David Haines
Sean "Deadbuny" Burget, founding member of the Dropout Bike Club, riding in Portland's annual Cirque du Cycling Art Bike Parade, June 12 2010.
By Bryna Hallam
Call it an art show on wheels. Bike art parades are popping up all over the United States and Canada, giving cyclists a chance to showcase their rolling artworks.
“There are so many creative bikes and creative bikers,” said Ayleen Crotter of Good Sport Promotion, which helps run Portland’s Cirque du Cycling. “I think it really showcases the creativity and artistic side of our bike culture.”
Kathryn Doherty-Chapman, who works with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation in Philadelphia and helps organize the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby, agreed: “It’s about making bikes fun and prominent in people’s minds.”
The events draw cyclists and non-cyclists alike, and help make bikes more visible in the community, Doherty-Chapman said.
Family-friendly parades allow kids to decorate their bikes too. “I think it makes it really fun for the kids,” Crotter said. “Showing off their bikes is something they love to do.”
She said the parades, with their focus on fun, can also help encourage people to ride. “If the only thing people see are serious Lycra-clad racers,” she said, “it just doesn’t make it seem like as much of an approachable activity.”
