Instagram: @rideupgradesjim. Words and pictures by @gaddjames Non-Profit teaching young New Yorkers toride road bikes. Building a more inclusive cycling community. Ride Up Grades seeks to bridge both the transportation and health divide in low-income communities through cycling. We break down the barriers to entry for teenagers and families to start commuting and competing. We host an intensive summer camp program (completely free for underserved youth), group rides, road cycling instruction, and a road racing youth scholarship. We have also launched a SponsorShift program where we donate gently used bikes to young people who are in need and putting in the work. Ride Up Grades is an approved DOE partner. We urgently need community support to not only continue the program, but expand it to other neighborhoods.