikes, trained volunteers and partnered with care facilities to offer free rides on scenic trails. More than 375 riders, most age 50-plus, experienced outings that sparked joy and connection. The program strengthened intergenerational bonds and promoted volunteerism while giving older adults a safe, uplifting way to engage with their community.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lebanon, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Activities that address social isolation and facilitate community connections
Description: Many older adults and people with disabilities in the Upper Valley felt excluded, with surveys showing low levels of belonging. To address this, SNSC partnered with 21 organizations to earn Disability-Friendly Certification and distributed 200 sensory toolboxes stocked with items like noise-canceling headphones and communication cards. Staff received tailored training to improve accessibility and inclusion. These efforts expanded welcoming spaces, raised awareness and strengthened community ties, aiming to reduce isolation and improve belonging for older adults and others with disabilities.
Lebanon, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: To assess the housing stock in 67 municipalities in New Hampshire and Vermont, the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission launched its Keys to the Valley Website. Grant funds supported website management and efforts to promote its use. The website includes an open data portal, where site visitors can engage with regional housing data, read personal stories, view maps and use interactive tools for analysis. Aerial and ground photography highlight the different types of housing across the region. Project organizers hope the website will highlight each community's unique housing needs, as well as features such as proximity to grocery stores and hospitals. To promote the site, commission staff created a video, launched a newsletter, attended public engagement events and talked with residents about the Keys to the Valley initiative.
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 New Hampshire State Office
45 South Main Street
Suite 202
Concord, NH 03301
United States