Apparently, a pilot on the way to the terminal at Memphis International Airport saw a bicycle with a “This Bike is a Pipebomb” sticker at the rack and reported it to the police, who in turn closed down the airport until a K-9 unit could sweep for explosives. Of course, none were found. Because the sticker is from a band named This Bike is a Pipebomb from Pensacola FL. I’ve seen them a few times in concert too.
If this story sounds familiar, that’s because it’s played out a few times already on some college campuses. The band has been around for over a decade, but since 2001 people take bomb threats a lot more seriously. For instance, when I was a messenger in DC in 1999, I delivered a letter to White House Staff at the East Wing with a “This Bike is a Pipebomb” sticker on my bike. Now, I bet messengers can’t get anywhere near the East Wing, sticker or no.
Not sure where my opinion falls on this issue. On one hand, it’s funny, but I’m sure it wasn’t funny to the people missed their flights because of it. Can’t blame the police, because it’s their job to investigate and maintain public safety.
For myself, I don’t have a sticker like that on my Sycip fixie, because it’s also my travel bike. The last thing I need is for the TSA to haul me off when I want to get on a plane for SxSW. Instead, I prefer to keep non-threatening stickers on my bike, like “KILL WHITEY”.
…We're riding townies, adventure, and mountain bikes. Find recommendations on our store page. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.