Business · India Bureau
Teen Entrepreneur's Nonprofit Distributes 400 Bikes Across US
A 17-year-old from Georgia has founded Pedal Forward, a nonprofit organization that has raised $30,000 and distributed 400 bicycles to underserved children. The initiative emerged in response to local budget cuts affecting community cycling programs.
LSN India ·
Jonathan Thai, a teenager from Georgia, established Pedal Forward after a local retailer discontinued community biking programs in his area. Recognizing the gap left by the funding cuts, Thai mobilized resources to address the need for affordable bicycle access among children in disadvantaged communities.
The nonprofit has achieved significant reach since its inception. Pedal Forward has raised over $30,000 and distributed 400 bicycles to children in need. Beyond providing bicycles, the organization has conducted free cycling skills clinics that have benefited hundreds of young participants across multiple states.
The organization's geographic footprint has expanded considerably. Pedal Forward now operates in Georgia, Tennessee, and New York, bringing cycling opportunities to underserved communities across these states. The success of its domestic operations has prompted the nonprofit to look further afield.
Building on its momentum, Pedal Forward is now planning international expansion. The organization has set its sights on Vietnam, where it aims to launch humanitarian initiatives that will extend its mission to provide cycling access and skills training to children in Southeast Asia.