By Brandi Makuski

Bicyclists rejoice- new parking hitches for bikes will be installed downtown this week.

The City Council unanimously approved purchasing 10 new bike hitches at a cost of $1,465 in July. The proposal moved through local government quickly after the advocacy group Revisioning Point made a presentation on bike hitches in May.

While he ultimately voted in favor, 1st District Alderman George Doxtator argued the Association of Downtown Businesses should bear the cost of the hitches, saying businesses on Main Street alone would benefit from increased bicycle traffic. But Mayor Mike Wiza said he wanted the city to control the placement of the hitches.

Scott Schatschneider, Dept. of Public Works director, said on Wednesday the hitches had arrived and would be installed sometime on Friday. He did not immediately know where the hitches would be installed.

He said there’s already been a lot of excitement over the new hitches.

“I feel the same way,” Schatschnedier said. “If folks are really amped up about bike hitches, that’s awesome, too.”

Check spcitytimes.com on Friday for updates.