Navigating our streets more safely

DURHAM, NC — Transportation is the vital link that connects older adults to social activity, economic opportunity, and community services that support their independence.

A project in Durham, NC, with the help of an AARP grant, demonstrated how well-designed roads help extend the safe-driving years of many older adults while also making it possible to safely travel in the community by foot, bicycle or public transit.

AARP Associate State Director in the Triangle Region Heather Burkhardt explains, "Having transportation options is great for people of all ages, but safety is a top concern. More than 30,000 Americans are killed on the nation’s roadways each year and far more are injured.

Older adults are over-represented in both vehicle and pedestrian crash fatalities. That is why we are working with community partners like Bike Durham to show how 'Complete Streets' are designed and operated for safe, comfortable and convenient travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities," she said.

The Vision Zero Traffic Safety Zone was a demostration in Durham and one of 11 projects in North Carolina funded by AARP Community Challenge Grants that focus on bike and pedestrian safety.

The demonstration showcaseed materials and strategies aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths on city roadways.

In other communities, AARP grants are supporting bike or walk audits that can highlight safety issues and help shape improvement plans. For example, the town of Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, is using its two grants of $2,500 each to conduct a bike audit and a walk audit of the town, says Ann Welton, the town’s age-friendly community consultant.

Volunteers observe and document how well pedestrians and cyclists can navigate streets and intersections, identifying areas where accessibility and safety improvements are needed, she says.

You can find many more strategies and solutions when it comes to improving transportation options in your community by visiting the AARP Livable Communities website. There you will learn more about the other aspects of age-friendly communities and find resources like a Raod to Livablity transportation workbook to help you and your community plan for the future.

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