Mt. Airy Gets Grant for Bike Racks

I'm typing in your direction Herndon.

Town officials are going to use a $2,000 grant earmarked for a green initiative to install bike racks in downtown, said Town Administrator Kelly Ziad.

The money is part of a $12,000 grant through the Main Street Improvement Program administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

“This is pure economic development,“ said Mayor Frank Johnson last week about discussions to use the grant for community bike racks. “You can ride anywhere you want, but if you go into something, you need somewhere to put the bike.“

Larry Black, owner of Mount Airy Bicycles, agreed that Mount Airy could benefit from making the town bike friendly. “The average cyclist makes about $50,000 or $60,000 a year,“ Black said. “You can get these people here to spend money.“