“The Bikeman” Larry Pelkey celebrates 1800 bikes gifted and expansion to Wellsville

Need a bike for this summer? Find out where The Bikeman will be next!

By Andrew Harris

Since we began the work of the HornellSun.com we have had the pleasure of watching another local effort grow and provide for the community. In the beginning, Larry Pelkey was collecting broken bikes from around Hornell and Canisteo, fixing them up, and giving them away to a kid who needed a bike.

Those early efforts changed Larry’s life and in the process 1800 other lives.

After five years; thousands of friends, neighbors, and perfect strangers are now enjoying one of life’s great joys– bike riding. Kids have been the primary beneficiary of Larry’s mission, but more and more adults have stepped up and asked, “hey do have a bike for big kids?”

The Bikeman has made the mission of “butts on bikes” a part of the family with his daughter and grandchildren becoming part of the fun and generous spirit. Local police departments have taken the opportunity to follow up with the very important “helmets on heads.” With each bike provided, a free bike helmet goes with it !

Larry is thrilled with the growth and ready to hit the 2000 mark later this year.

“Since October 2nd 2021 have given away 1800 bikes! Just since Oct 2nd Have given away 270 bikes, Going to be a great year!“

The Bikeman has crossed the county line and formed a partnership with Ardent Solutions of Wellsville! Recently Larry, Wellsville Central School, and Ardent Solutions held a ” Spring Bike Give‑A‑Way”

By all accounts the event was a big Success! The folks from Ardent had this to say about the new initiative:

“A huge thank you to Larry the Bike Man and Wellsville Central School for partnering with us to make today’s Spring Bike Give‑A‑Way a success! Because of this incredible collaboration, 27 smiling children pedaled away with newly refurbished bikes.

Each child also received a helmet generously donated by Safe Kids Southern Tier, the Wellsville Police Department, or the Allegany County Traffic Safety Committee.”

Where to find Larry the Bikeman next: