Art on Wheels

Lafayette’s quality of life studies, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure studies, and community anecdotes, indicate a lack of viable cycling infrastructure, particularly end-of-trip bicycle parking in Lafayette. Lafayette isn’t a fully safe, walkable, or bikeable city yet, but cyclists are still here and are in need of support and we believe that community-driven efforts can make substantial progress toward creating a safe haven for cyclists. Many end-of-trip destinations like schools, parks, grocery stores, and local businesses lack bicycle parking. Installing bicycle parking that doubles as art murals on private and public property at end-of-trip destinations is a step in the right direction to expand bicycle infrastructure, inspire citizens and businesses to embrace cycling, support local artists, and boost overall ridership in Lafayette.

Phase I of this project seeks to utilize 24-Hour Citizen Project funds to purchase and strategically place Bicycle Rack Art Murals at two key locations—northside and downtown—where cyclists are already present, and bicycle parking is in demand. These bicycle racks, shaped like bicycles and capable of holding 2-4 bikes, will be painted by local artists through a community art competition. Designed to be replicated, these Bicycle Rack Art Murals will become community art installations that businesses will want on their properties, similar to the popular Pelicans on Parade project. This colorful initiative encourages local businesses to invest in bicycle parking, show their support as bike-friendly establishments, and add vibrant local art to our community.

Phase II includes a 5-year plan to place 10 Bicycle Rack Art Murals in Lafayette by partnering with local businesses who will sponsor and adopt a Bicycle Rack Art Mural for the front of their business. Through the success of Phase I, we aim to generate public excitement around the bike racks, motivating more businesses to join the movement by sponsoring their own custom-painted racks. Bicycle Rack Art Murals can include it’s sponsors’ logos and feature fun local designs from local artists facilitated through a Community Art Competition. Before a public Community Art Competition, a Call for Artists would go out internally to the Sponsor’s Business employees first to allow creative employees a chance to design a winning design and paint their company’s bike rack. This approach fosters a sense of ownership for the sponsoring business, encouraging the business to take pride in maintaining these painted bike racks and ensuring their long-term care. The Bicycle Rack Art Mural Initiative has the potential to spark broader interest in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Lafayette. Cities that have invested in quality bike and pedestrian infrastructure consistently report improved quality of life, increased happiness, enhanced safety, economic growth, higher property values, and better overall community health. Installing bicycle parking will increase non-motorized access to essential services such as healthcare, education, food, and goods, fostering a healthier, more connected community. The Bicycle Rack Art Mural Initiative is a small-scale community intervention with the potential for a big impact, to transform Lafayette into a more vibrant and colorful bike-friendly community.