Bicycle man's dream lives on in Cumberland County
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A man well-known and beloved by many in Cumberland County and beyond may have passed away, but his legacy lives on through the work of his wife.
It's become a tradition in Fayetteville around this time of year -- children and their families lining up, waiting to get free bicycles.
"Oh, that's all they were talking about, going to get a bicycle and they had me up before daybreak this morning," admitted one mom, Doris Shaw.
It's made possible, in large part, by the generosity of those who donate the bikes at collection drives year-round, and the many volunteers who donate their time.
"The children out here, they're from Cumberland County schools and nearby county schools who are selected by social workers. And when the kids come out here and get their bicycles, they're so elated because sometimes the parents can't afford a bike," explained volunteer Howard Lattimore.
However, none of this would have even started had it not been for a man with a plan, one who simply became known as "The Bicycle Man." Sadly, Moses Mathis passed away last year.
However, despite his death, his wife, Ann, is making sure his vision lives on, much to the delight of countless kids and their parents.
"I'm happy because he's happy. He got himself a bike," exclaimed mom Chantel James.
In the end, making the holidays a little brighter again this year is something Ann believes Moses would have been proud of.
"Just to keep his dream alive and his legacy alive, it means a lot to me. Because if he was here, he would have been riding his scooter, probably hugging and talking to every little kid out there," Ann said. "I know he's looking down and smiling because I told him I would keep this going as long as I could."
For more information, go to http://thebicycleman.com/.
