Bike Racks to be Installed Throughout Downtown

One of Greenwood's new bike racks outside of City Hall.

GREENWOOD - Main Street Greenwood will soon be installing thirteen new bike racks throughout downtown Greenwood in an effort to further promote Greenwood as a bike-friendly community.

The racks are the result of a design competition that was held in conjunction with Main Street's 2009 Art Alfresco event, which occurs annually in downtown Greenwood. Of the more than fifteen entries, Greenwood resident Jon Rayeski's circular design was chosen as the winner, based on its functionality, originality, and overall quality of design.

In the fall of 2009, a campaign to raise funds for the racks began. Each bike rack cost $200 and were all paid for through private sponsorships. Currently, there are two additional bike racks available for sponsorship, according to Lise Foy, outgoing director of Main Street Greenwood. Foy said the bike racks are something she is very proud to have been involved with as Main Street director.

"The whole idea began when the Art Alfresco committee decided to do something that would provide public art for the city that was functional as well," Foy said. "We wanted the design process to be an interactive part of Art Alfresco, which we achieved through the competition."

Mayor Carolyn McAdams said the project is a great contribution to her goal of making Greenwood more pedestrian- and bike-friendly. "We want Greenwood to be both walkable and accessible to the biking community," McAdams said. "The racks look great," she continued. "Because the design is creative and has aesthetic appeal, it doubles as public art."

Bike racks will begin to be installed in thirteen locations next week. If you are interested in sponsoring one of the two remaining bike racks, contact Melissa Tribble, Executive Director of Main Street Greenwood, at 662-453-0365 or via email.