Streamers and Rubber Grips

Thirty artists from across Greater Cleveland submitted public art ideas for the façade of a new bike station planned for downtown Cleveland. The submissions were reviewed and winners were chosen by community stakeholders from the Gateway and East 4th Street neighborhoods. The winning proposal, by Scott Stibich of Cleveland and Mark A. Reigelman II of New York, is a vivid site-specific installation coupling movement and color with bike riding nostalgia.

How it Started

In May 2009, Cleveland Public Art announced a design competition inviting regional artists and designers to submit proposals for new public art at the bike station. The goal of the public art project is to bring attention to and elevate the visibility of this important new downtown asset. The project will develop creative strategies that energize the space and create a visual landmark for the cycling community. The juried public art competition was funded through a grant from the Cleveland Colectivo, a giving circle of Cleveland-area residents whose members pool their own money and give it away to innovative projects that address critical community issues.

Other Facts

The invention of the bicycle has had an enormous impact on society, particularly in childhood where bicycles become a symbol of freedom and an opportunity to express individuality. “Streamers and Rubber Grips” is an installation combining motion and color in an attempt to capture the essence of childhood bike culture while elevating everyday objects. Once completed, the installation will enshroud the E.4th St. façade of the Gateway Parking Garage with 850 custom aluminum bike handles and nylon streamers and will transform the location by becoming a vividly animated landmark promoting alternative forms of transportation in Cleveland.

The area surrounding the new bike station is among the most visited locations in the city, with more than 3 million visitors annually to the nearby sports complex and E. 4th Street neighborhood. The creation of the new bike station is part of the City of Cleveland’s continued efforts to make Cleveland a more bike-friendly city and to provide amenities that encourage use of alternative transportation.

The Outcome

The City is working with the Downtown Cleveland Alliance to develop a plan for the day-to-day operations and marketing of the facility. The bike station will be open 24 hours to members through secured key card access and staffed by an attendant during peek user hours. The facility will also provide unique services including a bike valet bike parking during summer months, allowing sports fans to arrive at Cavs and Indians games on bike as an alternative to driving and parking.

The artists' websites:
www.scottstibich.com
www.markreigelman.com.