Collaboration with CDOT and Hotchkiss Artist to Expand Bicycle Rack Network

The Colorado Department of Transportation and Delta County are proud to celebrate a bicycle infrastructure project on the western slope of Colorado in Delta County. The project was funded through CDOT’s Revitalizing Main Streets (RMS) grant program, providing opportunities for local Colorado governments to enhance multimodal transportation options. 

Delta County, both as the applicant and recipient of the grant, spearheaded efforts to obtain funding for specialized bicycle racks in areas across the county to encourage greater multimodal usage among local residents. Delta County collaborated with acclaimed blacksmith artist Ira Houseweart, a fifth-generation resident of Hotchkiss. 

Houseweart developed creative concepts for bicycle racks that fulfill a practical purpose and capture the beauty of the landscapes and varied recreational pursuits found throughout Delta County.

“We are truly blessed to have Ira Houseweart right here in Hotchkiss, a small mountain town in Delta County. He’s not just a blacksmith; he’s an artist who breathes life into metal, shaping it to tell stories of beauty and function. His work is more than mere utility; it’s a testament to craftsmanship and creativity,” said Delta County Commissioner Don Suppes.

Houseweart was born and raised in the Town of Hotchkiss and has a passion for metalwork. His admiration for metalwork was strengthened through his family. “My grandfather taught me the blacksmithing skill, and I began my career fixing equipment,” says Houseweart. 

Houseweart quickly realized his skill could become an art form and took on more artistic blacksmithing projects over time. He now primarily spends time creating metal artwork in the shop on his family farm. 

“This collaboration between a local artist and local and state government entities has produced a creative and unique project that will strengthen local economic opportunities, enhance community pride, and make it easier to improve local public health,” said Darius Pakbaz, CDOT Director of the Division of Transportation Development.

The RMS grant program allows for sparks of creativity and unique approaches to integrating pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure through projects such as the creation of bicycle racks throughout Delta County. The locally tailored bicycle racks will be available to the public by the end of summer 2024. 

This post was originally published on this site