In January of 2025, REI Co-op exited its Experience business, shutting down the bike training classes it previously offered. Now, there was an ever-present need for a new way for kids to learn to ride, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who relied on bikes to get to school and eventually to work.
To address this problem, Milton and Lassiter high schoolers founded The Pedal Forward Foundation to provide children of all ages, regardless of their socioeconomic status, with bike riding lessons at no cost, and to donate bikes and helmets to kids unable to afford their own. Since then, across 12 bike training camps, Pedal Forward has taught over 400 children from financially disadvantaged communities across North Fulton how to ride, partnering with 10 chapters of NCL, YMSL, NHS and Beta Club to provide over 450 bikes and 550 helmets to families in need.
In addition to hosting its own bike training camps, the youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports community initiatives. In December 2025, Pedal Forward partnered with Bike Alpharetta to host Bikes For Kids, which works with 20 local bike shops to refurbish used bikes at the YMCA and donate 300 bikes and helmets to the NFCC for the holidays. Starting in 2026, Pedal Forward will be taking over the 20th annual Bikes For Kids alongside Bike Roswell and RAMBO.
Pedal Forward continues to spread nationally with chapters in Tennessee and New York, raising over $50,000 for its programs through individual/community donors and business/corporate sponsorships. Growing globally, the nonprofit has launched international initiatives such as PedalForVietnam, a two-week humanitarian trip to rural villages in Vietnam, during which the team distributed 308 bikes to disadvantaged students living far from school across four communes. To fundraise for this program, Pedal Forward organized a Miles for Bikes challenge, bringing together 55 athletes to log 6000 miles across six weeks. The executive team plans to organize more of these trips in the future.
In addition to being featured on Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta and Appen Media, the nonprofit has received Proclamations of Appreciation from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Alpharetta City Council and Mayor, and Letters of Commendation from Governor Brian Kemp and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff.
Pedal Forward is always looking to grow and expand its outreach and impact. All families are welcome to participate in our events and initiatives. In addition, the nonprofit is looking to transition operations to emerging leaders and allow young people to have a positive impact on the community. Email info@pedalforward.net if you have questions about their events, are interested in supporting/helping them grow or are looking to play a role in leading the organization!