Our 30 Favourite Creative Bike Decorations

Decorating your bike is an opportunity to have fun and show off your personality to the world. So, we thought we'd give you some prompts before you get accessorising!

You can buy some of these decorations, make some with ease, and some will be longer-term projects. We've included a range. So, no matter your DIY levels, you'll be able to find something to inspire your bike alterations.

After rummaging through the depths of the internet, we have whittled it down to our 30 favourite decorations to make your bike - or your kids' bike - stand out in a crowd!

1. Colour Chip Wheels

If you're short on time or lack artistic ability, this is a great way to add some colour to your bicycle.

Just slide some colour chips (the small colour charts for paints) between the spokes and layer until they cover the inner wheel.

If you arrange them in colour order, they will create a swirling blur of the rainbow as you cycle. It's sure to catch the eyes of every passer-by.

 

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2. The Furry Disguise 

Looking for a way to hide the battery of your electric bike? Or have you just watched too much Tiger King in lockdown?

Dress up your bicycle with a stuffed animal for a highly original look. To make it simple to wash, strap it up with Velcro so you can take it on and off with ease. You'll have a roaring time!

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3. Crochet Skirt Guard

A skirt guards original purpose is to prevent your skirt, floaty trousers or long coat from getting trapped in the wheel of your bicycle.

But, it doesn't have to simply be practical! Crochet patterns into your skirt guard to add some life to your bike. You can either buy one pre-made or channel your inner Tom Daley at the Olympics.

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4. Handlebar Tassels

An oldie but a goodie. Fun for passers-by, fun for parents to watch, and certainly fun for the cyclist. Watching them blow in the wind is one of life's simplest pleasures.

You can match your handlebar tassels to your bike to create a cohesive and stylish look. Or, contrast them to add another pop of colour.

 

 (Handlebar Tassels)

5. Cute Shapes In Spokes

Have fun cutting out hearts, flowers, stars, and any other shapes that you fancy. Use coloured card or felt. Or, if you're feeling especially creative, doodle on and colour in your shapes.

Customisable and low cost - this is a great way to jazz up your wheels!

 

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6. Grow Flowers in a Basket

Have you ever wanted a portable garden? Well, you can look no further than your bike basket. So long as it has a plant pot of equivalent within, you can take your flowers on the road.

What's more joyful than having a bunch of flowers in your basket? Surely only having flowers that are still growing!

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7. Horsing Around

This arts and crafts project may take some time, but we promise it's worth it.

Use cardboard, paints, and pens to create your horse head. Then, attach it to the bike frame, and voila! You've transformed your whole riding experience.

It's a bicycle accessory you'll never forget seeing and certainly never forget riding!

 

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8. Spare Piece of Fabric Frame

If you've got old sheets, clothes, or fabric scraps that you don't know what to use for - try wrapping them around your bike.

You can give your bicycle a colour scheme or use all the colours of the rainbow to give the bike frame a new lease of life.

 

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9. Balloon Arch

A simple but effective DIY. Blow up multicoloured balloons and attach them to a pool noodle, shaping them into an arch.

This is intended for a parade or stationary bike rather than practical cycling, as it partially blocks the cyclist's vision. But, a fun art piece nonetheless.

 

(Image Credit)

 

10. Spray Paint

Transform your old bike into any colour (or colours) you want! This is a great way to make your old bike feel brand new by completely altering it until it's unrecognisable.

You could even spray paint your bike helmet to match! 

And, how often do you get to feel like Banksy?

 

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11. Pipe Cleaner Spokes

A cool bike alteration where the components are probably already in your arts and crafts box.

Wrap coloured pipe cleaners around the spokes of your road bike to transform your wheels!

 

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12. Polka Dots 

Simple, yet classic. The polka dot is hard to get wrong, and when you get it right, it oozes glamour. 

Cover your frame head to toe in spots to make your bike riding effortlessly classy.

 

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13. Pinwheel

 Pinwheels are another bicycle craft that you can either make or buy.

Fix to the front or rear of your bike, then watch it spin as you cycle away. You'll never want to stop!

14. Stars and Cans

Crush down leftover fizzy pop cans and cut pieces of card into star shapes.

Then create tiny holes in your stars and thread string through. You've got super cute decorations to trail behind you!

They'll make noises as the metal cans bounce while you cycle, adding to the fun.

 

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15. Little Tassels 

Tiny tassels are a fun way to add colour and personalisation to your bike in a more understated way.

Wrap the tassels around your basket to liven it up, or alternatively, you could use a pom pom garland for a similarly playful effect.

 

 (Gingersnap Bike)

16. Home-made Licence Plate

Making a licence plate is an easily accessible arts and crafts project. It involves nothing more than some card, coloured pens, and zip ties. 

Write your kid's name and lucky numbers to make it extra personal. They'll love the feeling of being real motorists with their new cool bike accessory. Plus, it's a great way to introduce them to the rules of the road.