Take a walk around downtown Allegan, and you might notice three unique, eye-catching bike racks designed and fabricated by students at the Allegan Area ESA Tech Center. These custom creations, each tailored to the character of its location, showcase the talents of local youth while promoting sustainable transportation. Each rack reflects a different theme, emphasizing the city's distinctive charm and providing functional art for the community to enjoy.
The project was a collaborative effort between students from the Engineering, Electronics, and Robotics class and their peers from the Welding class. Together, they combined creativity with technical skills to design and manufacture the metal bike racks, applying what they've learned in the classroom to a real-world, community-centered initiative. This hands-on experience gave the students the opportunity to engage in all aspects of the design and fabrication process, from brainstorming initial concepts to cutting and welding the final pieces.
Four more racks are slated to be installed by the City of Allegan later this school year, adding to the town’s growing collection of functional art. These one-of-a-kind pieces not only help students hone their craft but also make a lasting contribution to Allegan, creating something the community can use and take pride in for years to come.
So, the next time you’re downtown, keep an eye out for these remarkable racks—and the new ones coming soon!