Alpharetta teen raises $30K, donates 400 bikes to teach 350 kids to ride
High school student Jonathan Thai founded the non-profit 'Pedal Forward' in Alpharetta, Georgia, to provide free bike training and equipment to underserved youth. His initiative has raised $30,000 and distributed 400 bicycles, earning him national recognition.
Why it matters
Demonstrates the impact of youth-led community service in filling gaps left by corporate social programs.
A 17-year-old high school student from Alpharetta, Georgia, has built a non-profit organization that has raised over $30,000, distributed 400 bicycles and taught hundreds of children how to ride safely. Jonathan Thai, a competitive triathlete and rising high school senior, founded Pedal Forward in early 2025 after a major outdoor retailer shuttered its local community biking programs. Recognizing the gap in accessible cycling instruction for local families, Thai launched free training clinics and equipment drives across his community. His efforts earned him national recognition as the 8,351st Daily Point of Light award winner, a national honour established by Points of Light to celebrate outstanding volunteer service across the United States.Filling a community voidThe inspiration for Pedal Forward arose in January 2025 when outdoor retailer REI discontinued its Experience program, which had previously provided affordable bike training classes.
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