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Town of Erath (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Bikeability
└ Bikeability
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.
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Ashland, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Ashland's residents have access to an 11-mile Rails-to-Trails network, making getting around by bike easy. However, the City wanted to ensure cyclists -- regardless of income level, age and ability -- had the tools necessary for bicycle upkeep. The City installed five Bike reapair stations along the trail. Each station includes basic tools, an air pump and bike stand. Additionally, the City published an online manual on fixing and maintaining bikes, which people can access by scanning a QR code at the fix-it station.
Lowell, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
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Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Kabel Drive, a three-block corridor of with businesses led by people age 50-plus, faced pandemic setbacks and rising crime while lacking bike infrastructure. Riders locked bikes at storefronts, limiting access for older adults and people with mobility challenges. The project added bike racks, a fix-it station, decorative lighting and a welcome sign to make the area safer and more inviting. A business mixer built trust and led to a Kabel Drive owner joining AEDF's board. "We've built invaluable trust that will lead to better service of this area going forward," said AEDF. These changes sparked plans for holiday events and a Shop Local campaign, and the bike amenities are expected to draw new customers and boost sales.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Abbeville, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Abbeville's Lafitte Drive-in Park is located in a neighborhood with few options for free recreational activities. To give residents a place to exercise, Abbeville Main Street created the Fit-Trail. Volunteers installed several stations along the park's walking path, each featuring a different piece of exercise equipment. The walk guides users through a series of exercises, including stretches, pull-ups, leg lifts and more. Organizers also installed signage explaining how to use each station, as well as a sign that congratulates visitors once they complete the course. Organizers say the fitness course gives residents a way to increase their physical activity, and also gives people a new reason to visit Lafitte Drive-in Park.
St. Mary, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Rivercane Senior Center lacked a safe outdoor space where older adults could spend time outside, gather comfortably and stay connected to community life. The project added raised-bed gardens, seating, solar lights and a concrete slab with a full-cover canopy that created a protected area for activity and social interaction. These improvements made it easier for older adults to be outdoors and opened new opportunities for intergenerational volunteering. The space is expected to support more physical activity and social engagement, and one resident has already expressed eagerness to start gardening when weather allows. Future additions such as new lighting, fans and running water will help the area function year-round and strengthen long-term use.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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