Moses Mathis transformed the simple act of repairing a bike into a beacon of hope for children in need. His journey began decades ago when a young neighbor boy approached him with a “raggedy” bicycle in need of repair. This moment ignited a passion that would eventually lead to the birth of a remarkable charity known as “The Bicycle Man.”
By 1990, Mathis had established himself as a dedicated community figure, gathering bicycles to fix and give away from his garage. The sheer scale of his efforts is noteworthy. Mathis’s charity now delivers thousands of bikes each year, providing children with joy, mobility, and a source of independence they might not otherwise experience. Such acts of kindness are deeply rooted in Mathis’s own childhood, as he grew up the son of sharecroppers in the 1940s. His brother’s gift of a shiny red bicycle left a lasting memory, which Mathis would carry forward. “At his father’s direction, he shared with all the kids who lived near him,” The Fayetteville Observer reported, showcasing the values of generosity instilled in him at an early age.
This principle of sharing came full circle when he helped that young boy repair his bike many years later. Mathis understood, perhaps better than most, the profound impact a bicycle could have on a child’s life. The contributions that followed his simple act of kindness grew exponentially. Within two decades, his small garage operation blossomed into an annual charity that involved local teenagers in bike repairs, providing them with jobs and guidance while they kept busy.
Mathis’s incredible work didn’t go unnoticed. When tragedy struck one Christmas as 75 bicycles were stolen shortly before the holiday, the community rallied around him. The story garnered national attention, culminating in donations that ensured more than 2,000 children received bicycles that year. One man reflected, “There are people that are 30 or 35 years old all the way down to 5 or 6 who received bicycles from Moses.” This sentiment captures the legacy of positivity Mathis fostered in countless children, likely steering many toward a brighter outlook on life.
Even after his passing, the charity continued to thrive. His wife, Ann, took up the mantle, earning the title of “The Bicycle Lady” and continuing the work for another decade. Today, under the leadership of Bernie Bogertey-Harvey, a member of the Bicycle Man Foundation Board of Directors, the program remains active. Bogertey-Harvey, whose son was among the first to benefit from Mathis’s generosity, emphasized the vision of the charity: “If a child didn’t get anything for Christmas, at least they got a bicycle.” This year alone, the program reached out to approximately 2,500 children.
Moses Mathis’s life serves as a testament to the power of compassion and community spirit. His legacy, now carried on through the Bicycle Man Foundation, continues to brighten the lives of children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joy that comes with the gift of a bike. In doing so, Mathis not only provided bicycles but also instilled hope and a sense of belonging in the hearts of many.
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