Making Strides to Help Pedestrians Feel Safer

When AARP WI held a local livable community discussion to find out what would improve locals’ day-to-day lives in their neighborhood, residents voiced concerns about pedestrian safety and making streets safer. See how AARP Local WI, AARP WI volunteers and community partners took to the streets to address pedestrian safety locally.

Located on the northwest side of Milwaukee, pedestrian safety in the Amani neighborhood was a real concern for locals advocating for safer streets, experiencing issues of speeding vehicles and a lack of stop signs.

“AARP was very instrumental in getting a walk through the neighborhood put together just to see what the Amani residents see every day,” said Barbara Smith, Housing and Economic Chair, Amani United.

As a way to see firsthand what the local Amani community was experiencing, the AARP WI team went on an AARP city walking audit together with Amani United, Dominican Center, Milwaukee, WI, city officials, local advocacy groups, and residents.

“Unfortunately, as we wrapped up our walk, we witnessed a gentleman get hit by a car,” said Maricha Harris, Executive Director, Dominican Center, Milwaukee, WI. “It was absolutely horrible.”

While the pedestrian was not seriously injured, after seeing the accident firsthand, it made a serious impact in motivating the local AARP team and city officials to prevent this from happening again, including the city installing a traffic calming circle to help slow down traffic and increase pedestrian safety.

Get the full story and see how AARP Local WI is making your community safer now

How did pedestrian safety get safer in the neighborhood?

· AARP WI convinced the city to do a speed study
· An AARP grant paid for a new traffic calming circle installed
· The circle has significantly reduced motorist speeds and save lives
· The neighborhood is now safer for pedestrians and residents alike
 
“We reflected on what we could do to empower the residents of Amani and to take action,” said Amber Miller, AARP WI Associate State Director for Community Outreach. “Last year, AARP WI facilitated the installation of a traffic calming circle to slow traffic and save lives.”

Miller emphasized that the traffic circle was only the beginning of what AARP WI had in store for helping the Amani community live more safely with improved pedestrian measures and continues to work with local partners.

“The collaboration with AARP has made a difference,” Smith said. “They have helped to support our voice. Thank you, AARP.”

Harris echoed her sentiments, “AARP has been an amazing partner.”

Learn More about What AARP Offers in Your Community

This is just one way that AARP is helping Milwaukee area residents be heard by making their community safer and more pedestrian friendly. The local community team is also working on improving locals’ health and involvement with Walk with a Doc, a local health fair, and your ally in helping with Medicare enrollment, fraud prevention, and other issues that matter to you, your family and neighbors. Click on something that clicks with you at WIaarp@aarp.org.