Gearing Up For Wellness

by Emma Dixon

For many, cycling is simply a form of exercise. For others, it becomes something more. In Seminole County, a group of cyclists with the Keep Pedaling Foundation regularly rides together for mental and physical well-being.

For Dimitri Jean-Pierre, cofounder of the nonprofit organization, it’s a vision come true. 

After moving to the Orlando area in 2014 to attend the University of Central Florida, Dimitri became a compliance manager for a staffing agency. One of his passions was cycling, and he’d regularly bike with his friend Mike Deroche, an emergency management consultant. Their rides became a space to talk openly about their lives, goals, stressors, and everything in between. 

“We used those rides to catch up on life, and it was like a form of therapy for us,” says Dimitri. “We’d always feel lighter afterward.” 

Pedaling With Purpose

An idea began to form between them: what if cycling could become a gateway not only to physical health, but to meaningful mental health support?

“That’s when everything clicked,” says Dimitri. “We realized we could create real impact by combining cycling with professional therapy.” 

Dimitri, Mike, and their friend Keron Thompson, a local event planner, moved forward with their plans, establishing the Keep Pedaling Foundation in May of 2024. The foundation’s mission is to raise mental health awareness through the power of cycling.

“By combining cycling with mental health advocacy, we help individuals build resilience and find personal growth,” says Dimitri. 

The foundation runs the Cycle of Support program, a special initiative designed to provide free professional therapy for one month to individuals in need. The funding comes from donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.

Miles that Matter

The foundation also hosts the Keep Pedaling Cycling Club, which meets on Saturday mornings, with additional midweek rides – many of which are in Seminole County. The club welcomes cyclists of all ages and abilities. Some are seasoned riders, while others are returning to the bike for the first time in years. What they find is not competition, but community. 

“We get people who have not ridden a bike since grade school, but at the same time, we have people who average 30 miles a day at high speeds,” says Dimitri. “To help with that, we have different ride paces so everyone can feel comfortable.”

Alexis Jennings, a massage therapist from Altamonte Springs, has been involved with the group from the beginning, cycling the Seminole Wekiva Trail with her fellow riders as often as she can.

Through the group rides, Alexis has found both connection and a way to recharge.

“Cycling has helped my mental health improve a lot,” she says. “I need a good escape from being mentally and physically exhausted after a long day. The trail is beautiful, and I’ve seen a lot of wildlife.”

Making an Impact

On May 30, the foundation will host its inaugural Impact Ride fundraiser in Eatonville, bringing the community together for a group ride followed by a block party featuring music, food, and mental health resources. For those considering joining, the invitation is simple and sincere: come as you are. 

Looking ahead, Dimitri’s goals for the Keep Pedaling Foundation are extensive. He hopes to reach 100,000 people with free therapy, establish a permanent Orlando location for in-person services, and expand to multiple states. But the heart of the foundation’s work remains unchanged – that healing doesn’t always need to begin in a formal setting. Sometimes, it can start on a bike trail in your community.

“This means everything to me,” says Dimitri. “To see the impact we’re having – that’s what keeps me going.”

To learn more about the organization’s therapy services or cycling club, visit KeepPedalingFoundation.org.