Oakland is the birthplace of the Scraper Bike, a phenomenon that blew up a few years ago with kids using their bikes as canvases for expression. They were aping the tradition of customized cars, or “scrapers” that have flossed out rims, colorful paint jobs. Tyrone Stevenson, aka Baby Champ, couldn’t afford his own car so he took to his bike’s frame. Now, its a bona fide internet craze. The idea didn’t catch on until he made a song about Scraper Bikes and added it to Youtube and now it’s a craze that’s spread from Oakland to Oregon and as far as Australia and Jamaica.

The kids use everything from Skittles packages and mylar tape to trick out their spokes, and the stance is decidedly “I got my bike, I don’t need no car!” They ride in a single-file line when riding, and after 10 rides Champ and his crew will decide if your bike is up to standards. After your evaluation they will determine you a member (or not) and honor you with an Original Scraper Bike Team Shirt. You should be so blessed. (Thanks to @raymondroker for the tip.)

For more Scraper Bike videos, link here.