Downtown Emporia soon will become more bike-friendly when new bicycle racks are designed by area residents and installed on Commercial Street.
Rachael LeClear, coordinator of continuing education and general education at Flint Hills Technical College, said a contest open to the public determine the design of the bike racks. The project is spearheaded by the city’s Multi Use Path Planning Board. Area residents will be able to send in their designs and the winner or winners will be chosen to have their designs used on the racks. The group may select more than one winner.
FHTC is teaming with Emporia Main Street on the project. One of the goals of the project is to expand biking in Emporia and make it easier for people to park their bikes in town. The racks will be welded by FHTC students, LeClear said. Materials will be purchased locally as well, and the racks will be installed by the city.
The racks will be funded by proceeds from an auction being held by Emporia Main Street on Oct. 14 at the Granada Theatre. The auction is held each year and funds are used for public improvements such as the banners for downtown Emporia and the lighting that is now being installed at the Emporia Farmer’s Market.
“This year’s proceeds will go to the bike racks,” Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods said.
The bike racks will be located from Fourth Avenue to 12th Avenue on Commercial Street. LeClear said organizers hope to expand the project beyond the downtown area but right now it will be confined to downtown Emporia.
Rules for the design competition are posted on the Emporia Main Street’s Web site, www.emporiamainstreet.com.
“The idea is to have a nice balance between form and functionality,” LeClear said.
The deadline for designs is Oct. 30. Designs can be submitted in hard copy or PDF copy to either Woods or LeClear. Woods can be reached at 340-6430 or 12 E. Fifth Ave. LeClear can be reached at 341-1372 or 3301 W. 18th Ave.
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