There’s an empty pedestal in Lincoln Park.

It’s been empty since 1982, when the statue of Giuseppi Garibaldi that stood there was moved to Garibaldi Park.

A pedestal without a statue is like a frame without a painting. Over the years, I’ve fully expected Richard the 2nd to place a statue of Richard the 1st on that pedestal, perhaps in the middle of the night without a public hearing – paid for with TIF funds.

Although both mayors have been bike-friendly, I’d rather see something more original on this pedestal because it’s large and prominent. How about Major Taylor (see book review on p. 27), a world champion bicyclist and an inspirational trailblazer with strong ties to Chicago, where he raced, lived and died? How about General Wheeler, hero of many street scrimmages that have helped to assert our right to the road?

Or, how about a rider holding up a bicycle in salute? This idea was inspired by an impressive work of art just completed by Dubi Kaufmann, a consultant and computer programmer who recently took 1,024 photos of Chicagoans holding a bicycle over their head. Individually, the images make up a great collection of local cyclists. Collectively, Kaufmann has arranged them to make up the inspirational mosaic of a single bike salute. A 3D version of this artwork would make a great monument to Chicago bicyclists and encourage others to ride!

Who or what do you think should be put on this bare pedestal? Send your ideas to me at chicago@momentumplanet.com

bikesalute.com