Cycling is good for the mind, body, and wallet—it is, in a word, sustainable. That is what collaborators in Oldsmar were thinking in February of 2016, when they came up with idea to install the city’s first public bike rack—with a twist.

Oldsmar’s Bike Rack Art Project was a collaboration between the City Fire Chief, Dean O’ Nale, City Communications Specialist, Kristi Hannon, and City Sustainability Coordinator, Estevan Baza. “This project was very special to me to coordinate because as a Fire Fighter Veteran and as Sustainability Coordinator, it was an opportunity to not only promote functional art but also show support for my fellow fire fighters that serve our community,” says Baza.

Cyclists can now lock their bikes to a twisted fire hose that spirals out from a bright red hydrant. The bike rack was designed by Kristi Hannon, the City Communications Specialist. “I wanted the Oldsmar Fire Rescue Bike Rack to be functional as well as sculptural…whimsical and fun,” says Hannon. The rack was made by welding artist Bill Coleman, who makes unique metal pieces using raw materials, and installed by the City of Oldsmar’s Department of Public Works. It is located near the Oldsmar Fire Department and was unveiled to the public on September 23, 2016.

The bike rack may be the first of its kind in Oldsmar, but it will not be the last. “The project was such a great success and was well received by the community,” Baza states. “We are planning to expand the program to other areas of the City, with the Oldsmar Public Library being the next candidate.”