Pedal Forward began with a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to experience the freedom and joy of riding a bicycle, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The idea first took shape in early 2025, when REI Co-op announced the closure of its Experiences program, discontinuing the bicycle training classes that had helped children learn to ride. Recognizing the growing need for accessible cycling education, especially among underserved families who could not afford bicycles, helmets, or lessons, a group of high school triathlon teammates came together to help fill this gap.
Starting with limited resources and a shared passion for cycling and community service, Pedal Forward began as a small volunteer initiative supporting local cycling events. As the organization gained funding, equipment, and partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities, it developed the resources to organize its own free bicycle training camps and donation programs.
What began with a handful of teenage athletes soon grew into a much larger volunteer movement. As more students, families, and community members joined the mission, Pedal Forward expanded its reach beyond Georgia, establishing local chapters across the United States. With new chapters continuing to form, the organization empowers volunteers nationwide to bring accessible cycling programs to their own communities.
Recognizing that barriers to bicycle access extend far beyond the United States, Pedal Forward also expanded internationally. Through its international humanitarian programs, beginning with its inaugural trip to Vietnam in 2026, the organization conducts annual trips and works with local partners to provide bicycles to rural communities in countries where access to reliable transportation is needed most. These experiences broadened Pedal Forward's original mission beyond recreational cycling, revealing how essential bicycles can be for children traveling long distances to school. What began as an effort to share the joy of cycling has since evolved into a broader mission to expand access to education and opportunity, helping children build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Today, Pedal Forward continues to grow through the same spirit of volunteerism and collaboration that inspired its founding. By developing sustainable partnerships, empowering local leaders, and expanding its network of chapters and international programs, the organization is building a foundation for lasting change.
What started as a small group of young cyclists has grown into a movement united by a shared mission: to make the freedom and opportunity of cycling accessible to all, one pedal forward at a time.
The idea first took shape in early 2025, when REI Co-op announced the closure of its Experiences program, discontinuing the bicycle training classes that had helped children learn to ride. Recognizing the growing need for accessible cycling education, especially among underserved families who could not afford bicycles, helmets, or lessons, a group of high school triathlon teammates came together to help fill this gap.
Starting with limited resources and a shared passion for cycling and community service, Pedal Forward began as a small volunteer initiative supporting local cycling events. As the organization gained funding, equipment, and partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities, it developed the resources to organize its own free bicycle training camps and donation programs.
What began with a handful of teenage athletes soon grew into a much larger volunteer movement. As more students, families, and community members joined the mission, Pedal Forward expanded its reach beyond Georgia, establishing local chapters across the United States. With new chapters continuing to form, the organization empowers volunteers nationwide to bring accessible cycling programs to their own communities.
Recognizing that barriers to bicycle access extend far beyond the United States, Pedal Forward also expanded internationally. Through its international humanitarian programs, beginning with its inaugural trip to Vietnam in 2026, the organization conducts annual trips and works with local partners to provide bicycles to rural communities in countries where access to reliable transportation is needed most. These experiences broadened Pedal Forward's original mission beyond recreational cycling, revealing how essential bicycles can be for children traveling long distances to school. What began as an effort to share the joy of cycling has since evolved into a broader mission to expand access to education and opportunity, helping children build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Today, Pedal Forward continues to grow through the same spirit of volunteerism and collaboration that inspired its founding. By developing sustainable partnerships, empowering local leaders, and expanding its network of chapters and international programs, the organization is building a foundation for lasting change.
What started as a small group of young cyclists has grown into a movement united by a shared mission: to make the freedom and opportunity of cycling accessible to all, one pedal forward at a time.