Alex Benigno, also known as the “Atlanta Magnet Man,” has taken it upon himself to help clean up the streets of Atlanta by using his bike and heavy-duty magnets to pick up screws and other metal bits that are causing flat tires. Tired of constantly dealing with flat tires, Benigno started this unique rescue mission about a year ago and has since spent $1,000 on magnets to attach to a bike trailer. In addition to the magnets, he also uses a broom to help collect street debris.
After coming across a large bag of screws in a parking lot that no one else was bothering to clean up, Benigno decided to take matters into his own hands. He created an Instagram page to document his journey and showcase the piles of sharp metal bits he has collected. With a growing fan base, followers have even started pointing out areas in Atlanta that need his assistance. Benigno is dedicated to riding all over the city to pick up nails and screws wherever he finds them.
Through his efforts, Benigno has already collected about 410 pounds of junk from the streets of Atlanta, including a bullet and a construction crane. He recently donated the collected metal bits to a local scrap metal artist. Despite his success in removing metal debris from the streets, Benigno is now looking to purchase a prototype bike lane sweeper that can pick up other types of debris, such as glass and gravel, that are not magnetic and could also cause flat tires.
Benigno’s goal is to alleviate the frustration that many cyclists experience when they find nails or screws in their tires. He understands that this problem is not unique to Atlanta and is aware that it is a widespread issue that affects cyclists everywhere. By dedicating himself to this cause, Benigno hopes to make the streets safer for everyone and prevent unnecessary flat tires. He believes that with all the other challenges people face in their daily lives, dealing with flat tires should not be something that adds to the list of problems that people have to deal with. Through his actions and dedication, Benigno is making a positive impact on the community and showing that a simple solution can make a big difference.
