Innovative, sustainable and sculptural, the Bike Arc system just might be the smartest idea to hit transportation since the bicycle itself. Born out of a shared reverence for the bicycle and the environment, the design evolved from the collaborative efforts of celebrated U.S. bicycle advocate Jeff Selzer and Joseph Bellomo, an architect renowned for his leadership in holistic, green design.

Jeff’s desire to honor the bicycle coupled with Joseph’s commitment to sustainable design and their mutual commitment to leaving a light footprint catalyzed the Bike Arc’s design. Addressing the flaws in traditional bike racks and the more sophisticated storage systems in bike stations, the duo proposed a structure that would protect both the bicycle and the user, with ample support for a variety of bicycle styles, and no moving parts.

The original design, the Bike Tube (now the Tube Arc), was a semi-opaque, perforated polycarbonate covered steel rib tube structure, small enough to fit in one parking space yet large enough to hold 20 bicycles. Riders could join a group, enter the tube with a fob, and store their bicycles easily, secure in the knowledge that they would be protected both from the elements and from potential thieves. However, because they were launching the prototype in Palo Alto, where parking is at a premium, the designers refined the design, creating multiple iterations of the same fundamental concept: a modular structure of steel ribs.

Inspired by its essential fluidity, Joseph developed the structure to relate to the bicycle’s form while minimizing its footprint while parked. The result is a steel arc onto which riders roll, hook and lock their bikes. The various Bike Arc styles are designed to serve a variety of community needs. Where seamlessly blending with the natural environment is key, the low profile “rack arc” and space-saving “umbrella arc” work best. Where protecting bicycles from prevalent inclement weather is vital, the original “bike arc” and “half arc” are the best choices. Regardless of the community’s needs, the Bike Arc modular system lends aesthetic and practical value.

In addition to benefitting existing cyclists, the Bike Arc’s simplicity and security encourages would-be cyclists to dust off their helmets and bike to class, work and throughout their communities. The system curtails what were once hindrances to bicycle commuting-bad weather, suspect safety and lack of adequate storage-making a widespread green transportation movement more realistic. That they are so interesting looking makes them an attractive solution for campuses, urban master plans and city park projects, as does their surprisingly low cost. Indeed, this latter benefit has inspired Joseph to conceive of a tubular affordable housing project. These modular designs are part of Bellomo Architects’ proposal for the KA2020 project on the big island of Hawaii and are gathering interest among organizations dedicated to finding housing solutions where the most affordable, off-the-grid modular housing is needed.

The creators continue to build on the Bike Arc concept, working with photovoltaic technology and affordable materials. Their passion for the Bike Arc is contagious, and the design’s potential for far-reaching value is infinite.

By Lauren Castelli