Princeton, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: Limited transportation choices left older adults and low-income residents with few options to stay active and connected. To address this, the city introduced an electric-assist surrey bike that accommodates multiple riders, making cycling easier for those with mobility challenges. The bike debuted at a Halloween event, where older adults and families tried it out and expressed excitement for summer rentals. This initiative promotes physical activity and social engagement while laying the groundwork for a community bike program that expands affordable transportation access.

Allen, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: To encourage older residents to become more active and use the local trail system, the City of Allen purchased six adult electric tricycles for the Allen Senior Recreation Center. Center members can check out the trikes to use when weather permits. The tricycles provide supplementary electric power to assist with peddling when needed, enabling users with varying mobility levels to ride them. To get the lending program started, City built a storage facility for the tricycles and offered a skills class for riders. Additionally, they provided helmets, orange safety flags and bike locks. Although motorized vehicles typically aren't typically allowed on Allen's nearby Cottonwood Creek Hike/Bike trail, the City has made an exception for the trikes.

Washington, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: Older adults in Washington struggled with limited transit and safety concerns that kept them from using the bike library. To address this, six adult trikes with helmets, baskets and safety gear were added to the library at Jamestown Square Apartments. A health fair introduced the trikes and promoted active living. Residents now ride to stores, appointments and community events on their own schedule, reducing reliance on buses and rides from others. The project also strengthened social ties and sparked local conversations about transportation. One participant said, "The trikes...allowed me to ride to the grocery store without having to wait for the bus."