Nearly 40 signs that raise awareness of pedestrian and cyclist safety were installed on Ingersoll Avenue during Pedestrian Safety Month in October.
This project, funded by an AARP Community Challenge Grant, compliments the transformational streetscape that has created a vibrant, walkable, bike-friendly environment along the corridor. Since the improvements began, bicycle and pedestrian traffic on Ingersoll continues to increase. From Fall 2023 to Spring 2024, bicycle traffic on Ingersoll doubled and in 2023, the corridor saw two million pedestrian visits!
Sign pictured at the exit of Palmer’s Deli (2843 Ingersoll)
The signs, which state “Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists,” were offered at no cost to business and property owners at eligible locations on Ingersoll Avenue this fall. Local sign company Beeline & Blue completed the installation in October. A total of 37 signs were placed on the corridor with three more to be installed soon at sites which are currently under construction.
Here’s what business and property owners are saying about the signs:
“Our organization was happy to participate in this important signage program. With the enhanced emphasis on pedestrian and bike usage in the area, we feel it is important to help keep our neighbors safe! “– Connie Broich, Plymouth United Church of Christ
“We are very appreciative of AARP and The Avenues for leading this initiative. Ingersoll is a wonderful part of Des Moines due to its walkability and bike-ability. We want to encourage this as much as we can and keep our residents safe.” – Danny Heggen, Ingersoll Flats
“I was excited to see the email that a grant was going to cover a sign for patients and staff leaving our driveway alerting drivers to be cautious of bikers and walkers. The visibility isn’t the best, and I had always wanted some warning to put there for awareness. So glad we were able to get the sign installed to keep everyone safer!” – Misty Reznik, Unity Point Midwives
“I love this program and was more than supportive and happy to install a sign intended to help drivers be better aware and to keep riders, walkers and runners safer!” – John Stenberg, Pigott
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.
