APPLETON, Wis. (June 21, 2005) – Now, folks can take to two wheels without fear of losing their ride.
All over the country, municipalities are seeking ways to encourage bicycle traffic, and municipalities and businesses alike are rewarding those who take this healthy, economical route.
More organizations are turning to effective but aesthetically pleasing solutions such as concrete bicycle stands. One look at national statistics, and it’s not hard to see why.
According to Cyclefinders.com, a bicycle can be stolen in as little as 10 seconds, even if locked; theft cost bike owners $200 million in 2003; and while 45 percent of all stolen bicycles are recovered, less than 5 percent are ever returned.
“With gas prices going the way they are, and with more people paying attention to their health, it’s no surprise more people are riding their bikes,” said Dale Laurin, Landscape Division Manager for County Materials. “So we started designing a versatile, stable bike rack that would look good in any setting.”
Laurin described how County Materials addressed the demand for bicycle safety with a concrete bicycle stand that promises to keep owners’ bikes right where they left them.
The 900-pound unit features stainless-steel eyelets that are ideal for off-loading. It has room for six bikes, its openings accept any standard bicycle tires, and it receives bikes from both sides.
“It has an Aggregate finish, which is exposed stones anchored in concrete,” Laurin added. “We put a glossy coating over it, and it comes in three color mixtures.”
This variety proved too much for one couple to pass up.
“My wife picked it out when we were looking for outdoor furniture that wouldn’t blow away,” said Dave Schmitz, owner of the Econo-Mart convenience store in Spooner. “We had an old steel bike rack that got all beat up. This gives us a finishing touch on our deli seating area.”
County Materials, founded in 1946, operates 30 locations serving Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. The family-owned, American-based company is an industry leader in the manufacture and distribution of concrete block, brick, ready-mix, hollowcore, pipe, pavers, retaining walls and Aggregate finish products for residential, commercial and municipal construction and landscaping.
For more information, call us at 1-800-289-2569 and ask for a product guide.