Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl yesterday oversaw the installation of the first of 200 new bicycle racks.

"As the city continues to add bike lanes and shared-lane markings, more and more city residents will choose the bicycle as a safe, convenient, and green way to get to work, shop, and visit entertainment destinations," Mr. Ravenstahl said.

The first new rack sits in front of Enrico Biscotti in the Strip District and is the product of the Small Business Bicycle Rack Program involving the city, Bike Pittsburgh, the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the William Benter Foundation.

One hundred racks will be provided by Bike Pittsburgh, and the city will buy the other 100 from Dero Bike Rack Co. of Minneapolis, which was the lowest bidder in a competitive process.

Groups or businesses in the Strip District, Bloomfield, South Side, Polish Hill, Squirrel Hill, Carrick, Lawrenceville, Friendship, Garfield, Shadyside and Brookline have requested racks. Businesses can ask for racks via the city's Web site, www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us. City crews will install the racks.

A state grant covers the $25,100 cost of the racks.

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