Bozeman, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The City of Bozeman partnered with the Western Transportation Institute to create a pop-up trailer, which they lend to community groups who want to test out street concepts and advocate for permanent changes. The toolkit contains materials for temporary demonstrations, such as straw wattles, planter boxes, pavement paint and tires. These are useful for creating curb extensions and pedestrian islands -- features that calm traffic by narrowing lanes and increasing the visibility of cyclists and pedestrians. The City deployed the kit at the intersection of Tamarack and North Tracy, where residents often complain about speeding. Located near a park, senior center and the county fairgrounds, the intersection is popular with pedestrians and cyclists. When the City polled passersby about the interventions, two-thirds of the feedback they heard was positive. The City also set up radar speed detection equipment, which showed slower vehicle speeds during pop-up project.

Montgomery, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Montgomery's Old Cloverdale neighborhood is a historic area with beautiful, wide streets and compelling architecture but limited sidewalks and crosswalks. To address this, River Region Trains Inc. engaged in a two-week pop-up placemaking event. Using cones and paint, they set up temporary, protected pedestrian lanes on two major connector streets in the neighborhood. Along with two existing lengths of sidewalk, the lanes formed a 2-mile loop, wide enough to accommodate multiple walkers, bikers, runners and people riding scooters. Organizers say the project demonstrated the power of creating walkable streets and encouraged residents to get involved in how their streets are designed and built.

Yukon, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Downtown events in Yukon forced older adults to cross a busy four-lane road with short signals and poor sight lines, creating safety risks. The project introduced 10 portable crosswalk signs with flashing light bars, four event parking signs and six sets of pedestrian flags to improve visibility and slow traffic. These quick-action tools made crossings safer and sparked plans for permanent PedFlag installations and sidewalk upgrades, ensuring older adults can navigate downtown events with greater confidence. One person said that these improvements improved her sense of safety and made it easier to access the garden with peace of mind.

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