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Thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Florissant, people cycling in Florissant on the Sunset Greenway trail or other routes now have 10 bicycle racks located throughout Old Town at which they can park they bikes and take a break.

The entire project was funded by Rotary International, with matching funds contributed by its local club, the Rotary Club of Florissant.  No city funding was required.

“We had noticed that more and more cyclists seem to be riding through Old Town with no place to park their bikes,” said Howard Nimmons, president of the Rotary Club of Florissant.  “Once we purchased the bike racks, we selected key spots for their placement throughout Old Town and near Sunset Park.”

Those sites include the St. Ferdinand Shrine, Fritz’s Frozen Custard, Delish Bakery and Café, Florissant City Hall, Stem’s Florist and Gifts, Citizens Bank and the tennis courts at Washington and North New Florissant Road.

“With the completion of the Sunset Greenway by Great Rivers Greenway District and the City of Florissant in 2010, we have noticed an increase in bicycle traffic coming from the Old Town Florissant Trail,” said Mayor P. Schneider of Florissant.  “We had been contemplating adding new bike racks in the city.  Thus, we were very enthusiastic when the Rotary Club of Florissant approached us with an idea that didn’t involve any city funding.

“The Old Town Florissant area offers shops, restaurants and other attractions such as the recently renovated St. Ferdinand Shrine that are terrific destinations for riders,” added Mayor Schneider.  “These new bike racks provide cyclists a safe place to park and lock their bikes while enjoying the Old Town Florissant atmosphere.”

According to Nimmons, the Rotary Club of Florissant is delighted with results.  “It’s great to see the increased bicycle traffic,” said Nimmons.  “As the weather warms up, we are sure to see more.  The Sunset Greenway is a wonderful asset to our community.  It’s great for business and great for the health of our residents.  The Rotary Club of Florissant is pleased to be able to provide these bike racks to accommodate visitors to Florissant from near and far.”