INNOVATIVE BIKE RACK PROGRAM TO LAUNCH ON EARTH DAY IN DOWNTOWN TAMPA

TAMPA, FL (April 20, 2010) – The Tampa Downtown Partnership and the Tampa BayCycle campaign have teamed up with Tampa Bay Technical High School to create an innovative program to help provide safe and secure bike parking for the growing number of bicycles being ridden to and within the numerous downtown destinations.

Students in the school’s architecture program designed 10 bike racks made in part from old bicycle parts. Under the leadership of several teachers and supported by school administration, students were encouraged to think creatively and critically about both the design and functionality of each rack as well as the location for installment in downtown. The bike racks were fabricated by welding students and painted by auto body students at the school.

“We are always searching for creative ways to enhance downtown’s outdoor environment” notes Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “This project is a win for all involved – bike riders, public art lovers and students gaining valuable experience.”

Designed for the urban environment, each rack is painted with a rust-resistant paint used for outdoor projects. The color black was chosen so it would blend well with the rest of downtown Tampa’s street furniture.

“The students working with me to develop these concepts understand that great functional art helps make a community a wonderful place” said Bryant Martinez, TBT teacher and local artist. “Because of this experience, upon graduation several of the students will be heavily involved in large scale art projects at the Winthrop development in Brandon.”

The 1st rack will be installed on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 at 2:30pm at the St. Pete Times Forum at 401 Channelside Drive in a ceremony with the students. A photo of the rack is attached.

“We are excited to be one of the recipients of these bike racks.  The work of the students is tremendous.  As an organization, the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Pete Times Forum support both bike friendly and earth friendly endeavors.  Many of our workers bike daily to work.  These racks will be well used by our employees and visitors” said Mary Milne, vice president of operations.

Opportunities to photograph, get a list of locations and/or speak with the students creating additional bike racks can be arranged.  Please contact the Tampa Downtown Partnership by dialing (813) 221-3686.

About Tampa BayCycle:
The Tampa BayCycle campaign encourages people to bike instead of drive when feasible. Many events are offered to teach bike safety and provide opportunities to ride with others. Tampa BayCycle is made possible through a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. For additional information regarding Tampa BayCycle and a complete schedule of events during May, National Bike Month, please visit www.TampaBayCycle.com.

About the Tampa Downtown Partnership:
 The Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization.  It is a membership organization comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing downtown Tampa.  Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, the Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District.  In addition to Tampa's Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the Tampa Downtown Partnership works to promote downtown through a multitude of initiatives including marketing, business development, transportation, planning and beautification.  For additional information about the Tampa Downtown Partnership visit www.tampasdowntown.com.

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