New bike, new day: Massapequa Park rallies around teen with autism who was bullied
Over 100 teens, including the Massapequa High School Chiefs varsity football team, rode their bikes to Tyler’s house to support him in the fight against bullying.
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Darnell Meyers is a longtime bicycle rider with a large online following. When he saw a news story about Tyler RocheTilden being bullied by kids on bikes, he used social media to organize a bike ride for Tyler.
Over 100 teens, including the Massapequa High School Chiefs varsity football team, rode their bikes to Tyler’s house to support him in the fight against bullying.
“It absolutely broke my heart that it still happens to people, let alone that has a disability. I don't understand how you could do that to someone as sweet as Tyler,” said Brady Kemper, a senior on the football team.
Tyler was in for an even bigger surprise. He was given a brand-new bike, donated by Merrick Bicycles.
“This is making me very happy," he said.
“When they lifted Tyler on the bike and I heard a few kids scream, ‘I love you, Tyler’ – I lost it," said Gina Moscato, Tyler’s mother.
Dan Yuricic, owner of Merrick Bicycles, said the donated BMX bike has a lot of red in it – Tyler’s favorite color.
“It’s a BMX bike that all the kids want to be riding on these days," he said.
Tyler then led the large group down his block toward the Massapequa Preserve to ride on the bike path.
“This is a kid who didn't have friends a few weeks ago besides two or three and now everyone knows him and they're supporting him,” said Moscato.
Team members from the Massapequa High School varsity football team say they donated toward the event.
RELATED: Teen comes face-to-face with his bullies while speaking with News 12
