Georgia Teen Expands Free Bike Training and Equipment Programme for Children

A cycling programme founded by 17-year-old Jonathan Thai in Alpharetta, Georgia, has helped hundreds of children learn to ride while providing equipment to families facing financial barriers, according to Good News Network and Points of Light.

Both outlets reported that the initiative has expanded to chapters in Tennessee and New York. Points of Light identified Thai as the founder and executive director of Pedal Forward, a nonprofit providing free bicycle training camps and equipment.

According to Points of Light, Thai started the programme after REI closed its Experience programme in January 2025, ending bicycle classes used by local families. His first official camp followed in June 2025. Good News Network also identified the closure of local REI instruction as the catalyst.

The outlets gave slightly different accounts of the programme’s activity. Points of Light reported 12 clinics, more than 350 children trained, over $30,000 raised, and donations of 400 bicycles and 500 helmets. Good News Network described more than a dozen clinics, $30,000 raised, 400 donated bicycles secured and 500 helmets distributed.

Their descriptions of attendance also differed: Good News Network reported between 30 and 45 children per clinic, while Thai told Points of Light that camps generally accommodate about 35 to 40, with a target of one volunteer for each child.

Points of Light described how children register their riding experience and whether they own a bicycle. Organisers provide equipment when needed and fit every participant with a suitably sized bicycle and helmet. Children arriving without those items take them home afterwards.

Beginners practise balance with the pedals removed before progressing to pedalling, Thai told Points of Light. More experienced riders head onto the Greenway Trail with instructors, including members of his triathlon team.

Games reinforce practical skills: stopping games teach braking, weaving between cones develops handling, and riding beneath pool noodles builds spatial awareness, according to Points of Light. Good News Network additionally described instruction covering manoeuvring and traffic.

Both outlets connected Thai’s motivation to his parents’ experiences in Vietnam. Points of Light reported that they came to the United States as refugees from the Vietnam War and encouraged him to help others. Thai also described cycling with his father on the same trail where he now runs camps.

Thai told both outlets that bicycles can support more than recreation, helping families reach school, shops and employment. Points of Light also reported his emphasis on outdoor activity and giving children opportunities to play.

Partnerships have supported the work. Both outlets named the National Charity League and Young Men’s Service League. Good News Network additionally listed the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Georgia DoT, the City of Roswell, Thai’s triathlon team and Georgia cycling charities.

Points of Light recognised Thai with its Daily Point of Light Award. In its interview, he recalled a child named Jesse who attended a camp organised with the City of Roswell. Although a language barrier left Thai uncertain about the experience, the boy’s mother later wrote that Jesse continued riding for hours afterwards on his donated bicycle.

Both outlets also described a planned Vietnam initiative. Good News Network placed the trip next year; Points of Light reported plans to travel in June and distribute 308 bicycles across four rural villages, working with the Vietnam Foundation of the USA and Australia and Care2Share. According to Thai’s Points of Light interview, some intended recipients walk four to seven miles to school through mountainous terrain.

Sources

• Good News Network: Teen Triathlete Raises More Than $30,000 to Donate Bikes and Riding Lessons to Low-Income Families
• Teen Triathlete Builds Free Bike Program for Kids in Georgia and Beyond