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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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Jacksonville, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: To incentivize business development along Jacksonville's Main Street, the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council worked to improve the appearance of area. They installed trash receptacles, bike racks and bike maintenance stations. The improvements keep the streets clear of litter, give visitors with a safe place to lock their bikes and provide a convenient place to repair bike and wheelchair tires. Organizers say they hope the improvements set the stage for this historic community's continued popularity.
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.
Santa Fe, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: To demonstrate the safety benefits of bike-friendly infrastructure, the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization developed a reusable pop-up toolkit and deployed it in two neighborhoods. The toolkit allows the MPO to create temporary bike lanes in neighborhoods throughout Santa Fe and collect feedback from residents. Materials consist of candlestick delineators to offset cyclists from road traffic, as well as signage to alert drivers to the bike lanes. Based on data gathered during the pop-ups the MPO published a report advocating for more active transportation options for the traditionally car-centric city. Project organizers say they hope ongoing pop-ups help residents envision the value of protected cycling infrastructure, especially in neighborhoods where older adults, lower-income families and people of color live -- all populations that are disproportionately injured or killed when walking or biking.
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Abbeville, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The city will install solar powered lighting at selected crosswalks to improve visibility and alert drivers to pedestrians. Safer crossings will help people walk more confidently between parks, downtown businesses and public facilities.
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.
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