Owners of the 28,000-square-foot space on Hanover Street are hosting a contest this month to let riders decide what some of the bike racks near the marketplace will look like, adding an artistic element to the new development.

Those who visit the Boston Public Market will have their pick of fresh produce and homegrown foods. But even before the much-anticipated Haymarket site opens, organizers are asking cyclists to choose whether to lock their bikes to giant metal carrots, pears, or even a lobster.

In keeping with the Boston Public Market’s interior offerings, which will feature an array of beers, breads, fruits, meats, and vegetables from local vendors, contest participants can vote for their two favorite food-themed racks to be installed outside of the shopping center.


Designs range from half a tomato to a lobster with claws reaching for the sky.

The market partnered with teenagers working with Artists for Humanity to design the nine bike rack themes. The winning designs will be installed on two corners near the market’s entrance with the help of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Boston Bikes.

Voting ends on Wednesday. Poll results will be posted to the marketplace’s blog shortly after the contest ends. Traditional bike racks will also be available on the plaza outside the market, according to a press release.

“It’s gratifying to know that customers who choose to cycle to the Boston Public Market will have plenty of conveniently located racks where they can secure their bikes while they shop,” Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Gina Fiandaca said in a statement.

The farmers’ market will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., beginning July 30. Vendors at the space will range from Somerville-based Union Square Donuts to Red’s Best, a seafood distributor, and Wolf Meadow Farm.


Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.