Living
Bike coach aims to break the cycle of at-risk youth
Published 2004 GMT (0404 HKT) November 29, 2016
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Top 10 CNN Hero for 2016 Craig Dodson, a former semi-professional cyclist, was inspired to start Richmond Cycling Corps after speaking to a group of students at a recreation center. The nonprofit creates and coaches cycling teams for youth living in Richmond, Virginia's housing projects. John Nowak/CNN
Cycling and intensive training are important to the Richmond Cycling Corps' program, but they are only part of the group's overall mission of infiltrating all aspects of the lives of at-risk youth.
John Nowak/CNN
John Nowak/CNN
Dodson (left) hangs out with a member of the Richmond Cycling Corps program. Rather than let students sit at home if they are out of school or suspended, students often work in the Richmond Bicycle Studio. John Nowak/CNN
Richmond Cycling Corps' member Devonte, 17, picks out a bicycle and fits it with new tires at the Richmond Bicycle Studio. John Nowak/CNN
Dodson helps Tavone, 16, with his math at the Richmond Bicycle Studio. Dodson serves as a father figure to about 20 children living in Richmond's public housing. John Nowak/CNN
Dodson enters Armstrong High School, where he makes frequent stops to check on students and make sure they are attending classes and staying out of trouble. John Nowak/CNN
Dodson leads a practice at the Richmond Cycling Corp track behind Armstrong High School. There are two practices three times a week, but Dodson has noticed many children are opting to attend both practices as they become more involved with the program. John Nowak/CNN
Practice gets underway at the Richmond Cycling Corps track. Dodson and his staff do everything in their power to ensure their students succeed away from the track. John Nowak/CNN
Dodson and his colleague Matt Kuhn lead cycling practice behind Armstrong High School in Richmond, Va. John Nowak/CNN
