Larry Pelkey has given away 2001 bikes since his mission began in 2022
By Andrew Harris, pictured is Larry with the Fox family
Across America, the sight of kids riding bikes around town, back and forth to practice, and over to a friends house has become increasingly rare. Between our technology, a pandemic, and a change in parenting from “free-range” to “helicopter,” bikes have become less of necessity and more of a luxury. Larry Pelkey took note and realized that even if a kid wanted a bike, the price of new bike was now at luxury levels and good luck finding a reliable used bike.
For Pelkey the answer was simple: More kids would be riding bikes if they had a reliable and affordable option. Heck why not reliable and FREE ? Larry grabbed a few bikes that were collecting rust, put them on a repair rack, and used his natural talents to restore the bikes back to solid working order. He found a few kids who didn’t have a bike, but would like to be more mobile, and then gifted them a bike.
“The Bikeman” was born. Read Steve Harrison’s introduction from 2022:
Since then, Pelkey’s gifting has become a well-known mission, a labor of love that changed thousands of lives, probably his the most. Just search our site for “Larry Pelkey” and you will find a solid timeline of the mission which now has many partners including the Hornell Police Department who provide a new helmet with every bike.
Yesterday, at the community event “Thursdays on the Square,” Pelkey reached a milestone that he’s been riding toward: 2000 bikes given to kids and even some adults. The number is huge, but the impact is hard to wrap your head around. Consider what a bike means: Mobility, independence, fresh air, exercise, adventure, memories, even employment. Don’t forget the joy.
Bikes 1999 and 2000 went to the Fox twins, Natalie and Navaeh, both able to claim the honor and doubling the fun for Larry.
“They were very polite and thanked me twice! In fact the family also donated four bikes to be refurbished and given back to the community,” Larry beamed.
The twins dad, Alex Fox was “very grateful that we could be part of it and help others in need.”
The mission to put kids on wheels rolls on. Larry has expanded his efforts into neighboring communities, partnered with regional non-profits, and has no plans to slow down. In fact he has established his own non profit, “Larry’s Bike of Hornell, Inc” and you can Venmo anytime, larrysbikes.
Bikes can be dropped at 18 State St Hornell NY, call Larry if you need arrangements 607-968-1284.
