FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2023

City of Kingston Offers Free Bike Rack and Installation for Qualifying Locations

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble and the Department of Health and Wellness are pleased to announce that the City of Kingston is taking requests from businesses and organizations for the installation of a free bicycle rack.

The City of Kingston received a total of 38 bike racks, with eight already installed at Kingston Point Beach, the Rondout community garden, and the I-587 Roundabout. Of the remaining racks, ten are reserved for additional municipal locations, and 20 are allocated for the community program. Non-profits and businesses with spaces that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines are encouraged to apply. Locations must be within the City of Kingston and able to accommodate a 24 inch x 35 inch x 6 inch bicycle rack without restricting access to the sidewalk. The minimum space for installation is 4 feet x 7 feet.

“Installing additional bicycle parking was identified as a goal in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and is one of many City projects that increase safety and encourage bicycling in the City of Kingston,” said Mayor Steve Noble. “Under my administration, we have added or upgraded bicycle infrastructure across the community, and have created off-road paths between neighborhoods, so that all levels of cyclists are comfortable moving throughout the City. We hope these racks will lead to more cycling and less driving to our favorite Kingston destinations.”

“We hope by installing bicycle racks more folks will consider riding to everyday destinations, like, a coffee shop, the grocery store, school, or a favorite business,” said Emily Flynn, Director of Health and Wellness. “There are many benefits to bicycling, physical activity decreases chronic diseases, can help mental health, reduces traffic congestion, and decreases emissions.”

To be considered for a free bike rack and installation, apply here: https://engagekingston.com/pedestrian-bicycle-master-plan/survey_tools/bike-rack-request.

This project is funded by the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) Grant. The City of Kingston received this 5-year grant from the New York State Department of Health starting in 2021 to implement community-based nutrition and physical activity programs that support policy, system, and environmental changes to make healthier choices, easier choices. This program is made possible with help from the Parks and Recreation Department and the Department of Public Works.  

Mayor Noble created the Department of Health and Wellness in 2017 with funding from a local foundation. The Department coordinates the Live Well Kingston Commission, manages the $1.5M Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, led the creation of the Pedestrian Bicycle Master Plan, and supports other projects that increase access to health in the City of Kingston. The Live Well Kingston Commission includes six subcommittees: Age Well, Eat Well, Grow Well, Heal Well, Travel Well, and Play Well.