By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Cyclists now have their own parking spaces downtown.
Thursday, new bike racks were placed at three locations on Main Street. A fourth is still awaiting a decision by the City as to where it would be most convenient for cyclists.
"The final locations is unknown at this time, although the great likelihood is that the fourth bike rack will be installed in the vicinity of the French Market at Front and Main. Riverfront Park already has a set of bike racks near the Veteran's Memorial," Juan Ganum, Community Development Director, said.
The project began when Chris Pawielski owner of the new Cycle and Fitness bike center, at 211 E. Main St., approached the city to place a bike rack in front of his store for his customers. His idea was not only approved, but also caught on.
"They said great. They also thought it was a good time to place some others downtown. I helped out with the one in front of the store and then sold the other three to the city at cost and assembled them at no charge," Pawielski said.
Each rack will accommodate four bikes. Racks are now in place at the corner of Second and East Main and at the west end of East Main.
"I would like to note that bike riding on the sidewalks in downtown Niles is prohibited," Ganum said.