History

Pete’s Cycle Company was founded by Walter C. Leach Sr. in 1938. He started out repairing bicycles and building flower boxes out of his parent’s basement on Harford Road in Baltimore, MD. during The Great Depression. Walter was given the nickname 'Pete' hence the name of Pete’s Cycle!

Shortly after, Walter (aka Pete) left to serve his Country in World War II. While he was away, his father carried on the business for him. Sometime later, when Pete returned and WWII had ended, Pete continued moving forward with the Business as he became a Schwinn Bicycle dealer. He then also started selling & repairing motorized vehicles. First was the Whizzer, then he acquired Indian Motorcycles, AJS, BSA, and Matchless. This all took place at the original store that was located on Harford Road. Pete eventually opened a second store in Towson, MD in the 1950’s which also sold Evinrude outboard engines and included a hobby shop! In the late 1950’s, merchandise grew to include the Brands of Maruchan, Laverda, Lambretta, Bultaco, Vespa, Gillera, American Eagle and Cushman. On July 9, 1963 Pete's Cycle became a Honda dealer!

Pete opened the Bel Air Location in 1967 and then the Severna Park Location in 1970. At one point in time, Pete’s Cycle Company had 7 stores offering either bicycles or motorcycles. Through the 1970’s and the 1980’s, he obtained the Brands Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

In the mid 1980’s, Pete went into semi-retirement. His children started running the business on a full time basis. In April of 2000, Pete’s Cycle moved out of it’s original location, of 62 years, and into a much larger store located on Belair Road in Baltimore, MD. Today, Pete’s Cycle Company has two (2) locations and they are still owned & operated by his children. 

We are very proud to be celebrating over 80 years in the industry!