Today is the first time I’ve heard of them, and I gotta say, they’re pretty cool! According to Miranda Trimmier over at Utne Reader, ” Scraper bikes began as low-budget analogs to the colorful, big-rimmed cars-also called scrapers-often seen cruising around east Oakland. Tricked-out scavenged frames with foil, colored tape, and candy wrappers, the bikes are a resourceful homage. Until recently they were a purely local phenomenon. But after a cameo in a YouTube rap video, prominent placement in the first-ever solar-powered hip-hop festival, and support from Bay Area businesses and museums, the bikes are garnering worldwide attention. Many people see potential in the maturing scraper bike movement; they hope the enterprising youth behind it can be a positive force for change in Oakland.” Watch this video and you’ll probably want to make one of your own!

full article

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