Villager photo by Jefferson Siegel

Racking up support for cycling

Astor Place was home to some novel-looking street furniture Tuesday as the 10 finalists in the “Cityrack” bicycle-rack design competition were unveiled. Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, posing with her bike and one of the proposed models, at right, presented the finalists. Sadik-Khan contrasted the new designs to the current model. “It always looks like a handcuff cuffed to concrete,” she said of the old-style racks, which currently number 5,000. Regarding the city’s increase in cycling, Sadik-Khan said: “Bike commuting is up 77 percent since 2000 and we’re looking to do more of that.” The competition, supported by Transportation Alternatives and Google, drew more than 200 entrants from 24 states and 26 nations. The winner will be announced Oct. 24.

Sadik-Khan will be one of six members of the design jury, which also includes artist/musician David Byrne and First Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris.