"Empathy allows us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and feel their emotions, which can trigger a desire to help.”
“Cycling promotes life skills, reduces screen time, increases independence, longevity, family fun, a new hobby, new adventures, and road safety awareness.”
OUR MISSION
“We empower at-risk children and teens by providing bicycles and life skills training, helping them grow into healthy, confident contributors to our global community.”
OUR HISTORY
Mr. Moses Mathis, "the bicycle man", began the program out of his garage because he felt every child should have a bike for Christmas. In 2013, when he passed, the Agency was providing 2 students per school with a recycled desktop computer and a few hundred children with gently used and new bicycles.
COMMUNITY IMPACT OVER THE YEARS
When Moses passed, his wife Ms. Ann, "the Bike Lady", took over the program. It continued to grow and we were able to give away over two thousand bikes annually. In 2022, Mrs. Ann retired for health reasons. Now the program is on track to continue the Legacy.
Mrs. Bernadette Bogertey-Harvey ("Ms. Bernie, The Bike Madea"), a retired Air Force nurse, educator, and Methodist University graduate, took over the program in 2023. Having received support from Bicycle Man in 1987, she brings personal experience, 20+ years of board service, and a background as a school social worker to her mission of empowering youth.
THE BICYCLE GIVEAWAY PROGRAM
For over 33 years, the Bicycle Giveaway Program has provided more than 60,000 bicycles to children in need. The program accepts donations of new and used bikes, parts, helmets, and monetary gifts. Volunteers repair and prepare the bikes for families facing hardship, with recipients vetted through area schools, day care centers, head start programs. nonprofits, and community partners.