The city of Morehead plans to improve pedestrian safety by creating a dedicated drop-off zone, especially for older adults and people who rely on mobility aids. There will be new traffic features to improve visibility between walkers and drivers at a Main Street intersection. Morehead is one of more than two dozen entities across the state awarded 2026 Community Challenge grants from AARP.
Edna Schack, a city council member in Morehead, said that when people are encouraged to walk, the local economy benefits.
"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 explained.
According to national data from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, drivers struck and killed more than 3,000 people walking during the first half of 2025. It is estimated the financial cost from the fatalities totaled more than $40 billion.
Schack pointed out that improvements to the area, including a nearby mural project, have spurred more investment by businesses and organizations in Morehead’s downtown.
"This has actually created a lot of interest in the area and we now have four entities that are interested in improving that whole area," Schack underscored.
Other grant recipients include the City of Burkesville for installing outdoor fitness stations and the City of Beattyville for establishing a marked walking path downtown. Over the past decade, AARP Kentucky has awarded more than $600,000 to groups through the program.
