Did you know that there's such a thing as a biker cross? You may not have ever heard of it. The biker cross is actually a form of the Iron Cross, although there are a number of different variations and versions. The Iron Cross is a four-pointed cross with arms that are equal size. The end of each arm is wider than the center point. It was originally designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel to reflect the cross worn by members of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th century.
So what does that have to do with bikers? The Iron Cross has been used to show rebellion against society, and that appealed to many of the bikers in the mid-1960s. While the image of bikers was slowly beginning to change in the 60s, many people still believed all bikers were bad boy outlaws. Some bikers decided to embrace that image and started using symbols like the Iron Cross to show their dissatisfaction with society. However, today the Biker Cross has come to stand less for rebellion and more for standing up for what you believe in. It also has connotations of honor, strength, loyalty, and valor.
Today, the Biker Cross comes in a number of different shapes and looks, and many have been customized for specific regions. U.S. bikers, for example, may add the stars and stripes of the American flag to the background, while those from the U.K. may display it with the Union Jack. You might also see some surfers and hot rodders wearing versions of the Iron Cross, too, that look similar to the Biker Cross. You'll find this popular logo on medallions, stickers, biker patches, gear, and much more.
