Many of you know Streetsblog editorial board member Joe Linton from his writing on Streetsblog or BIKAS. Those of you that have been around the block also know him from his work over the years with the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, Cyclists Inciting Change through Live Exchange, CicLAvia, Livable Places or a host of advocacy groups concerning the L.A. River.

What fewer know is that Joe Linton is also a heck of an artist.  So much so, that he’s been tapped to judge an art contest that combines two of his favorite things: bikes and animals.

Today on BIKAS, Linton announces and promotes the Santa Monica Museum of Arts Tour da Arts 2012 Bike Critter contest.  If the term “bike critter” isn’t illustrative enough for you, you can see exactly what they’re talking about at the slideshow above of last year’s entries.

Read more about the Bike Critter contest here and check out the entire Bike Contest Guidelines here.  The Tour de Arts is August 19.