The Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department is seeking input on where to place more than 20 bike racks obtained through a Statewide Health Improvement Program grant.

Parks and Recreation Director Jay Hutchison said the city was recently awarded the funding for 27 single-loop bike racks that will be placed at various locations around town to promote biking and healthy living.

Each bike rack is valued at about $100.

Hutchison said the department is working with Albert Lea Medical Center Dr. John Schulz and the biking initiative committee of the National Vitality Center to come up with ideas, but they would also like to seek input from the public about where people could best use the racks, whether its in the downtown, at various stores or other locations.

The SHIP grant is issued by the Minnesota Department of Health and is meant to work on at least one of the top three causes of preventative illness and death in Minnesota — tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor nutrition.

For suggestions, people can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 377-4370.