The members of UrbanPromise in Camden, New Jersey have been motivating their community to be active for years through their annual Pedal for Promise bike ride. Pedal for Promise raises money for the UrbanPromise Academy, a private high school that helps teens who are two or three grades below average reach their academic potential. Pedal for Promise also involves youth in a healthy, fun cycling activity. 

On Saturday, May 5, more than 300 bikers, including students, came out to participate in the seventh annual Pedal for Promise bike ride. Participants rode 13, 22 or 50 miles from Medford to Tuckerton, New Jersey to support a good cause. For many students, this was their first time riding such a long distance. Teens started gearing up and training for the event three months ago. A group of about 15 students gathered together every Sunday morning to train either on the road or in a spinning class.

UrbanPromise student Tyrone Richardson and his father finished 50 miles.

People of all ages, races, socioeconomic and professional backgrounds came together to support the youth in finishing this ride. Cyclists varied from a toddler who rode along with his dad to an 87-year-old who biked 50 miles. By inspiring youth to be active and rallying a community to support health and wellness, Pedal for Promise embodies First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to combat childhood obesity.

Jessica Larson is a Dietetic Intern for the USDA Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.