Retired bicycle shop owner Bob Moore Jr. has been named to serve as grand marshal for Rome’s Christmas Parade, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1.

“I love Rome, I love kids, I love bicycles, and I love Christmas,” said Moore after being recognized at the pre-parade breakfast Tuesday morning.

For many years, the parade grand marshal was typically a television personality from Atlanta, or a politician, but about two decades ago, the committee started to honor unsung heroes in the Rome community, and nine of those past marshals were present for Tuesday morning’s announcement.

Moore took over the cycle shop started by his father more than 30 years ago and retired about four years ago.

John Cummings introduced Moore saying he’d had a positive influence on hundreds of kids in the Rome area through more than 30 years at his cycle chop on Shorter Avenue.

Moore said he got involved with the Christmas parade shortly after taking over the cycle shop after his father passed away in 1971. He then extended an invitation to anyone who had ever bought a bike from him to come ride in the Christmas parade.

Moore, who has survived a bout with melanoma and received a heart transplant at Emory in 2005, has been a relentless advocate for using bicycles as a means of transportation. He told members of the Christmas in Rome committee and former grand marshals that, “bikes are pollution free and they help fight obesity in our kids.” Moore and his wife Peggy have also been ardent supports of the developing trail systems in Rome and Floyd County and are currently involved in the effort to redevelop an old rail line between Rome and Cave Spring for cyclists and hikers.

During his more than three decades at the cycle shop Moore took scores of Romans across the country to participate in bicycle motocross events had helped produce two national champions in Harry Brock and Trey Smith. Moore said about the young people he’s worked with, “they’ve enriched my life more than they will ever know.”

Parade co-chairperson Janet Byington reported that although the parade is essentially full, that entries would be accepted through Thursday. Entries are available at www.Romechristmasparade.com.