A BICYCLE RACK FOR THE CASA ITALIANA As the use of bicycles by commuters has skyrocketed in New York City, so too has the number of cyclists who bike to work and study at the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò and the NYU Italian Studies Department. The Casa Italiana would greatly benefit from a bicycle rack, both to accommodate the needs of these commuters and to foster the positive community that cycling can bring to a work and study environment. WHY A BIKE RACK? At this time, bike commuters who choose to leave their bike near the Casa Italiana must lock it to a parking sign or use one of the racks designated for New School students, impractical options that can leave bikes susceptible to theft. Some cyclists resort to storing their bikes in the graduate student lounge, which both reduces the utility of the lounge for others and becomes impossible with multiple bikes. A Casa Italiana bike rack would obviously greatly benefit these commuters, as well as increase transportation options for employees, students, and guests. The benefits of a bike rack extend beyond cyclists themselves, however: they promote general awareness of sustainable practices and add character and allure to a block. We—students, faculty, staff, and friends of the Italian Studies Department and the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò—call on Facilities & Construction Management to support our request and install a bicycle rack at the Casa Italiana.