Ricky came to Pedal Power fresh out of prison with $3.00 in his pocket and the promise of a good job, offered by a local HVAC company.  He only needed a way to make the daily eight-mile journey to and from work.  Neither a bus nor a car was an option.  But with a bicycle the job was his as was the start of a new chapter.  Our old Schwinn seemed a perfect fit.  For the first time Ricky could imagine a fulfilling career free of addiction and crime.   

Ricky was born in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia in 1995.  At age two, an American couple adopted him and brought him to their home in Michigan.  He shared good memories of growing up with his family.  He played with other kids in the neighborhood, built forts in the backyard and learned how to ride a bicycle.  But the good days didn’t last.  As a teenager, he lost his way, drifting into petty crime before committing his first felony and escaping to South Florida where drugs became a way of life. 

Running and hiding from the law were exhausting so Ricky finally turned himself in and asked for help, expecting to free himself from his addictions.  But just like probation, this failed too.  In August of 2022, after a series of violations and arrests, he was sentenced to two years in prison.  While incarcerated he dedicated himself to learning and self-improvement.  A faith-based program called Bridge to Success gave him hope, brought him closer to God and equipped him with necessary skills to re-enter society.  Through Bridge to Success, he gradually changed, was released from prison and began to seek opportunities to start over, including an apprenticeship with the HVAC company in Louisville. 

“Thank you, guys.  You believed in me enough to give me a bicycle and an opportunity to succeed.” 

-Ricky

Today, Ricky is very grateful for the support and understanding shown by the mechanics of Pedal Power at Beargrass Christian Church.  His words say it all.  “Thank you, guys.  You believed in me enough to give me a bicycle and an opportunity to succeed.”  He continues to ride that Schwinn every day of his life. 

About Pedal Power Ministry:

This Ministry Team empowers folks in Louisville by providing refurbished/rebuilt bikes. Our volunteer team delivers on average 850 bikes a year to those in need in our community. Since its beginning in 2013, Pedal Power has delivered close to 8,500 bikes to individuals in need of reliable transportation. We have several strong partnerships with nonprofits and for-profit companies in Louisville such as Community Ministries, Homeless Ministries, Prison Resettlement Services, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and Greater Louisville YMCA. We have a repair team that requires an understanding of bicycle components along with most repair skills and an interest to learn more about bicycle maintenance and a willingness to serve. We also have a social media team that spreads the Pedal Power message in our community with an understanding of social media sources and the ability to communicate and navigate within and through these sources. Please contact Pedal Power to get involved by serving or donating.