Pedaling Toward Positivity

Isiah starts most days with three simple goals: “Ride my bike, move around, try to help people.” Staying positive is his priority, and his bike helps him do just that.

Isiah (left) poses with Julian Flowers (right), resident services coordinator at Dwelling Place, who Isiah thanks for connecting him to a bike from Upcycle Bikes.

A resident of Dwelling Place, a nonprofit housing provider and distribution partner of Upcycle Bikes, Isiah relies on his bike for independence and connection. He rides to buy groceries for the meals he loves to cook, to attend doctor appointments, and to get exercise. When he needs quiet, he pedals toward the nearest body of water to clear his mind.

“Riding is good for me,” Isiah says. “You can go a lot farther when you got a bike.”

At 70 years old, distance doesn’t hold him back. In fact, he’s found riding more comfortable than walking since a sports injury left him with knee pain. He bikes from downtown Grand Rapids all the way to South Haven on longer trips, and on the average day heads to his favorite spots on the northeast and northwest sides of the city.

Safety is always part of the ride. Along with the helmet, lights, and reflectors he received from Upcycle Bikes, Isiah wears a high-visibility vest and headlamp so drivers can see him. When needed, he combines biking with public transit to go farther while staying active.

“I like to ride—burn up energy,” he says. “Go somewhere you ain’t been before. Have fun.”

For Isiah, movement means possibility. “As long as I’m moving my legs and breathing fresh air,” he says, “I know I’m doing something positive.”

This story was featured in Upcycle Bikes’ 2025 Annual Impact Report. Explore the full report here.