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Town of Shelburne (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Falls Road's busy traffic made the village center unsafe for walking and biking, especially for older adults in nearby housing. A summer demonstration tested slower street designs with new crosswalks, a buffered walking lane, narrowed lanes and signage. More than 640 residents weighed in through surveys, and speeds dropped sharply: only 6% of cars exceeded 25 mph compared to over 50% before. The board approved keeping key features and funding further improvements. "It's so much nicer and quieter," said one property owner, as plans advance for permanent upgrades and expanded walkability.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Belvidere, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Older adults in Belvidere faced safety concerns on Oxford Street, a busy corridor with no dedicated bike space. The town launched "Bikeable Belvidere," adding a bike lane, sharrows, benches and bike racks to calm traffic and create safe routes for riders and walkers. A ribbon-cutting drew strong community support and sparked plans for a town-wide bike grid. The project also hosted volunteer events and installed ADA-compliant benches, encouraging outdoor activity and social engagement for residents with limited green space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Bicycle and pedestrian activity increased dramatically in Baton Rouge's arts and entertainment district boomed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve safety in the area, the Downtown Development District created 20 high-visibility crosswalks at five different intersections. The crosswalks help drivers notice people crossing the street, decreasing the likelihood of a collision. Additionally, the pavement art acts as a placemaking tool and creates a visual identity for district. It also connected the public to local historical structures, tourist attractions, art and cultural assets, governmental institutions and greenspaces.
Louisville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: A neighborhood plan for Louisville's California neighborhood recommended traffic calming interventions to make walking safer for residents. City officials hoped to improve pedestrian access between the local senior center and amenities including a park, gym, church and community center. The City converted three intersections from two-way to four-way, increased the size of stop signs for better visibility, installed speed bumps and painted crosswalks. They also rebuilt a sidewalk to incorporate accessible ramps for those with mobility issues.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hinesburg, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Residents of Kelley's Field, an affordable housing community for older adults, faced safety risks crossing busy Route 116 to reach essential services. Cathedral Square installed a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at the crosswalk, making pedestrians more visible to drivers. The improvement enhances access to public transportation, groceries and community resources, helping residents stay connected and reducing isolation. Residents expressed excitement about using the new signal, which offers a safer way to navigate their town.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
South Burlington, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Walking audits and cleanup events will address safety hazards at parks and sidewalks. Findings will inform future walkability improvements across the city.
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