Chicopee gathers to celebrate ‘Bob the Bike Guy’ Day

Date: 10/7/2021

CHICOPEE – Founder and Director of the local nonprofit Pedal Thru Youth, Robert Charland, who is better known as “Bob the Bike Guy,” was honored with a day of recognition during a proclamation ceremony at the Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee on Sept 28.

The event gathered members of the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Valley Opportunity Council, Roca Springfield and the Chicopee City Council. Sheriff Nick Cocchi and Mayor John Vieau were also in attendance. Along with the ceremony, 20 graduates of the Boys and Girls Club summer program were awarded new bicycles, helmets and bike locks as a part of Pedal Thru Youth’s communal initiative.

According to Charland, Pedal Thru Youth started in 2017 as a program to change youths’ perception around law enforcement. “People in lower income areas don’t always see the best in officers,” said Charland. The former deputy at the sheriff’s department said he started the charitable endeavor after receiving a terminal brain disease diagnosis, which caused Charland to shift his focus toward making a positive impact upon local communities. “Why not live life to the fullest in the meantime,” said Charland.

“It’s given me and my volunteers a purpose to do something amazing…We love what we do,” said Charland. In an effort to break barriers, he and his three volunteers began donating bicycles to showcase the open and supportive side of the police community. Pedal Thru Youth has donated over 1,500 bicycles to kids across the country this year, including specializing bikes for disability access, according to Charland.

Along with creating a friendly common ground, Charland said he wanted to promote an active lifestyle for kids amidst their growing use of technology. Vieau opened the ceremony by sharing his pride in Charland’s efforts. “Bob works out of selfless desire to serve the community. The community really appreciates it, thank you for everything you do,” said Vieau, who presented Charland with the official proclamation for “Bob the Bike Guy Day.”

Before Cocchi’s speech, the sheriff took time to describe the key to Peddle Thru Youth’s mission. He shared that Charland’s efforts to engage with youths provides a productive, supportive and involved platform for steering people on the right path. During his presentation, Cocchi reflected on the Charland’s meaning to the community, as he also works to host community service projects and provide backpacks of supplies to the homeless. “Bob’s our guy,” said Cocchi.

Ward 7 City Council member William Courchesne expressed the happiness and trust Charland has provided to the community. “A man faced with mortality who thinks of others over himself…you have blessed us,” said Courchesne. Charland concluded the ceremony by expressing his gratitude in the proclamation, while also stressing the need for volunteers to continue his mission.

Readers can learn more about Peddle Thru Youth’s mission at https://www.pedalthruyouth.org/ or the organization’s Facebook page. Charland also said that people interested in volunteering can reach out to him at 439-9059.