The Ride Free 100 Initiative™
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Every person deserves the freedom, confidence, and joy of riding a bicycle.
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My name is Coach Shakeesha Jeffries, founder of Atlanta Bicycle Classes, and for 10 years I have been helping children and adults learn one of the most empowering skills a person can have: how to ride a bike. If you are in the city of Atlanta, then you've probably seen me zoom by on a bicycle. I'm a Bike League of America certified Cycling Instructor, an alumna of Spelman College, as well as a mom of 2 great homeschooled kids.
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Over the past 10 years, I've taught hundreds of people, from children taking their very first pedal strokes to adults in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s
who never had the opportunity to learn. I've seen firsthand how learning to ride a bike transforms lives.
who never had the opportunity to learn. I've seen firsthand how learning to ride a bike transforms lives.
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I teach cycling because I understand what it feels like to need something simple, steady, and life-giving when life is anything but. For me, a bike has never just been transportation. It has been freedom, confidence, and a way to move forward
when everything else felt stuck. I’ve seen how quickly doubt can take hold in people who were never given the chance to learn safely, and I’ve
also seen how one patient lesson can change the way someone carries themselves for the rest of their life. That’s why I do this work: to give people,
especially adults, anxious learners, and families, a real starting point they can trust.
when everything else felt stuck. I’ve seen how quickly doubt can take hold in people who were never given the chance to learn safely, and I’ve
also seen how one patient lesson can change the way someone carries themselves for the rest of their life. That’s why I do this work: to give people,
especially adults, anxious learners, and families, a real starting point they can trust.
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In my lessons, I’m not just teaching balance, pedaling, or hand signals. I’m teaching resilience, awareness, and self-belief in motion. I work with people who are nervous, hesitant, or who have been told they “can’t” too many times, and I get to watch that story
slowly shift. A shaky first ride turns into laughter, then pride, then independence. Those moments matter deeply, because they stay with people long
after the first lesson is over. Every time someone rides away on their own for the first time, it reinforces why this work is necessary.
slowly shift. A shaky first ride turns into laughter, then pride, then independence. Those moments matter deeply, because they stay with people long
after the first lesson is over. Every time someone rides away on their own for the first time, it reinforces why this work is necessary.
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I’m raising funds because I want to remove the barriers that keep people from accessing this kind of support, cost, equipment, safe space,
and time. Too many families want to learn but simply can’t afford private instruction or don’t have the resources to get started. With the right
support, I can expand access, provide bikes and helmets where they’re needed, and bring structured, safe cycling education to more people
in my community. This isn’t just about teaching people to ride a bike, it’s about opening a door to confidence, health, independence, and joy
that can last a lifetime.
and time. Too many families want to learn but simply can’t afford private instruction or don’t have the resources to get started. With the right
support, I can expand access, provide bikes and helmets where they’re needed, and bring structured, safe cycling education to more people
in my community. This isn’t just about teaching people to ride a bike, it’s about opening a door to confidence, health, independence, and joy
that can last a lifetime.
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It isn't just about riding. It's about independence.
It's about health. It's about transportation. It's about equity. It's about freedom.
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Today, I'm asking for your help to launch the most ambitious project I've ever undertaken:
The Ride Free 100 Initiative™
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Our goal is to teach 100 new cyclists in Atlanta how to ride safely and confidently.
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While our outreach will focus on Black and Brown children, teens, adults, and seniors who historically have had less access to
cycling opportunities, anyone can apply and be accepted into the program.
cycling opportunities, anyone can apply and be accepted into the program.
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We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of cycling.
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Why This Matters
Millions of Americans never learned to ride a bicycle.
For some, it was due to financial hardship.
For others, there was no one available to teach them.
Many adults carry embarrassment about not knowing how to ride.
Many children grow into teenagers and adults without this important life skill.
The consequences extend far beyond recreation.
Without bicycle skills, people lose access to:
Affordable transportation
Physical fitness and health
Outdoor recreation
Family activities
Sustainable transportation options
Community connection
Confidence and independence
Learning to ride a bike can literally change the course of someone's life.
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What Each Participant Will Receive
Every participant selected for the Ride Free 100 Initiative™ will receive:
*Six Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction tailored to their individual needs.
*Six Small Group Classes
To build confidence, endurance, and community.
*Bicycle Access
Rental bicycles provided as needed.
*Safety Education
Students will learn:
-Scanning
-Signaling
-Route planning
-Traffic awareness
-Bicycle laws
-Trail etiquette
*Guided Community Rides
Participants will gain real-world riding experience on Atlanta's trails, parks, BeltLine, and greenways.
*Lifelong Skills
The goal isn't simply learning to pedal.
The goal is creating confident lifelong cyclists.
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The Impact
Imagine:
A child finally riding alongside their family.
A teenager gaining a healthy form of transportation.
An adult accomplishing a lifelong goal.
A senior citizen rediscovering freedom.
A family replacing short car trips with bike rides.
A healthier Atlanta.
A greener Atlanta.
A more connected Atlanta.
That's what we're building.
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Real Student Success Stories
Jacqueline, Age 74
*"At 74 years old, I never imagined I would be riding a bicycle again. The last time I rode was when I was 10 years old.
After five lessons with Coach Sha, I am now riding on the Westside BeltLine. What she gave me was much more than
bicycle skills. She gave me confidence, freedom, and the joy of accomplishing a lifelong goal."*
After five lessons with Coach Sha, I am now riding on the Westside BeltLine. What she gave me was much more than
bicycle skills. She gave me confidence, freedom, and the joy of accomplishing a lifelong goal."*
Crystal, Age 37
*"My son and I came to Atlanta Bicycle Classes never having learned to ride and feeling nervous. In just two sessions, we both learned to ride.
That first independent pedal stroke felt incredible. It reminded me that I can do anything."*
That first independent pedal stroke felt incredible. It reminded me that I can do anything."*
Parent Testimonial
*"Coach Shakeesha worked her magic with my son. Her kind, relaxed, very present style was a perfect match. He's proud and thrilled to be
riding a bike now. We'll finally have a new family activity together."*
riding a bike now. We'll finally have a new family activity together."*
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Our Goal: $150,000
The full value of training one new cyclist is approximately $1,500
That includes:
✓ 6 Private Lessons
✓ 6 Group Classes
✓ Bicycle Rentals
✓ Safety Education
✓ Equipment Support
✓ Program Administration
✓ Guided Community Rides
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Sponsorship Levels
$25 — Helps provide helmets and equipment
$100 — Supports one lesson
$250 — Helps fund group instruction
$700 — Supports a participant's private lesson journey
$1,500 — Sponsors one complete cyclist
$7,500 — Sponsors 5 cyclists
$15,000 — Sponsors 10 cyclists
$75,000 — Sponsors 50 cyclists
$150,000 — Sponsors 100 cyclists and the entire intiative for 12 months
Any amount helps!
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Why Donate?
Your contribution helps create:
Healthier people
More confident children
Stronger families
Greater transportation access
Lower transportation costs
Reduced carbon emissions
A more connected community
Most importantly, your gift helps someone discover a freedom they may have never thought possible.
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Join Us
If you've ever experienced the joy of riding a bike, you know what a gift it is.
Help us share that gift with 100 people.
Together, we can create 100 new cyclists.
Together, we can change 100 lives.
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Thank you for believing in this mission.
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With gratitude,
Coach Shakeesha Jeffries
Founder, Atlanta Bicycle Classes
Changing Lives Through the Freedom of Cycling
Instagram: @bike.pusha
Facebook: Atlanta Bicycle Classes