Older Americans Want Safer Streets Designed for Everyone

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By

Joanne Binette, AARP Research

Published April 06, 2026

A new AARP survey finds that adults 50 and older overwhelmingly want safer, more accessible streets designed for everyone — from pedestrians and wheelchair users to cyclists, transit riders, and drivers.

Large majorities say features such as better lighting, continuous sidewalks with ramps, safer crosswalks, and traffic‑calming designs are essential in their communities. The study also shows strong support for actions like lowering speed limits in high‑crash areas, enforcing pedestrian right‑of‑way laws, and redesigning dangerous streets. Together, the findings point to broad public backing among older Americans for policies that prioritize safety, mobility, and livability.

For more information, please contact Joanne Binette at jbinette@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.

Suggested Citation:

Binette, Joanne. Safe Streets for All Ages: What Americans 50+ Want From Their Communities. Washington, DC: AARP Research, April 2026. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.01072.001

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Safe Streets for All Ages: What Americans 50+ Want From Their Communities

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