Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

1431951650_b0764494d8.jpgA recent poll conducted by AARP finds that Americans over the age of 50 are cutting down on car trips due to rising gas prices, but are finding public infrastructure, or lack thereof, to be an obstacle.

Almost one of every three people (29%) polled say they are now walkingas a way to avoid high gas prices. But as those people set out to walk,almost 40% of the 50+ population say they do not have adequatesidewalks in their neighborhoods. Additionally, 44% say they do nothave nearby public transportation that is accessible. Almost half (47%)of poll responders say they cannot cross the main roads safely – 4 in10 pedestrian fatalities are over the age of 50.

Still, 40 percent of poll respondents say they have walked, biked, or taken public transit more frequently since gasoline prices began trending upward. More than half, 54 percent, say they would use alternate modes of transportation if conditions were improved.

As older New Yorkers can attest, impediments to car-free mobility are not exclusive to suburbs and exurbs. Washington, DC, for example, ranks ninth -- better than Arizona but worse than Florida -- in pedestrian fatalities among those over age 65, according to AARP. (New York state is third worst, behind Hawaii and Alaska.)

With some 35 million members, AARP is a formidable lobby. As a member of the National Complete Streets Coalition and backer of legislation that would steer federal funds toward making roadways accessible to all users, it promises to be a player in next year's big transportation appropriations bill.

Photo: Tuan Phan/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Are the Best of the Best

What does it take to turn the tide against the dominance of cars? These cities are an example.

October 8, 2025

This Newsroom Is Looking For Its Next Big Tip on the Train

Investigative journalists at ProPublica are betting that the next big tipster is riding the rails right now — and reaching out to find them.

October 8, 2025

Ending the Roadless Rule is Bad News for Public Lands

Federal officials want to bring more cars to public lands, causing environmental damage in the process.

October 8, 2025

The Shocking Untold History of America’s Rails-to-Trails Movement

Some of the fiercest battles for the future of public space in America have happened on abandoned railway corridors — and the battles aren't over yet.

October 7, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Take It Back

Withholding transit funds is just one aspect of the Trump administration's campaign to reshape the federal bureaucracy during the shutdown.

October 7, 2025

Commentary: Speed Cameras are a Good Start for Safe Streets

But *all* tools must be used to achieve Vision Zero —  not just speed cameras.

October 6, 2025
See all posts