Riding Forward in Bobby's Memory
About Bobby's Bikes
Bobby's Bikes was created from love and loss. We honor Bobby's memory by giving children something that meant so much to him: the freedom, independence, and happiness of having a bicycle of their own.
Photo of Bobby
In Bobby's memory
Bobby McCoskey was the brother of our founder, Debra. He was intellectually disabled, and he kept a childlike sense of wonder all his life. He passed away at 55. He was thoughtful, generous, and always seemed to know what the people around him needed.
When Debra graduated, Bobby quietly slipped her five dollars and said, “Congratulations, don't tell Mom.”
Bobby died from COVID-19 in 2020. That summer, while the family was grieving, Debra's husband suggested creating something that would carry Bobby's legacy forward. Bobby's Bikes was born.
Why bicycles
Bobby could not drive. His bicycle let him get around his neighborhood on his own: to the mall, to Taco Bell, on errands, and to his Boy Scouts meetings. For Bobby, a bicycle meant freedom and a place in everyday life.
We want children to have that same freedom and joy.
Our first distribution
Our first informal distribution was at Christmas in 2020, for children in a family connected to Debra's youngest son. One of the children was only a year old, so Debra's mother suggested a wagon for the youngest while the older children received bicycles.
That is still our principle: no one gets left behind.
What we do
We work through established organizations that already support children, including children in foster care, children who have lost a parent, and children from disadvantaged circumstances. A child must be enrolled with a partner organization to be eligible.
Each child receives a brand-new bicycle, helmet, and lock. A child can receive a new bike about once every two years, usually when they outgrow the last one.
We currently serve children in Florida and Southern Indiana.
A bike is only part of it. Our distributions are community events where children and their families dance, share meals, and celebrate together.
