Category: Misc

Tags: walking machine, walking bicycle, Panterragaffe, spider bike, Theo Jansen, Vancouver, dodecacycle, walker, two person walker, two person walking bicycle, two

Panterragaffe went to play for the first time at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver on June 5, 2011. Thanks to Aahil for being the star of our film. Panterragaffe is a pedal powered two person walking machine; a walking bicycle. The name has a few elements to it. It's a play on pantograph, a mechanism for copying drawings, which is similar to the leg mechanism. Also; Pan - all or spanning. Terra - earth. Gaffe - an unintentional act causing embarrassment to it's originator or just goofy-ness. A bit of goofy-ness for everybody. Based on Theo Jansen's mechanism, Panterragaffe was conceived from the beginning as a public exhibition piece. It's purpose had shock value and public participation in mind from the start. After building a seven inch prototype, it was clear that a mobile entertainment platform was possible. It was only a small step after that to decide to add a power source, music and lighting to suit different events. The rough frame allows us to add character coverings, Panterragaffe can dress up differently ever time it goes out.

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