CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Curry Honda of Chicopee is hosting a bike donation drive aimed at benefitting Pedal Thru Youth, the charity helmed by Bob the ‘Bike-Man’ Charland.

The second annual drive, “Clean out Your Garage” was held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect unused bikes in the hopes of giving them to a child in need of one. All of the bike donations will go right to Pedal Thru Youth who will then give them to kids and families in need in our community. And, on Saturday plenty of donators were eager to give their bikes a second life.

Many came out on this rainy morning to clean out their garages for a great cause! These generous people endured the wet weather to offer their new or gently used bikes and helmets in the hopes of helping someone in need.

“I had a bike for my daughter that’s been sitting around for a while, not getting any use so I figured I’d donate it to a good cause for a child in need that could use a bike instead of just sitting in my garage,” expressed Chicopee resident Eric Schlaferman.

Bob the ‘Bike-Man’ works around the clock fixing bikes for his program Pedal Thru Youth. These bike conations help provide an active and healthy lifestyle for kids, teens, and adults, and also
those in need.

Rich Conrad, the General Manager of Curry Honda spoke high praise for the ‘Bike-Man’, “The lives that he touches and the kids that he helps out through this is wonderful. You couldn’t ask for more.”

Bob Charland who suffers from a neurodegenerative brain disease, is making every day count by helping his community. And his efforts certainly don’t go unnoticed.

“He donates them to kids that needs them, adults that need them, anyone that is in need. He does a great job, fixes them up, makes them safe, and gives them out to the people in the community,” expressed Cassie Doty, the Sales Manager at Curry Honda.

They accept bikes of all sizes but they are hoping to collect more trikes which allow children or adults with limited mobility to experience the joy and freedom of bike riding, while providing a safe way to exercise, and increase muscle strength and tone.

Fat Cat City had a food truck available at the event that offered their signature burgers, mac & cheese bowls, hot dogs, and more.

Curry Honda is located at 767 Memorial Drive in Chicopee. For those unable to stop by Curry Honda there will be a larger drive this June.