Ypsilanti residents to decide on design for new bike racks

Decisions, decisions. That’s what Ypsilanti residents have to make when it comes to bike racks.

The city is offering local citizens to choose which style of artistic bike rack they would like to see grace downtown and Depot Town. The art racks were custom designed by Ypsilanti-based VG Kids, which will also make the racks.

“The thought is they can be something that could help us bring a distinct Ypsilanti flavor to Depot Town and downtown,” says Brian Vosburg, director of the Depot Town and Ypsilanti downtown development authorities. “They will serve as a signature of the community.”

The Michigan Department of Community Health and the Washtenaw County Public Health Department are paying for four new bike racks in the city this year. Normal bike racks cost between $175 and $300. Artistic bike racks cost between $300 and $400.

People can vote at Bombadill’s coffee shop, the Ypsilanti Library, City Hall and online here.

Ypsilanti will also be hosting the Alternative Commuting Fair at the Downtown Farmers’ Market between 2 and 7 p.m. on Aug. 26. The fair will teach people how to get to downtown without a car and distribute some bicycling tips.

Source: Brian Vosburg, director of the Depot Town and Ypsilanti downtown development authorities
Writer: Jon Zemke