Ypsilanti installs new specialty bike racks in downtown

Ypsilanti is getting ready to install 10 unique bike racks to its downtown area this week. The art racks were custom designed by Ypsilanti-based VG Kids, which also made the racks. City residents chose the Tree Guard style earlier this summer over a Sprocket version. The new bike racks will cost $4,200 to create and install. 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. Typical racks are priced between $175 and $300. Artistic bike racks cost between $300 and $400.The bike racks will, hopefully, help accomplish two things: First, they will allow more people to use alternative modes of transportation to get to downtown, following the path Ann Arbor has been traveling down in recent years. Second, they will help the city create its own brand and enhance its reputation.The 10 bike racks will only go in downtown for now. However, city officials are looking to installing them elsewhere in the city.”West Cross Street is looking at installing these,” Brian Vosburg, director of the Depot Town and Ypsilanti Downtown development authorities.Source: Brian Vosburg, director of the Depot Town and Ypsilanti Downtown development authoritiesWriter: Jon Zemke