MARQUETTE -Thanks to some grant funding, Marquette's downtown just became a little more bike friendly.
The City of Marquette Downtown Development Authority received a $2,500 Active Living Task Force Grant from the Marquette County Health Department to purchase and install bike racks for the city's downtown area.
The DDA is providing a matching $2,500 with several businesses providing additional funding. Artist Mike Lempanen is working with U.P. Fabricating to design the different bike-shaped racks with unique artistic elements of Marquette features.
"One might have a dogsled in it, one maybe an ore boat," said Mona Lang, executive director of Downtown Development Authority, giving examples of what elements may show up in the wheels of the bike on the new racks.
A bronze bike rack was created and installed on Washington Street in front of the Pocket Park to commemorate the city's recent recognition as a bronze level Bike Friendly Community. The additional bike racks will look similar, and will be painted "Harbor Blue" to match some of the other city's signs.
The racks will be installed in strategic locations throughout the district.
The DDA has an idea of the high traffic areas that may need bike racks. The group has observed the locations where multiple bikes have been chained to light posts and other fixtures, but will install the racks where the Marquette Bikeability Committee sees fit.
"We are waiting to hear back from the Marquette Bikeability Committee for a recommendation of where to install the racks," said Lang.
According to the grant, the bike racks must be purchased and installed by Aug. 31.
Marquette City Public Works personnel will install the racks.
Danielle Lehto can be contacted at 906-228-2500, ext. 269. Her e-mail address is photos@miningjournal.net.
