The bicycles of Knightstown, on the National Road in Indiana

Knightstown, pop. 2,182, isn’t what you’d call a big town. But it’s the biggest one Henry County has to offer along the National Road, which cuts across the very bottom of the county. It’s a typical Indiana small town, with most buildings fronting the main drag built within 20 years either way of 1900. What makes Knightstown stand out to the person just passing through is the bicycles.

The bicycle planters of Knightstown

Chained to every pillar and post, a basket or tub or pot sits on each one, filled with flowers. Mums, actually, given that it was autumn when I passed through.

The bicycle planters of Knightstown

Each is painted a bright color — not just the body, but the tires, the chains, the gears, the seat, everything.

Bicycle planter

But it’s a clever idea that makes Knightstown stand out.

The bicycle planters of Knightstown

I’ve driven the National Road from its beginning in Baltimore, MD to its end in Vandaila, IL. To read everything I’ve ever written about it, click here.

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Comments

8 responses to “The bicycles of Knightstown, on the National Road in Indiana”

  1. Christopher Smith Avatar
    Christopher Smith

    A novel way of re-cycling, cool photos Jim.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thanks Christopher!

  2. Sam Avatar

    I’ve never seen these before, interesting town, great shots!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      There’s lots to see on the old National Road!

  3. Rhianne (@forthedistractd) Avatar

    Love them! We had the Tour de France in Yorkshire last year and there were yellow painted bikes everywhere and it really made an interesting and colourful feature. I still see some now and always try to get photos.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      I’ve heard about the yellow bikes. Someone I follow — was it you? — posted pics of them.

  4. davidvanilla Avatar

    I am not fond of monochrome bicycle decor no matter how colorful the machine. Good pictures, though.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Then don’t look next time you drive through Knightstown!!

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