A bright pink sculptural bike rack sits along Plumas Street near Tower Plaza in downtown Yuba City, part of a new installation aimed at improving bike access while adding public art to the corridor. Photo by City of Yuba City

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - What began as a request from a local cyclist has turned into a new downtown feature, with sculptural bike racks now installed along Plumas Street.

The racks were unveiled last week near Plumas and Bridge streets and in front of the Sutter Theater. The additions aim to improve bike access and add a visual element to the corridor.

The project brought together the Yuba-Sutter Rotary Night Club, Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture and the City of Yuba City, with funding secured through a grant from the Feather River Air Quality Management District.

“Thanks to the Yuba-Sutter Rotary Night Club, Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture, and City of Yuba City, we now have beautiful new bike racks along Plumas Street and near Tower Plaza,” said Cameo Arrasmith of Yuba City Downtown. “It’s thoughtful additions like this that make downtown more welcoming, more functional, and just a little bit more beautiful.”

Eric Preston, president of the Yuba-Sutter Rotary Night Club, said the idea began with a need for bike parking downtown.

“One of our members, Jeff Cowan, rides a tandem bicycle with his wife and noted there was nowhere to park their bike when they went to brunch,” Preston said. “He suggested it would be a good service project for the club.”

Preston said club member David Reed helped write the grant application that secured funding.

The racks include the lettering “R.I.D.E.” near the Sutter Theater and a pink salmon installation near the park at the south end of Plumas Street. Metal artist Dan Turner and welding students at Yuba College created the pieces.

Community response has been positive, with residents commenting on the design and color.

Organizers said the installations aim to support downtown activity by making it easier for residents and visitors to bike to local businesses.