MADISON, Wis. -- Starting next Wednesday, Oct. 27, Madison police will remove non-permanent bike racks and bikes from State Street and surrounding areas to prepare for Halloween festivities.

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Police do not want the racks or bikes used to cause any violence.

Officers will be leaving notices on bikes and racks and with State Street businesses this week. The notices have information about when the bike racks will be removed and whom to call if your bike gets confiscated. (Police Property Room: (608) 266-4955)

Bike enthusiasts are working with police to get extra racks temporarily installed in the downtown ramps to accommodate displaced bike parkers.

Racks on the side streets will be left in place. There are also a few spots on the cul-de-sac on Carroll Street, behind Michaelangelo's and the Children's Museum.

"We are continuing to work on the overall issue of adequate and appropriately located bike parking in downtown," said Robbie Webber of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. "You can help by noting where there is insufficient bike parking and letting us know. But make sure to let your favorite store, dining spot, bar, or entertainment location also know that you biked to their place, and a safe, convenient place to park your bike is important to you as a customer."

For more information, contact Webber at Robbie@bfw.org or go to www.bfw.org.