Some of Steve Collins' contributions to Hermosa Beach have helped turn the community into a more bike-friendly place—from his involvement in the Fiesta Hermosa bike valet service to his volunteer efforts in local organizations.

Recognizing Collins as a community leader, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce now has named the Hermosa Cyclery co-owner as Man of the Year.

The chamber announced the honor Wednesday. An awards ceremony is planned to take place Jan. 12 at Union Cattle Company.

Collins, a Redondo Beach native, is owner and president of Diligent Media Services, ­a DVD and CD replication company, and part owner of Hermosa Cyclery, which is "his true passion," according to the chamber.

Collins first worked at Hermosa Cyclery in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He and three partners inherited the store in 2002 from Harold Schumaker.

Collins later fused his interests in community and cycling by helping spearhead the bike valet service at Fiesta Hermosa in recent years, as well as organize the bike entry in last year's St. Patrick's Day parade. Collins also serves on the board of directors for the Beach Cities Cycle Club and the South Bay Bicycle Coalition.

In the near future, Collins aims to launch a bike tire inflation station for the local public through his latest venture, Free Air Company.

As a community member, Collins participates in the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, Hermosa Beach Sister City Association and was honored by the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club with its Businessman of the Year award in May.

Near where he grew up in Redondo Beach, Collins lives with his wife Debi and two children, Alyssa and Jett. Collins graduated from Redondo High School and earned a degree in business from Cal State Long Beach.

— Collins' history provided by the Chamber of Commerce.