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Newburyport Livable Streets (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Bike Audits
└ Bike Audits
Newburyport Livable Streets focused on safety challenges faced by older adults traveling along busy corridors connecting schools, recreation areas, shopping and health care services. Traffic speed, nighttime visibility and roadway design raised concerns for people walking and biking. The project conducted daytime bike audits and nighttime audits at key intersections, engaging many participants age 50 and over to document conditions. Observations captured issues such as lighting, crosswalk visibility and interactions with vehicles. The resulting reports are being prepared for city officials and advisory committees. The work positioned older adult safety needs within upcoming planning discussions and created a foundation for future roadway improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Pine Bluff, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Cyclists in Pine Bluff faced safety risks from the lack of bike lanes, limiting options for active transportation. To address this, the city held three bike audits in the regional park, engaging older adults to identify hazards and shape plans. The audits set goals for adding bike lanes and created a safe space for residents age 50-plus to ride. Findings will guide funding requests for bike lanes and ramps, and the effort sparked interest in future cycling events. One participant said she hopes for more opportunities to "ride and fellowship," underscoring the project's role in promoting safety and social connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Big Rapids, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Volunteer bike audits will study intersections and routes commonly used by cyclists in the city. Results will guide recommendations that improve bike access to services.
Cherokee, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: This project will conduct a bikeability assessment to improve safety and connectivity in the cultural district. The goal is to ensure safe routes for older adults and complement other projects in the area.
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Newburyport, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: The city will expand its bikeshare system by adding stations at parks, wildlife areas and the beach. This expansion will help people reach scenic destinations without owning a bike and support comfortable cycling for recreation and daily trips.
Merrimac, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Older adult volunteers will conduct a bike audit focused on areas they frequent. The audit will assess the condition of sidewalks and paths and inform efforts to implement an e-bike program.
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