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Multnomah County Library, PBOT and Bike to Books logos

News media contact:

Hannah Schafer
971-235-8472
[email protected]
@pbotinfo

Bike to Books design contest is back for it's sixth year

PBOT and Multnomah Country Library invite youth from the Portland-area to design bike lane art for Portland’s streets 

2021 winner

The 2021 first place winner for the age group 7th grade through 12th. This bike lane art is located at NE Russell and NE Rodney.

(April 28, 2022The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and Multnomah County Library are teaming up for the sixth annual Bike to Books design competition. Starting May 1, students in grades Pre-Kindergarten to 12th are invited to design original bike lane art to celebrate bike month. Grand prize winners will have their designs installed on one of Portland’s many bike lanes and neighborhood greenways by PBOT striping crews.  

Over the past six years the program has brought colorful creativity to Portland’s bike lanes. From unicorns and goats to bicycle-riding strawberries and wizards, there is no limit to what Portland’s youth will create! 

“I am excited to see this partnership between Multnomah County Library and PBOT continue for a sixth year," said Transportation Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. "Through the library’s 19 branches we are able to connect with students from around the Portland area – encouraging all youth to ride and read and celebrate May as bike month.” 

“Bike to Books is a wonderful way for youth and families to connect with their local library and the outdoors,” said Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke. “This partnership with PBOT is a way for youth to discover new bike paths and potentially see their artistic contributions throughout our city. We are looking forward to the exploration and creativity of this year's designs.” 

“Our Maintenance and Operations essential workers help keep our city moving” said PBOT Director Chris Warner. “The Bike to Books program is just one of the ways our essential workers show their love for Portland bike riders and celebrate the creativity of Portland’s youth by installing their art in Portland’s bike lanes.” 

Bike to Books video screenshot

In this video, PBOT Maintenance Supervisor Kirstin Byer talks about how the Bike to Books drawings are installed on the road using thermoplastic and propane torches.

To participate, visit your local library and pick up a copy of the design sheet or visit PBOTs Bike to Books website for a downloadable copy of the design sheet. Once your design has been created you can drop it off at your local Multnomah County Library branch. To find your nearest branch and for information on hours visit multcolib.org or call 503-988-5123. 

You can also scan or take a picture of both sides of the form and email it to PBOT at [email protected]. We accept .jpgs, .pngs, and .pdfs. Please check your image so that it is clear and has a higher resolution if possible. Make sure to keep the original copy.  

Design sheets are available to pick up or download in EnglishSpanishVietnameseRussian and Chinese. 

Entries must be the original artwork of children in the following grade brackets: Pre-Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd through 6th grade, and 7th through 12th grade. Multiple entries are welcome. 

Bike to Books first began in 2017 by PBOT and Multnomah County Library to encourage kids to bike more, read books and, better yet, bike to their local library! Since then, 16 original art works have been installed in Portland bike lanes.  

1st place winners

Grand prize winning designs for the 2021 Bike to Books design contest