July 7, 2017

The Go Healthy Houston Taskforce and Houston Bikeways Program will donate bike racks to local management districts, businesses, commercial properties, civic associations and community-based organizations as part of their new Bike Racks Program.

The initiative requires selected agencies to install the donated bike racks on property located within Houston city limits. The Houston Bikeways Program includes the Houston Health Department, Houston Public Works and Engineering Department and the Planning and Development Department.

Setting up bicycle parking is one of many recommended actions in the recently adopted Houston Bike Plan. End-of-trip accommodations such as bike racks encourage biking to key community destinations, physical activity of employees and patrons and overall safety and comfort of cyclists. New bike lanes and refurbished bike paths provide cyclists more access to everyday destinations such as parks, schools, shopping, work and places for socialization.

Agencies can submit applications to install the bike racks either on private property or a public right of way. The initiative will give priority to sites located in areas targeted by Complete Communities and sections of Houston with higher rates of obesity and physical inactivity.

Management districts, TIRZ and Super Neighborhoods with current maintenance agreements with the City of Houston are encouraged to apply for bike racks and installation in the public right of way. Businesses are encouraged to apply for bike racks for their property.

The program is accepting requests until supplies last. There is a 10 bike rack limit per applicant. Applications are online at www.gohealthyhouston.org.

The Go Healthy Houston Taskforce works to improve the health of all Houstonians by increasing access to healthy foods, physical activity, and smoke-free places- making the healthy choice, the easy choice. For more information, email bikerackshouston@houstontx.gov.