AARP Joins Campaign to Reform National Transportation Policy

Photo: AARP

AARP announced today that it will join the Transportation for America
campaign to advocate for a "broad restructuring" of national
transportation policy. In a letter sent to Congressional leaders last
week [PDF],
AARP said that it is "working to enable older adults to live
independently in their homes and communities throughout their lifespan,
and transportation is critical to maintaining the community connections
that make that possible."

Forty million Americans over the
age of 50 belong to the organization,
which is increasingly focused on the
next federal transportation bill. "America is aging rapidly and
transportation policy and spending must acknowledge this demographic
shift," said AARP's Nancy Leamond in a press statement. "The upcoming
transportation authorization can help the nation prepare both for its
graying years and a greener future by making roads safer for drivers of
all ages and also offering more user friendly options for pedestrians
and transit users."

AARP's
publications have been turning an eye toward the benefits of reducing
car dependence and making streets safer for older Americans. Recent
articles in the AARP Bulletin have examined Safe Streets for Seniors programs and the need to invest stimulus funds in infrastructure for walking, biking, and transit. An ongoing collaboration with Project for Public Spaces produced a series of three books about how citizens can improve their streets.