Biker Cross

The Biker Cross (German: "Motorradfahrer Kreuz") is a derivative of the Iron Cross. Since it first appeared, there have been many variations of the biker cross.

Bikers started to display the Iron Cross in the mid-1960s with the advent of outlaw biker gangs. Originally bikers displayed the Iron Cross as a symbol of rebellion to society in general. Nowadays it also has additional meaning of honor, valor, strength and standing up for what you believe. Hot rodders and others use it as a provocative gesture to offend the public, or as a symbol of rebellion or non-conformity. In the 1960s, the Iron Cross was adopted by American surfers, who started wearing medals plundered by their fathers. Cal Look, Volksrod and other Volkswagen enthusiasts often use the Iron Cross as a symbol that reflects the car's country of origin. Schneider Cams, a speed equipment manufacturer, started using an Iron Cross as their logo in the early '60s. Ed Roth created accessories for surfers, hot rodders and bikers derived from German World War II trophies, which included the Surfer's cross and the Stahlhelm (also popular with the VW scene).

Modern biker crosses can vary in shape and internal designs since often they are personalized to reflect personal beliefs, life styles and/or organizations. For example, a biker that rides British motorcycles may display a cross with a Union Jack overlay known as a British Biker Cross. A biker that is also a Christian and is proud to display his or her Christian beliefs may choose to display a Christian Biker Cross that is a combination of the Maltese Cross and Iron Cross that has the lower tang stretched out to represent a Crucifix. A patriotic American Biker may choose to display a cross with the American Flag stars and stripes on it such as the American Old Glory Cross.

See also

• Hot rod
• Cross pattée
• Kustom Kulture
• Lead sled

References

• Rat Fink: The Art Of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, Douglas Nason and Greg Escalante, Last Gasp Publishing also Time Magazine, April 22, 1966