Weird Bike Wedneday - Strandbeest Bicycle

The front wheel rolls while the back walks (photo courtesy of Digital Trends)

This week's weird bike is the strandbeest bicycle. If you're like me, you're asking "What's a strandbeest"? The word is Dutch for "beach animal," and was coined by Dutch artist Theo Jansen to describe his artistic creations. His works are kinetic sculptures that appear to walk, driven by wind on beaches. Check out this video to see one in motion.



Inspired by Jansen's work, The folks at CARV (California Art & Engineering Collective) began work on a strandbeest bicycle. After 700 man-hours of work over seven months, they took their new bike and participated in the Santa Barbara Solstice Parade. If you're wondering how it rides, here's what one of the bike's creators, Jon Paul Berti says:

• A flat surface is required
• Speed is about the pace of a brisk walk
• It doesn't turn well 

Here's a two and a half minute video that shows the bike in action (They only show it traveling in a straight line):