Brookfield, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Cycle Brookfield addressed bicycle safety concerns along several north-south corridors where crashes were concentrated. These concerns created added risk for residents who bike for daily travel, including older adults. The group organized three structured bike audits that brought together volunteers of different ages and abilities to document conditions and identify hazards. Using a standardized audit approach, participants developed specific recommendations such as improved crossings, clearer signage and better connections, then presented those findings to village leaders ahead of planned roadway resurfacing. The project built local capacity by training residents to spot safety issues and contribute meaningfully to transportation decisions. With audit recommendations already under review for upcoming projects, the work is positioned to influence near term street improvements and strengthen ongoing collaboration between Cycle Brookfield and local officials.

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

Jerseyville, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Jerseyville had no bike infrastructure, leaving older adults without safe routes to reach grocery stores and other essentials. Bike audits revealed critical gaps, from missing bike lanes and traffic-calming measures, to the need for signage and parking. These findings will guide a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, expected to prompt long-term upgrades and safety education. A local cycling advocate said he was excited to see the city begin this effort, calling it an important step toward improving biking and pedestrian access.

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

San Diego, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Intersections in the Webster neighborhood lacked clear bike lane markings, creating safety concerns for older residents who bike to local stores. Volunteers age 50-plus audited major intersections using a bike audit toolkit and shared findings with city officials and the community council. The audits prompted plans for lane striping and signage to improve safety and awareness. One wheelchair user said designated bike lanes now made her consider attaching a wagon to her chair for grocery trips, showing how better infrastructure benefits more than cyclists.

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