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Two-Wheeling Design Ideas for Bike-to-Work Week
Salute Eco-Friendly Commuting With Some Bicycle Power for Your Home
The first stab at bicycle design took place in 1817 by the inventive German Baron, Karl von Drais. Called a "walking machine," this two-wheeled wooden contraption was meant to help him get around the royal gardens faster. Like modern bikes, it had two wheels, but no pedals — so his feet still had to touch the ground. The "walking machine" has come a long way since that somewhat primitive attempt almost 200 years ago.
Recently, the bicycle has seen an amazing resurgence in popularity. City hipsters, Wall Street businessmen, and suburban soccer moms alike are all putting gas money back in their pockets and investing in human-powered transportation. In the United States, the League of American Bicyclists sponsors an annual national effort to encourage people to commute in an eco-friendly manner and bike or walk to work. National Bike to Work Week — which has been in place since 1956 — will take place May 16-20, 2011. Bike to Work Day, is Friday, May 20.
These designs have commemorated the classic two-wheeled frame in a slew of creative ways — from storage solutions, to upcycled gears and chains, to clever wall art.
Recently, the bicycle has seen an amazing resurgence in popularity. City hipsters, Wall Street businessmen, and suburban soccer moms alike are all putting gas money back in their pockets and investing in human-powered transportation. In the United States, the League of American Bicyclists sponsors an annual national effort to encourage people to commute in an eco-friendly manner and bike or walk to work. National Bike to Work Week — which has been in place since 1956 — will take place May 16-20, 2011. Bike to Work Day, is Friday, May 20.
These designs have commemorated the classic two-wheeled frame in a slew of creative ways — from storage solutions, to upcycled gears and chains, to clever wall art.
This is a great storage solution for bike-riding city dwellers. If (like me) you have a small space, you want to preserve every square inch you can. Hanging the bike on industrial hooks is not only practical, but if your bike is as pretty as this one, it becomes a piece of art.
Another easy way to get your bikes out of the way is to use up the space under a flight of stairs. This is an area that often gets forgotten about. This prevents it from becoming a waste of space.
This bike is such a darling shade of kelly green, it stands alone as a bit of backyard decoration (particularly against this brilliant red chicken coop). Just don't forget to take it inside when it rains!
For me, the best type of decor is functional and aesthetically pleasing. This adorable children's room does a great job of using these perfectly boyish bikes as decor, while also safely and subtly storing them out of the way while they're unused.
Bicycle prints have been making their way through various forms of interior design — and it's easy to see why. There's something classic and slightly retro about the shape of a bike. It's perfect here in a dramatic and well designed wall decal.
Blown up to an over-the-top proportion, this mural of a bicycle is more than enough decoration for this room. How fun would this be as the background for a boy's room?
Here's hoping that National Bike to Work Week will help bring the European biking culture to life in the United States! This mural immediately whisks you away to the South of France.
Have an old children's bike on hand? Spray painting it in a bright, eclectic color makes it a perfectly quirky garden accessory. It's great how it ends up looking classic against this brick porch and white railing.
Next: Six bicycle home decor products
Next: Six bicycle home decor products
Bike Chain Bowl
Even though it doesn't have the same rough-and-tough vibe as the motorcycle, the bicycle has a decent amount of street cred. Example A: this bike chain bowl. It's rugged, hard-as-nails, and best of all — recycled!
Bicycle Coir Mat
The print on this doormat has a retro, almost European feel to it. I could see it being a great fit on a cottage doorstep.
Modulus Side Table
It's pretty amazing what designers can do with a few discarded bike parts. The Modulus Side Table by Andy Gregg is playfully formed from recycled and re-modeled bike wheels. It has a great modern look, but is playful enough to reside in any young bike lover's bedroom.
Recycled Pendulum Wall Clock
Cleverly titled "A Race Against Time," this creative wall clock is another example of the ingenuity that bicycle parts inspire. The clock is handmade in Oregon by designer Graham Bergh, who loves using old bike parts to create quirky home accessories.
Bike Gear Lamp Base
This bike-gear lamp base from Pottery Barn Teen is a mix of vintage and modern style. Crafted with a recycled bike gear, it's a good choice for bike lovers and industrial-design fiends.
Early Rider Lite
Help them take the training wheels off early by using this adorable, high-quality children's bike. Handmade from birch marine ply, with pneumatic tires, branded flames, and a faux leather seat, there's a chance you'll enjoy this bike more than your little one.
Tell us: What are your favorite bicycle designs? How do you store your bikes in your home?
More ideas:
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Collections: Create Art With the Things You Love
Tell us: What are your favorite bicycle designs? How do you store your bikes in your home?
More ideas:
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Collections: Create Art With the Things You Love