A Rochester man is giving kids a free ride around the city; he's doing it one bike at a time.

Ray Fitzgerald never imagined his work as a helicopter mechanic in the Army would lead to this.

"We have everything, we get mountain bikes, BMX bikes, ten-speeds, big wheels, roller blades, toys, just about anything we can turn around and make sure it gets to a needy family,” said Fitzgerald, surrounded by more than 600 bikes in his backyard.

His 8-year-old neighbor Rachel inspired him to do it.

"She asked me to fix her bike and I told her I'm sure I can manage and next thing I knew all her friends started coming and their friends started coming.”

That was eight years ago. He now calls his repair work "Second Life Bikes". His full time hobby has rebuilt and distributed more than 1,000 bikes to inner city kids and adults who need them. He's got a picture of everyone he's given a bike to.

Daeja Brown and her sister got their first bikes from Fitzgerald.

"It was nice because he gave us bikes for free, we did not have to pay for it, it's nice to have someone on the street like that cause a lot of people don't do that,” said Brown.

Fitzgerald is hoping his good intentions inspire the kids to do the same.

"The bikes are actually a medium for the real purpose of 'Second Life Bikes' which is to influence these kids in this neighborhood positively and make better life decisions."

Fitzgerald will give out free bikes the last Saturday of every month, now through September. He expects more than 700 kids to come over and pick out their new ride.

Second Life Bikes is expanding. It will soon offer a mentor program so kids can learn how to rebuild and customize bicycles. If you're interested in volunteering or donating you can reach "Second Life Bikes" at (585) 338-2292.

I may rename myself sally sunshine!