More Love for Louisville’s Artistic Pragmatism (aka Bike Racks)

Our friends at Broken Sidewalk pointed us to even more love for Louisville’s artsy bike racks. This time it comes from USA Today.

Cyclists can chain their bikes to a dollar sign on New York City’s Wall Street, a pair of giant toothbrushes in Portland, Ore., and sea creatures in Louisville and Mount Clemens, Mich.

Bicycle racks that combine the utility of security with the aesthetics of art are popping up across the USA.

n Louisville, there are 22 sculptures downtown for bike parking, and plans for 10 more by next spring, says Ken Herndon, director of operations for the Louisville Downtown Management District.

Artists received $2,000 per piece, a rate which may increase to $2,500 for the next sculptures, Herndon says. Regular racks can cost from $200 to $500, he adds. The Louisville Downtown Management District pays for the racks, and they become the property of the city once they are installed.

You’ll recall just a couple days ago I told you how much the Boston Globe loves our bike racks.Yes National Media, we are doing things right here, keep paying attention.