Quirky, artistic bike racks are cropping up in cities around the country--a trend that benefits more than just cyclists.
"'It creates a better environment for people who live here and visit here, and it gives people a place to park their bikes,' says Lacy LaBorde of the Downtown Austin Alliance.
Designs for sculpture bike racks were unveiled Friday, as the Texas capital became the latest community to add art that promotes travel by pedal."
"Cyclist Rick Risemberg of Los Angeles, who says he bikes 500-600 miles per month and edits the online magazine Bicycle Fixation, says more bike racks are a great idea.
'Street furniture is an important thing in getting people out of their cars,' Risemberg says. 'Having bike racks that are pretty and clever and make people feel good makes for a better civic atmosphere - it increases the viability of your downtown area.'"
FULL STORY: Cities rack up public artwork with bike racks

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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