Lincoln, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Older adults in Lincoln faced barriers to bike share, from safety concerns to cost and lack of education. BikeLNK addressed these challenges through its Bike Share for All program, hosting four citywide events to teach bike share basics, demonstrate pedal-assist bikes and offer discounted memberships. The project also launched a Bike Share Ambassador program, training seven volunteers-most age 50-plus-to promote biking in their communities. These efforts expanded awareness and built a foundation for ongoing engagement. As one ambassador shared, "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the program... It's a wonderful opportunity for exercise and for the reduction of air pollution."

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

Kailua-Kona, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: People's Advocacy for Trails Hawaii installed three bikeshare stations in Kailua-Kona, which doubled ridership. Additionally, they offered a monthly adult bike safety skills class to older adults, a rapidly growing demographic of cyclists. Not owning a bike was no excuse -- PATH provided bikeshare bikes for anyone interested in the safety classes. The organization also worked with county partners to offer free bikeshare membership for up to 100 constituents of a local community health center.

Sioux Falls, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: A community health assessment showed Sioux Falls residents wanted better bike amenities to help them keep physically active. To support bikeability, the City installed benches and bike maintenance stations along a popular bike route. Additionally, the City installed two electric wheelchair charging stations at public library branches that sit along the bike path, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use it. "If individuals have more opportunities to get on a bike and know there are amenities on the trail to make their ride more comfortable, they will likely increase their regular activity levels using a bike for recreation and for commuting," project leader Mary Michaels said. Organizers say the project also raised awareness about safety on the trail, as well as the community's accessibility needs.