Transported Through Time. Mosaic at Smithe & Burrard Streets. Vancouver, BC. Photo by J.Chong
There are enough outdoor public art installations for free viewing just within the City of Vancouver. In fact, over 500 different permanent outdoor public art pieces.
For the art theme of bikes and cycling, there are 8 outdoor pieces all located right by major signed bike routes in Vancouver. In this recent article that I wrote on Vancouver’s outdoor bike art, there are more photos, locations, summaries and web links. It is possible to see all these bike art installations but you might need to give yourself a few hours. You will get a good fitness ride by going up and down a few hills. Thankfully most of these art installations are along bike routes with light car traffic or by paved bike paths.
The exception would be the 2008 mosaic at the busy traffic corner of Smithe and Burrard streets right in downtown Vancouver. The mosaic, “Transported Through Time” depicts different modes of transport used in Vancouver. After all, not many Canadian cities can claim the historic legacy of: First Nations boat, seaplane, interurban streetcar, bus, ocean liner, train and bicycle.
Translink offers the latest bike route maps for trip planning. Their web page also lists where you can buy the print fold-out map version. City of Vancouver has its own bike map if you lack time to cycle further. Please note the municipalities continue to create new bike routes after map publication. For locations of many other permanent outdoor art installations, check the City of Vancouver’s Public Art Registry.
Outdoor bike art mural at 1175 Adanac St. Vancouver, BC. Photo by J. Chong
You could also integrate this art viewing with some community garden visits along the way that I mentioned a few weeks ago here at Inside Vancouver Blog.
So bike around and take a closer look at some fun, great pieces of outdoor public art. As a bonus, you will get healthy exercise and a flavour of different neighbourhoods during your own self-made art tour.
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