Grant will increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists on the corridor
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 343 grantees selected (out of 3,300+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This sign at Oak Park is example of the kind of signage that will be available to all eligible property owners along Ingersoll Avenue to increase awareness of cyclists and pedestrians on the corridor.
With this quick-action grant we will be able to add signage at business exits to increase awareness of pedestrians and cyclists, improving safety for all users of the corridor. This project will compliment the transformational streetscape project that has created a vibrant, walkable, bike-friendly environment along Ingersoll Avenue.
“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand for this investment to make our commercial, residential and cultural district more livable for residents of all ages,”said Lauren Kollauf, executive director of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, a nonprofit organization. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”
From Fall 2023 to Spring 2024, bicycle traffic on Ingersoll doubled due to street improvements and the addition of protected bike lanes to the street. Foot traffic data also shows an increase in visitors to the district year over year. In 2023, the corridor saw two million visits! As pedestrian and cyclist traffic continues to increase on the corridor, the signage will help motorists gain a greater awareness of other road users.
Business and property owners at eligible locations on Ingersoll Avenue will be notified in the coming weeks with the opportunity to participate in the signage program at no cost to them. The AARP Community Challenge grant funds will cover the cost of the sign and installation. If you have any questions regarding the sign program, reach out to Lauren: director@theavenuesdsm.com.
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; digital connectivity; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.
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 343 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of current and past AARP Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.
