If James Beard has his way, local residents will soon utilize transportation more on two wheels rather than four. Beard is an artist and instructor at La Jolla Yoga Center. After hearing requests for bicycle racks at the yoga center, Beard, who also has experience in construction and electrical contracting, was inspired to create metal racks shaped and painted like ocean waves that he hopes will highlight local culture and encourage a more bike-friendly La Jolla. Each three-foot-wide, 14-inch-tall rack can hold three bicycles and would cost from $300 to $500 or perhaps more depending on the type of metal and finishing methods employed, Beard said. Stainless or galvanized steel, plus a powder-coated finish, would incur additional costs. To create each rack, Beard shapes cold metal using a template he fashioned into a series of bends and curves. “There is some uniformity, but I’m an artist, not a mass manufacturer,” Beard said. “No two racks will be exactly alike. Each one will be unique, just like a real wave.” A frequent swimmer and body surfer at Boomer Beach and Windansea, as well as a La Jolla Elementary School alumnus, Beard said he wants to be part of the La Jolla’s “green revolution.” “This project will encourage people to ride their bikes, it will alleviate traffic and parking, it’s better for the environment, and it will help people get more exercise,” Beard said. “I don’t see how it could go wrong.” Specific locations where Beard would like to see his racks installed include the La Jolla Riford Library, the La Jolla Recreation Center, the La Jolla branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Burger Lounge, near the bathrooms and lifeguard towers at the Cove and local coffee shops. Beard said he has attended several local meetings and approached various community leaders to determine the best course of action to jump-start the project. Glen Rasmussen, of the La Jolla Town Council Streetscape Committee and Promote La Jolla, said that both groups approved motions to endorse the installment of Beard’s bicycle racks in accordance with city regulations. “We certainly can use more safely-placed bike racks, instead of having the increasing number of bicyclists chaining their rigs to street signs and trees,” Rasmussen said. Joe LaCava, vice president of the Bird Rock Community Council, said that the group was interested in implementing the racks in that area as well. “I love the idea that a needed resource such as bike racks can evolve out of the talented folks that make up La Jolla,” LaCava said. “Rather than settle for the generic bike racks the city may provide for free, the creative design with its ocean theme can further unify the streetscape of the Village and Bird Rock.” LaCava said he has urged Beard to continue to work with Promote La Jolla, which he said can administer private improvements in the public right of way, and to engage the community in a discussion about where to locate the racks so that they are “in harmony” with the surroundings. He also said he is working with Beard to navigate city and other regulations to help propel the project forward.