Movement of bike rack prompts protests

At mid-morning Thursday five bikes were leaned up against buildings on the south side of the 400 block of West Water Street while the bike rack next to the Montessori Building was empty (Photos by Sharon Huber)

Where should bike racks be placed in downtown Decorah?  The addition of large bike racks last summer in three downtown locations was met with good feedback--overall.

But a business owner in the 400 block of West Water Street complained about the placement of a bike rack in an on-street parking space.  So when Decorah City Council members re-authorized the bike racks this spring, it was with the condition that the bike rack in the 400 block of West Water Street be moved off the street and onto the parking lot next to the Montessori School.

But that decision has now led to complaints from other business owners who liked the on-street location.  They say the new bike rack location is not visible and, as a result, the bike rack is not getting used this spring.

Supporters of having the bike rack placed in a parking space say they plan to attend Monday evening's city council meeting to make their feelings known.