Boston Public Market Hosting Bike Rack Design Vote

Public to Vote on Artistic Bike Rack Designs Outside the Upcoming Boston Public Market, Designed by Artists for Humanity

BOSTON — The Boston Public Market is hosting a public vote to choose the design of two artistic bike racks that will be installed outside the upcoming local food market, ensuring access to the market for customers arriving by bike. The Market partnered with Artists for Humanity to design nine bike rack options that represent the Market’s themes of fresh, local food and the connection between farmer and consumer.

The Boston Public Market will house over 35 farmers, fishermen, and food producers from Massachusetts and throughout New England, selling items such as farm fresh produce; meat and poultry; eggs; milk and cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods. The Boston Public Market, located at 100 Hanover Street above the Haymarket MBTA station, will be open Wednesday — Sunday, 8 a.m. — 8 p.m, beginning on July 30.

Members of the public can vote on their favorite bike rack designs here. Voting ends on Wednesday, July 8. The nine bike rack design options, ranging from carrots and tomatoes to giant lobster claws, were designed by Boston teens working with Artists for Humanity, which employs 250+ Boston teens annually in paid apprenticeship in the visual arts and creative industries. Voting results will be showcased on the Boston Public Market’s blog.

“Located directly above Haymarket T Station in the heart of downtown Boston, the Boston Public Market is incredibly accessible by transit, bike, and foot,” said Boston Public Market CEO Liz Morningstar. “We’re excited to welcome customers arriving by bike to the market with bright, creative bike racks designed by Artists for Humanity, and we look forward to receiving the public’s input on these designs.”

“This project has introduced me to some things about food that I hadn’t really thought about,” said Artists for Humanity Youth Designer Handy Dorceus, who worked on the bike rack designs. “I never really questioned that strawberries are always available. I never really thought about food being seasonal. Working with Boston Public Market has also showed me that many individual people are responsible for the food that we eat, and I think it’s really important for local farmers and food producers to have a place to sell their product.”

With support from Boston Bikes and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the artistic bike racks will be installed on two corners outside the Market. Traditional bike racks will also be installed on the plaza outside the Market.

“This contest is a terrific idea that will both enhance access for bicycle customers of the Boston Public Market, but will also allow Artists for Humanity, and members of the public who will vote in the contest, to put their own imprint on the design of the new bike racks,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.

“Boston Bikes is thrilled to have had this opportunity to be involved in preparations for the opening of this exciting new facility,” said Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Gina Fiandaca. “It’s gratifying to know that customers who choose to cycle to the Boston Public Market will have plenty of conveniently located racks where they can secure their bikes while they shop. We’re also pleased that local teens participated in bike rack design for this project and we’re looking forward to seeing the winning entries.”

The Market is located in downtown Boston’s emerging Market District, next to the Haymarket pushcart vendors and the historic Blackstone Block, and it sits on the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the Freedom Trail. 100 Hanover Street also contains the Boston RMV branch, entrances to the Haymarket MBTA station, vent stacks for the Interstate-93 tunnel, and a parking garage. Two Hubway stations are located nearby.

The Boston Public Market is the only locally sourced market of its kind in the United States. Everything sold at the Market is produced or originates in New England. Boston Public Market vendors are proud to accept SNAP/EBT for all eligible market products.

The Market is a civic resource, educating the public about food sources, nutrition, and preparation. In addition to more than 35 vendor stalls, the Boston Public Market includes a 3,200 square foot demonstration kitchen, programmed by The Trustees of Reservations, the Market’s lead programming partner, with opportunities such as hands-on cooking demos, lectures, family activities, exercise classes, training and community events.