LeBronnnnnnnnn James…is at it again!
The NBA phenom has partnered with rideshare company Lyft, to provide youth all over the country with free access to bikes, CBS News reports.
James surprised teens at a YMCA in Harlem this week, announcing his new initiative, letting them know why he felt it was so important to do this. “Growing up, a bike changed everything for me. It was more than a way to go see my friends or play basketball – it was a way of life. A bike opened doors, allowed me to get to safe places after school, and gave me access to opportunities I never would have known. I’m proud that Uninterrupted can join Lyft in bringing that access to kids and people in communities across the country ,” James said.
The LyftUp program is an initiative that hopes to “expand transportation access to those who need it most.” The company will provide young people, ages 16 to 20 years old with free one year bike share memberships, partnering with the national YMCA to distribute the memberships to riders who qualify.
John Zimmer, President and co-founder of Lyft said that James was the primary motivator behind the program. “WIth LeBron as our inspiration, we want to demonstrate how transportation can be a spark that helps young people reach their full potential. The future of transportation is exciting, and we feel a deep responsibility to help make transportation accessible to all,” he said.
According to Lyft’s website, there are 4.5 million Americans who “don’t have easy access to affordable, reliable transportation.” The company goes on to add that it’s even harder “for young people whose futures depend on their ability to connect with opportunities across the communities they call home.”
The initiative will kick off in New York and expand to other cities including Chicago, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose.
This is awesome! Keep setting the bar high LeBron!
Photo Courtesy of Lyft/CBS News