Bikes in Bloom in Downtown Aurora

Posted on 08/13/2018 by  James Cardis

Aurora's latest public art initiative brings colorful bicycle planters to Downtown Aurora. 

"This is a fun and simple, yet symbolic, way to bring new art and energy to our downtown," said Mayor Richard C. Irvin. Mayor Irvin proposed the concept after seeing bicycle planters in a city on the west coast. "Aurora is on a path forward, and we are growing in substantive, beautiful ways. The bikes represent our continuous movement to the next level while the flowers represent the beauty and growth of our city." 

The City of Aurora collaborated with Wayside Ministries for the used bicycles, and local businessman Tim Oros who volunteered to paint the bicycles in vibrant colors to reflect the future of Aurora and recognize global causes that impact our society. City horticulturist Cathy Hayen hand-picked and arranged the flowers. 

"What an exciting addition to our downtown," said Hayen. "They are a natural and gorgeous complement to our stunning rain gardens. The bikes really bring new life to each area." 

While more colors and locations will be added in the future, the ten launching sites of the Bikes in Bloom project include:

• Benton St. at the Swimming Stones
• Broadway between the Central Fire Station and Fire Museum
• Downer Pl & Broadway on the southwest corner
• Downer Pl. across from City Hall
• Downer Pl. at the north riverwalk entrance
• Galena Blvd. across street from the Paramount Theatre
• Galena Blvd. and Broadway on the northwest corner
• LaSalle St. & Downer Pl. at the Downer Lofts
• New York St. & River St. at the southeast corner
• New York St. just east of the railroad

Next time you #EnjoyAurora, get out and find more bikes in bloom. Tag your photos #bikesinbloom and #aurorabikes and send them in to info@enjoyaurora.com—we'll share our favorites on our @enjoyaurora Instagram feed.