To show support for the environmental and health benefits of cycling, this year FTLA will focus on bike awareness and safety for its fourth consecutive PARK(ing) Day installation.

On Friday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., FTLA will transform three metered parking spaces into a temporary bike park in front of our new offices at 800 N. Charles Street in historic Mt. Vernon.

PARK(ing) Day began in 2005 when art and design studio Rebar converted a single metered parking space into a temporary public park in downtown San Francisco to challenge people to rethink the way streets are used and reinforce the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure. Since then, it has grown to include more than 900 “PARK” installations in 180 cities on six continents. FTLA has been a leading area proponent of PARK(ing) Day since 2009.

Highlights of this year’s FTLA installation include:

• Free brake and bike inspections courtesy of Baltimore Bicycle Works, who will also be able to assist with minor repairs
• Fresh smoothies made with bike-powered blenders provided by local farmer’s market favorite Wheely Good Smoothies (proceeds will be donated to a local charity)
• Information from the Baltimore Department of Transportation including the new Baltimore City bike map

Victor Stanley will provide a bike rack for the event to accommodate visitors arriving on two wheels and F&F Landscaping will provide sod and plants.

Be sure to mark your calendars and stop by for a refreshing smoothie and a peek at FTLA’s new offices. For more information on the global PARK(ing) Day initiative, visit www.parkingday.org.