Bike to the Sea is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 310 grantees selected (out of 3,600+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this quick-action grant we will conduct three (3) walk audits in the City of Lynn to assess challenges for older adults in accessing the shared-use Northern Strand Trail.
Activities in a walk audit include:
• Observation and evaluation of walkability
• Documentation of pedestrian safety wins and/or challenges
• Educating participants about design elements to support safety
• Encouraging community members to become change agents
• Identifying infrastructure needs
MassDOT has programmed an extension of the trail that will connect the current terminus near downtown Lynn to a paved path along Nahant Beach. B2C will then work with local partners, stakeholders, and city staff and officials to advocate for sidewalk, crosswalk, signalization, and ADA ramps to increase accessibility and trail use.
About the Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in projects that improve mobility innovation and transportation options.
This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 310 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.