Duo-Gard Industries Inc. has announced the first installation of its new Butterfly model bike shelter at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Mich. The bike shelter was selected by the school’s class of 2010 as its parting gift.

Senior class officers accepted ideas for the traditional gift and settled on a bike shelter, according to Ms. Lorin Cartwright, Pioneer’s assistant principal and athletic director. “The class wanted a product made in Michigan and realized a bike shelter would promote exercise and make the biking alternative more attractive,” she said. “They wanted an ultra-modern design and selected the Butterfly model.”

Because the shelter’s cost exceeded the student committee’s funds, Duo-Gard subsidized the majority of the purchase, including installation. “We saw an opportunity to encourage the students’ eco-sensitive attitude,” said Michael Arvidson, Duo-Gard’s executive vice president. “Bicycling is rapidly gaining momentum at the many schools and universities we work with.”

The Butterfly model is from Duo-Gard’s line of architecturally designed bike shelters. The contemporary structure features glazed roof “wings” pitched up at 17 degrees. Adding custom touches to complement the school’s colors, Duo-Gard filmed the roof panels of ¼” acrylic in purple. Steel framing in metallic silver-white features integrated bike racks also fabricated by Duo-Gard.

This 9’ x 16’ shelter will accommodate 10 bikes. So far, said Cartwright, it hasn’t been filled. “It’s a new concept, and we’ll be promoting it at our annual Ride Your Bike to School Day this Spring,” she said. “We’re very appreciative of Duo-Gard’s contribution. The students feel as though they were rewarded in their attempt to make a difference for the school.”

For more information, visit www.duo-gard.com.