City of Vancouver wants to pay you to design its new bike racks

Calling all bike aficionados and design enthusiasts! The City of Vancouver has announced a contest to design a creative yet functional bike rack to be used on its streets.

Designs must be able to hold two bikes, while also being fun and functional, cost effective for the city to produce, and reflective of the Vancouver’s culture in a creative and original way.

The winners will have their work displayed across the city and receive a cash prize.

Contestants must live, work, or study in the Vancouver area and submit their designs before the May 13 deadline.

“Bike racks can be simple and utilitarian – like the circles or hoops we see most often,” said Margaret Wittgens, Director of Public Space and Street Use, in a press release.

“We know there are creative people out there who can dream up a bike rack that is creative and will make our public spaces more beautiful and interesting, and we are looking forward to seeing what they come back with.”

Finalists will have a prototype of their design made and displayed at a public event in July, while also receiving prizes.

One winning bike rack design will be chosen by a panel of artists, designers, and biking advocates, with the winners being announced in August. A separate, People’s Choice Award winner will be decided by the public.

The winning designers will be awarded up to $2,000 and have their bike rack manufactured and installed in locations across the city.

Full contest rules and guidelines can be found online.

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