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.

Easton, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: A walk audit during the group's Healthfest revealed cracked sidewalks, blocked ramps and unsafe crossings in downtown Easton, limiting mobility for older adults. The audit led to recommendations for repairs, wheelchair-accessible paths and pedestrian-controlled signals at key intersections. Findings were shared with city officials to prompt safety improvements. "Incorporating the Walk Audit was very enlightening to help the...population of downtown Easton," organizers said, noting the effort gave residents a voice in shaping safer streets.