Bicycle racks are generally seen as a functional yet drab and unimaginative element of the urban landscape. In Hobart, recently commissioned bike hubs, have turned that idea on its head. The bike hubs are the vision of local architect and designer, Ken Betlehem, to whom they represent an understanding of international bike parking best practice, and a unique and innovative combination of art / good design that enhances Hobart’s sustainable transport strategy. The bike hubs were commissioned following the successful launch of the city’s free bike borrowing program, ArtBikes. The Artbikes initiative services a number of local cultural institutions and includes free sanitised helmets, bike locks and a touring map.
The concept was made possible due to a grant from the Tasmanian Government’s ClimateConnect program.