Building Safer, Stronger Streets Together in San Antonio

San Antonio is a big city with a small‑town heart, a place where neighbors look out for one another and where community voices help shape the future. That spirit is powering the city’s growing movement to make our streets safer, smarter, and easier to navigate for people of all ages and abilities. And AARP San Antonio is proud to help lead the way.

Over the past few years, residents, city leaders, and community partners have worked together to rethink how we move around our 500‑square‑mile city. The goal is simple: create streets that work for everyone — whether you walk, bike, drive, roll, or ride the bus.

Why Complete Streets Matter
Many San Antonio neighborhoods have lacked essentials like smooth sidewalks, safe crossings, adequate lighting, and bike‑friendly routes. In AARP’s Complete Streets – San Antonio Local Impact Story video, one local resident shared how an ordinary walk ended in a painful fall caused by a buckled sidewalk. Her experience is one many older adults know too well.

Complete Streets aim to fix these problems. A Complete Street is designed for all users, meaning:

• Sidewalks that are wide, smooth, and accessible
• Street lighting that keeps nighttime walkers safe
• Connected, protected bike lanes
• Transit lanes where traffic demands them

Thanks to years of local advocacy from AARP volunteers, residents, and city partners, San Antonio has strengthened its Complete Streets Policy and put real momentum behind transforming neighborhood streets. That work has earned national recognition: San Antonio’s Complete Streets Policy was recently ranked #1 in the country by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition.

AARP’s Role in Moving San Antonio Forward
As an active, long-term member of the San Antonio Complete Streets Coalition, AARP San Antonio has worked with the City of San Antonio to ensure that the voices of older adults are represented in transportation decision‑making. Over the past several years, AARP has played a pivotal role in shaping policy updates and participating in planning efforts where long‑term mobility investments are made.

City leaders recognize that AARP is “at the table as leaders,” helping guide decisions about transportation priorities, revenue use, and the design of safer mobility options for all. This community collaboration has moved forward a coordinated set of plans, including:

• The Bike Network Plan, focused on creating a connected system of safe bike routes throughout the city.
• The updated Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.

Together, these plans help make San Antonio more livable — especially for the city’s 400,000 older adults who deserve safe, reliable ways to stay active, independent, and connected to their community.

A Safer, Smarter San Antonio — Thanks to You
One message from the Local Impact Story video stands out clearly: progress happens because residents spoke up. By sharing experiences, raising concerns, and advocating for safer streets, community members helped spark meaningful policy change.

City leaders have publicly thanked AARP San Antonio and the residents who stepped forward, noting that community involvement is helping build “a better place for future generations.”

What’s Next & How You Can Get Involved
San Antonio’s transportation transformation is ongoing — and you can play a part in what comes next.

• Learn more about Complete Streets, Vision Zero, and the Bike Network Plan through AARP San Antonio and City of San Antonio resources.
• Watch the Complete Streets – San Antonio, TX video to hear directly from neighbors and city leaders.
• Get involved by joining community meetings, advocacy efforts, or AARP volunteer opportunities that support safer, more connected streets.

San Antonio is showing what’s possible when a city listens to its residents and invests in safety, accessibility, and connection. Together, we’re creating a community where everyone can move comfortably and where every street helps us stay healthy, active, and connected.