'Bicycle Man' gives away early presents in Fayetteville

Fayetteville, N.C. — In his 21st year as Fayetteville's "Bicycle Man," Moses Mathis gave away 1,102 bicycles to children in the area.

Mathis, 73, accepts donated bikes throughout the year and then restores them to give to children whose families cannot afford to buy a bicycle.

Daniel Steele, 11, said he was hoping to get a BMX bike.

"I'm looking to go off-road," Daniel said.

Na'Kaya Ray wanted to get a pink princess bike.

Mathis is operating out of his fourth location in the last five years. This year, he gave away bikes from his warehouse at 4428 Bragg Blvd. The area does not have a lot of parking nearby.

"I'm very, very tired, so I'm hoping I can get a permanent place where I can continue my work," Mathis said.

Mathis will be operating out of the Bragg Boulevard workshop until New Year's Day. He said the owner offered to lease the space to him all next year, but Mathis doesn't have enough money.

"I'm hoping somebody who has a good heart will give me a permanent place," he said.

Mathis set a record in 2009 when he gave away more than 1,200 bikes.

34 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 34 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments

I agree ncpilot2, if only our elected officials would take lessons from this beautiful, kind-hearted, humble soul! I love hearing about him every year and think his story should be at the top of the page. He has earned it! There aren't many that have that kind of dedication out there and I am proud that he still supports what the American dream truly is! Keep loving those bikes and children!! We love you "Bicycle Man"!!

Kelondris
December 23, 2011 9:26 a.m.

This is so great! Much better than giving to the Salvation Army. Please don't give your money to that organization or people that raise money/items for them.

RWS
December 23, 2011 8:44 a.m.

This is such a good man! I love stories like this.

Beth

Strawberry Letter 23
December 22, 2011 7:56 p.m.

Outstanding man working for God, If I offended you by the word GOD, o well, i do not care. Wish I could find a building for him to use, a permanent place.

eoglane
December 22, 2011 7:09 p.m.

The bicycleman link has a link for donations. I just donated and it takes less than a minute. While prayers for blessings are (I'm sure) appreciated. Let's all kick in and make it so this man can continue his good works with access to the warehouse/workshop space he needs.