think outside the glove box...
The Crim Fitness Foundation and the Green Arts Project at the University of Michigan-Flint are teaming up with local artists to inspire Flint residents to become bicycle commuters. The organizations are hosting a bike rack design competition to enhance active living in Flint. The availability of safe and convenient parking is as critical for cyclists as for motorists; 40% of Americans say they would commute by bike if parking facilities were available. Bike racks are also one visible indicator of an active living community, and integrating artistic elements into active living projects can help to distinguish Flint as an innovative, healthy environment. “We are asking artists to create a functional work of art that will help to cultivate a culture in Flint of safe and active living,” says Gerry Myers, CEO of the Crim Fitness Foundation. “This competition is a fun way to encourage bicycle commuting while showcasing the work of local artists.”
Artists are strongly encouraged to express their personal artistic visions of the spirit and character of Flint as a “new vehicle city,” which will accommodate all modes of transportation. All designs must be functional and recognizable as a bike rack, and be submitted with a statement from the artist about their work. Designs will be judged by a jury of local VIPs and the winner will receive $1,000 towards transforming their design into a functional bike rack that will be placed in front of the Crim Fitness Foundation along Saginaw Street. Design submissions must be received by May 5th.
The bicycle rack design competition is a component of Smart Commute, a community-wide initiative that encourages people to use alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycling or walking, to get to work, school, or run errands. Furthermore, with the addition of a 310-bed residence hall on the University of Michigan-Flint campus this fall, this competition serves as an opportunity to prepare for the increased bicycle use that often accompanies a shift in college culture from a commuter campus to on-campus living. “There are many exciting changes occurring in Flint,” says Sara McDonnell, Project Coordinator with the Center for Applied Environmental Research, University Outreach. “The bike rack design competition is an exciting way to involve the community in Smart Commute initiatives and incorporate an active living culture.”
The public is invited to attend the juried competition which will occur from 11-2pm on May 12th at the Smart Commute Information Fair at the University of Michigan-Flint pavilion. This competition is made possible by the Greens Arts Project at the University of Michigan- Flint and the Safe and Active Flint (SAF) Coalition, a community-based collaborative effort funded by the Ruth Mott Foundation and facilitated through the Michigan Fitness Foundation, in partnership with the Crim Fitness Foundation.
Did you know?
50% of
all trips are 3 miles or less-a perfect distance for a bike ride.
.
25% of all trips are 1 mile or less-a perfect distance for a walk.
65% of all trips less than a mile are taken by car-but you can change
that by Smart Commuting!