10 Eco-Friendly DIY Projects for Your Bicycle

8. Bike frame lunch bag

Photo: Lenore M. Edman/EvilMadScientist.com

For years, veteran bike commuter Lenore M. Edman has been modifiying her mid-century Hawthorne ladies bicycle, affectionately named Stella. The Portland crafter’s unique DIY projects, which combine clever functionality and eclectic style, are chronicled at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories – a project blog provided by family-owned DIY and open-source hardware startup Evil Mad Science LLC.

This funky lunch bag project is a commuter’s dream: It provides an easy stowing space for your midday munchies while doubling as an eye-catching accessory. Give it a try on your own two-wheeled ride using Edman’s simple tutorial, and start exercising your inner “evil mad scientist.”

Check out more of Edman’s clever do-it-yourself bike projects (and peek a few photos of Stella) at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories.

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9. Rice bag pannier

Panniers are great alternatives to front or rear bike baskets. These sidecar-like carriers make it easy to transport everyday necessities, groceries and other items without the luxury of a trunk or backseat.

You can craft panniers out of pretty much anything, from 5-gallon buckets to reusable shopping bags. For a clever recycled twist, try making your pannier from an old rice sack using this step-by-step tutorial from Instructables.

For a heavy-duty storage solution, use this instructional video from youTube user xmo0n to create a pannier from recycled plastic buckets for $15 or less.

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10. Stylish skirt guard

Hey, bike-lovin’ gals! Make sure you never get those flowy skirts and dresses tangled in your bike spokes again by installing a simple skirt guard. The term “skirt guard” may sound fancy, but it’s basically just a piece of lightweight fabric that covers your rear wheel so your skirt doesn’t get stuck. These babies can be pricey at retail stores, but making one takes only a few dollars and a free afternoon.

Check out this simple how-to from Instructables or this step-by-step video tutorial from Howcast to craft a skirt guard of your very own. Note: You’ll need a bike with a fender for your skirt guard to work. If your bike doesn’t have a fender, check out online sharing communities like Bright Neighbor to see if a cyclist in your area would be interested in a trade.

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