Transportation Alternatives is trying to give the bike rack effort more visibility. It wrote recently to NYC DOT, urging concentrated installation of racks at specific sites in Williamsburg, Brooklyn's north side neighborhood. The community's demographics, density, layout and poor bus service all contribute to relatively robust levels of cycling. During the 1990s, the neighborhood has emerged as a center for artists and young NYC citizens fleeing exorbitant lower Manhattan rents. On most days, bikes are piled several deep against railings and signposts near the Bedford Ave. L-train subway stop. The city should act on T.A.'s highly sensible, well-conceived proposal.

Separately, the contract for the next round of CityRack installations will permit the racks to be placed in privately owned parking garages. NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs and the Metropolitan Parking Assn. are increasing efforts to persuade parking establishments to include bicycle parking.