Ann Mathis, Heart of Bicycle Man Foundation, Passes Away

Fayetteville, NC – Ann Mathis, a beloved community leader, and the recent driving force behind the Bicycle Man Community Outreach Project, passed away yesterday, leaving a legacy of generosity and service.

Ann Mathis’s journey with the foundation began in 1990 when her husband, Moses, affectionately known as “The Bicycle Man,” started collecting and repairing bicycles from the community. His mission was simple but profound: to ensure every child had a bicycle for Christmas, particularly those whose families couldn’t afford them. The initiative started in the Tiffany Pines neighborhood, where Moses quickly became a fixture. He involved local teens in volunteer work, teaching them about the importance of helping others and instilling a sense of community service.

Moses Mathis’s efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2006, he was honored by President George W. Bush with the President’s Call to Service Award, a testament to his significant impact on the community.

When Moses passed away in 2013, Ann stepped in to continue his legacy. Under her leadership, the Bicycle Man Community Outreach Project flourished. Ann, known fondly as “The Bicycle Woman,” ensured that the foundation continued its tradition of giving away free bicycles near Christmas. She expanded the foundation’s reach, bringing in support from businesses, civic groups, and individual donors, resulting in hundreds of new bikes being distributed each year.

Ann Mathis retired in 2022, passing the baton to a long-standing board member, Bernie Bogertey-Harvey. Her retirement marked the end of an era but also the continuation of a tradition that has touched the lives of thousands of children in Cumberland and surrounding counties.

The Bicycle Man Foundation, since its inception, has served countless families, providing joy and mobility to children through the gift of bicycles. Ann’s dedication ensured that her husband’s vision not only survived but thrived, impacting generations and fostering a community spirit of giving and support.

Ann’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the Bicycle Man Foundation. The community will remember her for her unwavering commitment to service and her role in transforming a simple act of kindness into a cherished tradition.

— Kres Thomas, FayToday News