LED bike rack an 'exciting' collaboration between university, college

"It's got to be a good day when you've got a bike rack in the city of Windsor."

Lori Newton with Bike Windsor-Essex, was all smiles Friday when a new LED bike rack was unveiled on University Avenue in the downtown core of the city.

"It's really great, exciting timing," said Newton. "We're beside the college, by the university. This is a wonderful asset to the community."

The bike rack was organized and funded by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) in partnership with TownePlace Suites by Marriott. The background of the rack is constantly illuminated by art students from both the college and the university. When not in use, the rack folds back to free sidewalk space.

"We would like to see many more of these," said Newton. "The city has been putting in some ring and posts, but not bike racks."

Newton said people who ride bikes are the same as people who drive cars — always thinking about their destination.

"They have to consider where they're going to park when they get [where they're going]," said Newton.

Max Pecoraro led the design and fabrication as part of his thesis project for the visual arts and the built environment (VABE) program at the University of Windsor.

"In this configuration it's sort of niche," said Pecoraro. "To my knowledge nothing has been done like this."

Collaboration, partnership

Pecoraro worked with a small budget and relied on donations from different trade companies to bring the bike rack to fruition. The bike rack cost about $10,000 to make, including all electrical components. The DWBIA paid a portion of the cost.

"It's more than just a bike rack," said DWBIA chair Brian Yeomans. "It speaks to art, active movement, the partnership between the college and the university. This is a great way to break the door open with great new ideas."

Jason Grossi, architect and coordinator of the VABE program said the project was a unique collaboration between the university and St. Clair College.

"It's been a tremendous learning opportunity for us," said Grossi. "We've been able to make an art piece that also instigates more art pieces. This is an amazing thing that we've been able to participate in."

Bill Rawlings, faculty of architecture and engineering design at the college also said the collaboration made him excited.

"Hopefully we can do more."