A teenage cyclist in a banana costume has become an unlikely superhero in Linton, Indiana, bringing smiles to residents and uniting the town around his mysterious alter ego.
Known as Banana Man, the boy began appearing around Linton several months ago. Videos shared on social media showed him riding his bike through the town in a bright yellow costume.
Residents described sightings of a figure passing by “like a yellow streak”, while another recalled seeing “little bitty legs and tights on”. Banana Man’s refusal to speak in public only added to the intrigue.
His story emerged during an interview in which his voice was disguised to protect his identity. He said his mother had bought the costume from a Goodwill shop, and that he first wore it while cycling as a joke.
“And I saw that it made a lot of people smile, and I like making people smile,” he said.
Banana Man said he had dreamed of becoming a superhero when he was younger, although he had not expected his alter ego to be a banana.
The character has since been embraced across Linton. Residents have dressed as Banana Man for Halloween, a local girls’ cross-country team held a run in his honour and people have begun wearing Banana Man T-shirts.
Residents now honk, wave and shout when they see him. In return, Banana Man hands out signed cards, which have become collector’s items in the town.
What began as a joke has developed into a local tradition that residents say has brought the community together. “Yeah, feels good. I feel proud,” Banana Man said. “And I’m just going to keep doing the same thing that I’ve been doing.”
