ACOG LAUNCHES NEW STREET SAFETY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM WITH AARP GRANT
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) has been awarded a $14,450 Flagship Grant through the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program to establish a new Street Safety Demonstration Program that will help communities test transportation safety improvements before making permanent investments.
Selected from more than 5,100 applications nationwide, ACOG’s project will create a mobile Street Safety Demonstration Toolkit housed in an enclosed trailer that can be checked out by ACOG member cities, community organizations, and neighborhood associations. The trailer will be stocked with temporary traffic safety materials and equipment that can be used to create short-term demonstration projects on local streets.
These demonstration projects allow communities to temporarily install and evaluate safety improvements, gather public feedback, and observe how changes affect traffic operations before committing to permanent construction.
“Many communities want to improve safety for people walking, biking, and driving, but it can be difficult to know how a project will function in the real world before investing significant resources,” said John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director. “This program gives communities a chance to test ideas, engage residents, and make informed decisions based on firsthand experience.”
The Street Safety Demonstration Toolkit will function much like a library lending program. Eligible organizations will be able to borrow the trailer and its contents for projects lasting from one day to several weeks.
Potential demonstration projects include:
- Enhanced crosswalks and pedestrian safety improvements
- Curb extensions (“bump-outs”) and intersection safety projects
- Traffic circles and mini-roundabouts
- Protected bicycle lanes and bikeways
- Traffic calming measures
- Public space and placemaking projects
The trailer will contain traffic cones, delineators, barricades, planters, temporary striping materials, safety equipment, and other tools needed to create temporary street safety installations.
ACOG plans to publish a user guide and application process later this summer. The program is expected to support demonstration projects throughout Central Oklahoma while helping local governments and community groups identify effective, community-supported transportation improvements.
The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds quick-action projects that create tangible improvements and help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Since 2017, the program has awarded grants to communities across the nation to support projects that improve public spaces, transportation options, housing, and civic engagement.
“AARP’s Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements that bring neighbors together,” said Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma State director. “ACOG’s mobile Street Safety Demonstration Toolkit is a prime example of how Oklahomans can feel safe and welcomed in their communities. We proudly support ACOG’s efforts to make even more communities livable for people of all ages.”