Artful bike racks hit Mission Hill

Joshua Rosado working on a bike rack, now installed in Brigham Circle. Photo courtesy of AFH

Working with Artists For Humanity in South Boston and funded by the City of Boston, high school students Joshua Rosado, Victor Torres and Cameron Akeredolu won a contest sponsored by Mission Hill Main Streets to install three bike racks at Brigham Circle.

One resembles a giant padlock and two others have abstract designs. The three were installed last week around the circle, and are already hosting locked up bikes.

“I tried a few initial designs that didn’t work out so well. Then, I looked to my side and I saw this little keychain lock and I thought to myself, ‘How about we expand it into a big lock?'” wrote Rosado in a blog post about the project. “This accomplishment, all by the age of 18, makes me have more appreciation toward my talent and my craft.”

Rosado’s design is a favorite among passers by, and all three are improvements to the circle.

“It was really great because these public art projects take a long time to realize,” said Nick Rodrigues, a sculpture mentor to the students at Artists For Humanity (AFH). “A lot of kids here are at-risk so it really keeps thing on task. It was really good to have them looking forward to something. And to have a permanent piece in the city is amazing.”

A bike rack in Brigham Circle, designed by high school student Cameron Akeredolu.

Rosado, a student at Snowden International High School has also been accepted to Mass College of Art and Design, down the street from his handiwork. Torres is entering Boston Arts Academy in the fall and Akeredolu attends the Jeremiah Burke High School in Dorchester.

AFH and Trimount Ironworks in Dorchester are also becoming a go-to place for the city’s more fanciful bike racks. They recently helped fabricate six racks that mimic the new Boston Bikes logo, one of which was installed at City Hall and unveiled during Bike Week.

Leave a Comment