The world’s largest bicyclist statue, known as “Ben Bikin’,” stands proudly in Sparta, Wisconsin, earning recognition as a world record‑holding roadside attraction. Towering 32 feet high, the fiberglass figure depicts a cyclist from the Victorian era atop a high‑wheel penny‑farthing bicycle — a striking symbol of the town’s deep connection to bicycling culture.
Constructed by F.A.S.T. (Fiberglass, Animals, Shapes & Trademarks) Corp. and installed in 1995, the giant statue welcomes visitors at the junction of Highways 16, 21, and 71 in downtown Sparta — self‑styled the “Bicycling Capital of America.” The sculpture celebrates the region’s extensive bike trail system, including the historic Elroy‑Sparta State Trail, one of the first rail‑to‑trail conversions in the United States.
“Ben Bikin’” has become not only a beloved local landmark but also a popular photo stop for cyclists, road‑trip travelers, and roadside enthusiasts journeying through the Wisconsin Northwoods. Its whimsical design and impressive scale encapsulate Sparta’s embrace of cycling heritage and community pride.
