Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #05-25

Department of Transportation Installs New Bicycle Racks in Williamsburg

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that 53 new bike racks are being installed at various locations in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. DOT approved the new racks after staff members from its CityRACKS program inspected the locations at the request of community members and determined there was a need for additional bicycle parking.

"Williamsburg is a biking community and it is important for cyclists to have a safe and legal place to park their bikes," said DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall. " CityRACKS is a great program and I encourage everyone who is looking for bicycle parking to take advantage of it."

CityRACKS is a program run by the New York City Department of Transportation that provides free sidewalk bicycle racks throughout New York City to encourage cycling for commuting, short trips and errands.

According to Teresa Toro, Transportation Committee Chair for Community Board 1, the bicycling community in Williamsburg has grown rapidly over the past few years. "Its remarkable when you look at it now compared to a year ago, or the year before that," she said. "The supply of legal bike parking has not met the demand. We owe it to them to provide a legitimate place for cyclists to park their bikes."

Installation of the new racks began April 23, 2005.

DOT's CityRACKS program receives requests for bicycle racks from businesses,local groups,City agencies,and private citizens. Request forms and other information about the CityRACKS program are available at DOT's Web site (www.nyc.gov/dot).

—30—

Contact: Kay Sarlin (212) 442-7033
Chris Gilbride