CM James Announced First Annual Building Bridges Bike Day; Sat. Aug. 13; Grand Army Plaza

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 9, 2011

Contacts: Jonathan A. Perez at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL BUILDING BRIDGES BIKE DAY THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 AT GRAND ARMY PLAZA

Building Bridges Bike Day was founded by Council Member Letitia James to work with the public and other community officials, public officials, and advocates to raise awareness about public safety. The event is taking place at the crossroads of three major bike lanes, running lanes, and pedestrian walkways, and is a symbol of the bridge between these diverse groups.

The purpose of the event is to inform the public about safety concerns, and a table and tent for the Building Bridges Bike Day will be located in the center of the Green Market at Grand Army Plaza on this Saturday afternoon. Participants will coordinate between the local riders and pedestrians to create a greater awareness of rules, regulations, and safe streets in New York City.

Starting at 11 a.m. (during peak time of the Grand Army Plaza Green Market), the Building Bridges Bike Day table will feature Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Steve Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, and the initiative run by staff of Council Member James’ Office. Following presentations by elected officials and safety advocates, ambassadors from Transportation Alternatives and Recycle-A-Bicycle will talk to riders at the market and along Prospect Park’s bike lanes. Safety information, maps, other literature and bicycle donation information will be available.

“I’ve started bicycle riding myself this summer, and my hope is that a renewed culture of respect for pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to grow as the outcome of this very important initiative,” said Council Member Letitia.

Who: Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Steve Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, Transportation Alternatives, Recycle a Bicycle, Safety Advocates
What: Building Bridges Bike Day
When: Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 11a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Grand Army Plaza Green Market between Vanderbilt, Flatbush and Plaza Street

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