When John Comunale, owner of Comunale Sculptural Concepts, was approached by the city of Akron, Ohio, to design and fabricate artistic yet functional bike racks, he was quick to recommend that hot-dip galvanizing be incorporated into the project. John knew from past successful projects that he could apply artistic paint over galvanized steel, and craft beautiful, durable, and maintenance free racks for Akrons downtown cyclists.

Hot-dip galvanizing would provide a tough layer of barrier and cathodic protection against years of chain, lock, and weather abuse to the bike racks. The correctly formulated paint applied over the galvanized steel would enhance the corrosion protection and allow for the natural zinc appearance to blend with of almost limitless color enhancements.

The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study, in partnership with the city of Akron, The Downtown Partnership, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which funded the project, all agreed with Johns recommendation.  There will now be ball players in front of Canal Park, Akrons home field of the Rubber Ducks.  Giant Flowers will blossom outside of Lock 3, a prominent downtown public gathering place featuring live music and an ice rink.  Musical notes will be playing outside near Musica and BLU Jazz, and a giant legume will stand in front of the peanut shop. The unique design of each individual rack made special handling a must.  The galvanizer was up to the task and the result was universally described as beautiful.

The dual purpose of the seventeen new racks is to encourage bike travel throughout downtown Akron and highlights the unique nature of nearby attractions and businesses. Krista Beniston, AMATS planning coordinator, observes that the rack designs showcase iconic elements of the community and are one of a kind to Akron.  She adds that they are not only part of AMETS larger initiative to make the region more biker friendly by proving ample parking for cyclists, but theyre also fun and public art to be enjoyed by all.