AARP Cycling Audits - Summer 2025

Cycle Kettering was awarded a $2,500 grant from AARP to conduct a series of cycling audits in our Community in July and August 2025.

This project involved 4 bike audits along Kettering Bicycle Routes and surrounding streets, focusing on 50-plus access to key destinations like the Senior, Recreation and Art Centers, schools, and city parks. Volunteers from the Senior Center, Cycle Kettering and anyone in the community interested in improving cycling was invited to participate. Two community meetings on Nov. 20 discussed audit results with local residents and city officials to improve biking infrastructure and guide future planning for safe and accessible cycling routes in Kettering.

What is a Cycling Audit? A cycling audit is a systematic evaluation of a street, path, or neighborhood to assess its safety, accessibility, and user-friendliness for cyclists. It's like a "walk-through" where participants observe the environment, identify potential concerns, and document areas that are working well for cyclists.

Who Participates? Any local citizens, Including persons 50+. Participants understood the audits were on bicycle or other wheeled vehicles - wheelchair, trike, quadricycle, unicycle  with or without power assist. The routes were between 1 and 6 miles on streets without separated or protected bike lanes, with frequent stops and some walking involved.  See the Proposed Routes that were used.

Participants were asked to please note: Heat is typical for the time of year the audits were conducted. The riding portion of the audits was complted safely by 11am.  Water and restrooms were available at the half point.  Participants all received refillable water bottles. Participants were supplied with reusable safety vests and rain ponchos were available as needed. The audit would be postponed to the rain date if there is severe weather - high winds and or thunder/lightning storms. Fortunately there was good weather for all 4 audits.

When: 8-noon on the following dates:

Tues July 29

Cycling Audit Route A  (1.3 mi.) Walking

Originates at Charles Lathrem Senior Center (CIL)

Fri Aug. 1

Cycling Audit Route B (3.7 mi.) Cycling

Originates at CIL to State Farm Park and back to CIL

Sat Aug 2

Cycling Audit Route C  (5.9 mi.) Cycling

Originates  at CIL to Kennedy Park, Polen Farm and back to CIL

Mon Aug. 4

Cycling Audit Route D  (4.4 mi.) Cycling

Originates at CIL to Delco Park and back to CIL

How do I Participate as a Volunteer?  Registration Closed

Participants were asked to attend an orientation/training session on either:

 Thurs. July 10 / 9-10:30am Deeds Rm of Govt Center South

 Thurs. July 24 / 7-8:30pm Virginia Rm of Govt. Center North

A copy of the Final Report

Proposed Kettering Route Extensions