Small Kentucky communities are among more than two dozen entities across the state receiving funding to improve pedestrian safety and walkability through AARP Community Challenge grants, according to reporting from Public News Service.

The city of Morehead has received funding to create a dedicated drop-off zone for older adults and people using mobility aids, along with new traffic features at a Main Street intersection to improve visibility between pedestrians and drivers. Morehead is one of the grant recipients selected to enhance walkability in their communities.

The economic benefits of walkable communities extend beyond pedestrian safety. Edna Schack, a Morehead city council member, noted that encouraging people to walk stimulates local commerce. "Being able to walk places encourages people to stop in at places, which is an economic developer for whatever area they're walking in," Schack said. Recent improvements in Morehead's downtown, including a mural project, have generated business interest, with four entities now invested in further development of the area.

Other Kentucky communities benefiting from the grants include the City of Burkesville, which is installing outdoor fitness stations, and the City of Beattyville, which is establishing a marked walking path downtown. Over the past decade, AARP Kentucky has awarded more than $600,000 to groups through the program.

The pedestrian safety initiatives come as national data shows a continuing crisis. Drivers struck and killed more than 3,000 people walking during the first half of 2025, with financial losses from these fatalities exceeding $40 billion.