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Silver Spokes with Bike Cleveland (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Bikeability
└ Bikeability
Cleveland's Department of Aging and Bike Cleveland partnered to create opportunities for older adults to explore alternative forms of transportation and recreational activity. They created Silver Spokes, a free cycling program for older adults. Bike Cleveland purchased four age-friendly bikes, as well as bicycle lights and helmets. Additionally, they hosted sessions throughout the city to teach older adults safety rules of the road. They also offered short, guided rides.
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Erath, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: COVID-19 pandemic restrictions led to an increase in pedestrian and bicycle activity in Erath, as people sought out safe ways to get around and spend time outdoors. And many residents of the small town do not own cars. For local leaders, the increase in biking and walking represented an opportunity to effect long-term change. Since Erath only had one bike rack, the Town purchased and installed new racks in 16 locations around town to encourage locals to bike to the local park and businesses. Volunteers helped design the racks and coordinate the best places to install them.
Augusta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Augusta's limited transit options leave older adults with few safe ways to reach essential services. Move Augusta addressed this by hosting a Senior Bicycle Safety Rodeo and training 23 participants in bike and pedestrian safety. It donated 10 three-wheeled tricycles with helmets and locks to adult centers and other community facilities. The event connected 20 local agencies and volunteers to support older adults and sparked plans for a ride-share program. "Seeing the younger volunteers interact with the older participants was a blessing and a joy to watch," said an organizer. These efforts are helping older residents travel safely for groceries, medical appointments and recreation.
St. George, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Cyclists, including many older adults, lacked convenient repair options on popular trails, leaving riders stranded and discouraging outdoor activity. The alliance installed four Fix-it stations equipped with tools and air pumps across trails in four cities near local communities, with local governments assisting in placement. These stations provide peace of mind, promote safe cycling and strengthen collaboration with city leaders. One visitor said the station made it easy to inflate tires and adjust a seat without a trip to the gas station, underscoring its value for active transportation.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority saw an opportunity to revitalize an abandoned volleyball court behind one of their public housing buildings, creating a space to bring residents together and address social isolation. Using input from the residents of Riverview Tower, an apartment building for low-income older adults, they created a garden where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables. The garden has places to sit and features accessibility features for residents with mobility challenges. Additionally, the space includes sensory areas, which allow visitors to smell, touch and taste herbs, fruits and berries.
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The May Dugan Center, which serves low-income older adults in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood, hoped to create a welcoming gathering space for its Seniors on the Move program. To make the Center's outdoor area accessible, organizers outfitted the space with four ADA-compliant picnic tables. Additionally, the Center provided program participants with herb garden kits, allowing them to create windowsill gardens in their homes. Ultimately, organizers hope experience tending the kits will help SOTM participants hone their gardening skills, which they will use to plant flower beds and raised vegetable plots at the Center. This project is part of the nonprofit's larger mission to help older adults manage their financial, physical and emotional wellbeing, allowing them to safely age in place.
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