Bicycles are among the best ways to see the City, save energy, stay fit and to avoid gridlock and the subways. But bike racks, even the new design-y ones, are never in the right place, are always too big or too small, and look like hell. They need to be everywhere, and to be invisible non-obstructions.

Just like the handles on boat hatches, bike loops should fold flat when not in use and flip up only when needed. Like the tie-downs in the back of new cars, they can be handy for all sorts of things: keeping trash cans in place, securing pedestrians during hurricane season, leashing dogs close to the front doors of stores and securing street fair tents.