10 Philly Indego Bikes Get the Mural Arts Treatment

Steve Weinik for Mural Arts Program

Ten of Philadelphia’s Indego bikes are sporting more than just the classic blue thanks to a new local arts initiative. The Mural Arts Program teamed with the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities and the Better Bike Share Partnership to give a handful of Indego bikes a unique flair.

The decked-out bikes are a product of a six-week-long after-school program. 20 students from Laura W. Waring Elementary School got together every day after regular academic hours to create the artwork that is framed on 10 bikes throughout the city. The students were led by teaching artist Sarah Folger and lead artist Candy Coated, who is known for her ‘Magic Carpet’ mural on the Eakins Oval. The themes of “sharing” and “bikes” were decided upon to inspire the children’s artwork, so each piece artistically conveys real-life experiences of both riding and sharing bikes.

With the help of graphic designer and Mural Arts educator Zeke Zenei, the students’ final products were turned into wraps and covers. The Waring Elementary students also put their mark on donated Indego helmets by creating stickers of their artwork.

If you happen to spot one of these colorfully wrapped Indego bikes on your daily stroll, be sure to snap a photo and upload it your Twitter or Instagram while using the hashtag #ridingmurals. Those who play will have the chance to win something cool each week from now until August 10th. Prizes include restaurant and hotel deals, free Indego trips and Indego swag.