BACA Members Forum

Concept:

Create a festive public holiday display with a contemporary twist utilizing recycled bicycle parts. The bicycle element was chosen because it is a highly efficient vehicle depending mainly on the power of the individual to propel it. The bicycle is also symbolic of a healthier alternative to transportation and scale of interaction within a community. Cities like Beacon are propelled by the power of individuals. The bicycle tree is symbolic of those individual efforts coming togethr to form a creative display of unity. Even in a state of disrepair, discarded or neglected parts posses the potential for a new life once it has been recycled, reinvented and reimagined.

The Tree:

The tree is composed of discarded bicycle parts which have been cut up and mounted on a central post. Overall dimensions are approximately 11 feet high and 8' x 8' at the base. The tree has been designed to be structurally sound and stable in the worst of weather conditions. The central post is a 2" diameter steel pipe mounted into a wooden base approximately 12" high by 8' square. The central post has short sections of 1/2" pipe radiating outward upon which the tubes of the bicycle frames will sleeve onto. All parts will then be securely bolted to the central post. Loose parts and wheels will be tack welded prevent their removal. the completed tree will be painted and decorated. Lighting will consist mainly of self contained, solar powered lights and reflected ambient light. Members of the community will be invited to add their own decorative elements under the conditions that they are appropriate for public display and do not pose any safety risk. The tree will be monitored and maintained during the period of display to keep it in good condition. If for some reason the tree cannot be maintained for safety and/or aesthetics, it will be removed. The tree has no monetary value beyond the scrap value of it's raw materials and does not need to be insured for damage or replacement.

Installation:

The would be to install just prior to the lighting event. This will allow for more time to work on the tree and help to minimize the opportunity for vandalism prior to the event. The tree is defined to be disassembled and transported in parts. Final decoration will continue on site.

Lighting:

Day to day lighting will be done mainly with solar lights which will turn on and off automatically. The reflective decorative elements will also add to the display. For purposes of the lighting event we may choose to incorporate some temporary 110V lighting just for that evening.

Questions or comments about any of the above can be directed to Ed Benavente (845)337-8338. ed@beaconarts.org

Hi Ed, I'll bring the blue lights I have tomorrow. Two sets of solar, 2 regular.

With the holiday season behind us, thanks to all who participated. Many anonymous decorations were installed during the month. To my surprise and delight there were no incidents of vandalism and many of the more fragile decorations were put back on by passers by.
My apologies for not doing a a better job on the lighting. The disco ball motor was also hit or miss. Then again, no time, no budget gives you what you pay for. At least we did not have to dig it out of the snow on the take down. There has been some interest in recycling the recycled bicycle tree for next year. If so, that will give us a chance for some major design changes and lighting upgrades. Stay tuned for more updates or toss in a suggestion or two.