"It was a very inexpensive means of transportation,” said Sal Bellitte, Sam Bellitte’s grandson. “Wonderful for New York City, and I believe he had the foresight to see that."

Now, 90 years later, the shop is still in the same spot and is still run by the Bellitte Family.

"It went to the second generation which, was my father and his three brothers, my uncles, and now we are well into our third generation," said Sal Bellitte, one of the current co-owners.

Sal Bellitte runs the shop with his brother-in-law and the husband of a cousin, at a time when bicycling is booming in New York City.

"I think more and more people are getting on the bike, not only for fitness, but for commuting as well," said Sal Bellitte.

According to the Department of Transportation, there was a 77 percent increase in bike commuters from 2000 to 2007.

"There's more bike lanes than ever before, there's more bike parking, places to park your bike," said Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives.

The bicycles have also changed over the past 90 years.

"The industry has changed a lot, so you have to stay up on the technical part of the business," said Karl Herzer of Bellitte Bicycles.

"Bicycles have become significantly lighter, they've become maybe even sometimes stronger which is a wonderful combination. The bicycles have become generally softer rides," said Sal Bellitte.

One question facing the Bellittes is whether a fourth generation will run the store one day.

"My father was obviously extremely proud that I went into the business and kept my grandfather's legacy going,” said Sal Bellitte. “However, my son is 15, my nephew is 18. They have a lot of schooling to still do, and of course, we'll see what happens after that."

They also have yet to see how much more the city will become a bicycle town.