Hickory, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Residents in Hickory needed a clearer understanding of sidewalk gaps, unsafe crossings and the barriers faced by people using mobility devices. During the statewide Transportation Summit, BikeWalk led bike and walk audits that taught participants how to identify safety issues. The audits revealed problem areas downtown and near the Salt Block, and several attendees said the mobility roll audit opened their eyes to challenges wheelchair users encounter. The findings are expected to shape the design of the Olle Art Walk and guide future improvements to sidewalks and crossings as city projects move forward.

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

Stockton, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: The Partnership set out to understand safety issues along a 12-mile stretch of the Delaware River Scenic Byway, where cyclists faced hazards such as debris, cracked pavement and faded markings that forced riders, including older adults, into traffic. Volunteers completed 34 audits, documenting conditions across three segments and noting that while many riders enjoyed the route for recreation and commuting, problems like fallen branches and drainage issues created real risks. One rider described ending up in the emergency room after hitting a branch on the shoulder. The project produced clear recommendations for permanent "share the road" signage, more frequent debris removal, better maintenance and guidance for less experienced riders to use the adjacent canal trail. These findings will be shared with municipalities and land managers to help improve safety for the long term.

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

Anchorage, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Bike audits will review access near civic facilities located along roads under reconstruction. Project teams will use the data to include safer bike and pedestrian features in future roadway designs.