Meet your instructors

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All Propel ATL instructors have received a League Cycling Instruction certification from the League of American Bicyclists. Feel free to contact instructors with any questions. 

Anthony Allen

Anthony Allen has been with Propel ATL since 2019, when they were first known as the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. Initially supporting the Shifting Gears program and Atlanta Streets Alive, he is currently an active instructor for all Propel services including Bike Family, True Beginners and City Cycling. In addition, also offers private instruction at a discounted rate for Propel clients. Building balance, skills and safe practices will provide a solid foundation to begin your cycling journey.  

Musician, athlete and animal lover, Anthony is passionate about life, community and the service of others. From children of all ages, to adults with disabilities, Anthony strives to find connection with all demographics. 

Either road, gravel or mountain biking, as an avid yoga practitioner, Anthony uses various techniques to introduce mindfulness as a method of redirection to help control thoughts and emotions, which can be a common hurdle for those new to cycling. 

A change in mindset is the first step to overcoming fears and realizing your full potential, so let's get there!

Favorite place to bike in or near Atlanta: Sope Creek / Cobb County

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 4048039397

Bavard Rahdar

I have lived in Metro-Atlanta for 30+ years and earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia State University. Growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta and attending a university in an urban center helped shape my passion for safe cycling, pedestrian infrastructure, and public transportation. 

I firmly believe that a fair and equitable society allows people to move quickly and safely in any mode of transport they choose—not just from the inside of a car. My regular commute from Roswell, GA to the ATL Airport via bike and train has made it clear how little infrastructure and support exists for alternative transportation in our city and I am passionate about helping build a better way to get around for everyone outside of a car. 

Cycling has truly saved my life, both mentally and physically as it became my main hobby and outlet during the pandemic. I love riding in every way, shape, and form: mountain bikes, road bikes, cargo bikes, e-bikes and everything in between. Whether it’s on the road sharing with cars, or in the woods off the beaten path, I ride anywhere two wheels are allowed and love fostering and building that passion in others. 

In 2025, I became a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) and now work with Propel ATL, a local bike and pedestrian advocacy group, as a cycling instructor. I offer group lessons, corporate events, kid-friendly lessons, individual classes, and more. Whether you’ve never been on a bike in your life or want to learn how to safely commute to work or school, I can help. I also assist with route and commute planning that combines multi-use paths, public transit, and cycling. Additionally, I have a passion for bike maintenance and would love to teach you how to take care of your bike so you can always count on it when you need it. My teaching style is supportive, practical, and tailored to your goals. I want to help you discover the freedom and joy of riding—whether it’s shredding trails, commuting sustainably, or simply getting outside to better your health and fitness.

Favorite place to bike in or near Atlanta: My Favorite place to bike in Atlanta depends on which bike im riding! I love to ride my local mountain bike trails at Big Creek Park in Roswell, I love to take my road bike out to Arabia Mountain Path and climb the hills, or get a little dirty at Dirty Sheets in Chattahoochee Hills.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 404-429-9484

Cheri Akins

Cheri Akins, proud senior bike rider and mountain biker. Her road bike is Specialized and her mountain bike is TREK. Both types of cycling allow her much needed cardio and quick changes to her scenery. Wanna change your scene fast, “Get on your bike!” Most importantly, she loves sharing the how to’s of safe biking. 

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 6629105420

James Tyler

James Tyler is the Founder and Executive Director of the Urban Creek Conservation and Recreation Corps, a 501©(3) non-profit organization. Urban Creek’s mission is to provide Atlanta’s legacy neighborhood youth with environmental science, education, and recreational experiences in the parks and green spaces of Atlanta. The non-profit organization aims to develop a youth corps that is passionate about the outdoors and is qualified to identify native species of plants/animals as well as aid in the maintenance of green spaces.

Before starting Urban Creek, James had over twenty-three years of distinguished service as an elementary and middle school educator in Bankhead, Vine City, and Southwest Atlanta schools. He retains his teaching credentials and is a certified bicycle instructor through the League of American Bicyclists. James now coaches youth from this same region in the sport of mountain bike riding and long-distance road bicycling (e.g. the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia and the Velocity ride). He also focuses on projects that leverage cycling as an entry point into physical activity, environmental education, and historical learning.

In addition to being an outdoor enthusiast, James is also an avid genealogist. Most recently, he organized a group of citizens (including the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society) to rescue and preserve the Dudley Cemetery, an African-American burial ground in Southwest Atlanta that dates back to at least the end of the Civil War. In his free time, you can find James dancing Salsa and Kizomba in Atlanta or camping and hiking outdoors whenever he has an opportunity to visit his hometown in Wyoming.

Email: [email protected]

Phone:4045022876

Read James Tyler's tips and tricks for biking in Atlanta in this AJC article!

Kimerie Swift

Kimerie Swift is a League Cycling Instructor who brings a community-driven approach to her teaching with Propel ATL. An active member of cycling communities across Atlanta and beyond, she’s dedicated to helping riders of all backgrounds feel confident and connected on the road.  

Email: [email protected]

Phone:678-383-7205

Kysha Hehn

A community-minded educator at heart, Kysha earned her Master’s degree in Education from the Harvard School of Education after receiving her undergraduate degree in sociology from Spelman College. Kysha enjoys integrating her love of teaching with developing comprehensive bike safety classes for children and adults alike. An inaugral Westside Bike Champ program member, in 2016, Kysha worked with existing community-based organizations to encourage equitable bike-share practices. In addition, she partnered with NPU-V neighbors to increase health and wellness initiatives and programming in the community. As a member of the 2017 cohort of champs, she worked to bring bike safety programming into local schools. Kysha continues collaborating with education professionals to create bicycle safety programs throughout her beloved city of Atlanta. 

In addition to her work with bicycle advocacy and community engagement, Kysha enjoys creating and collecting memories, exploring Atlanta's natural gems, listening to wind chimes, and spending time with friends and family. Traveling with her husband, Jonathan, and their two children, Alivia Sage and Joia brings her the utmost joy!

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 4049429353

Marjon Manitus

Marjon was born on a bicycle—because, well, she’s Dutch. In the Netherlands, biking isn’t just transportation; it’s a way of life. Kids grow up riding everywhere, and not surprisingly, they’re some of the happiest in the world. (Having the freedom to bike and eat chocolate sprinkles for breakfast probably helps.)

After relocating to the U.S., Marjon was taken aback by how biking seemed so disconnected from everyday life. To make a difference, she co-founded the Brookhaven Bike Alliance and has turned Pedal the Parks into one of the community’s favorite annual events.

As a League Cycling Instructor, Marjon finds joy in teaching people of all ages how to ride, whether it’s a child taking their first pedal or an adult building the confidence to commute. She brings a blend of patience, encouragement, and a sprinkle of Dutch biking wisdom to each lesson.

Before diving into the biking world, Marjon worked as a product manager for consumer electronics and outdoor gear at Fortune 500 companies. Now, she channels that same clarity and dedication into helping people reach their cycling goals. When she’s not on her bike, you can find Marjon enjoying the great outdoors; rowing, hiking, or camping, always happiest under the open sky. Reach out to Marjon for private lessons, she’d love to help you get rolling.

Favorite place to bike in or near Atlanta: Her favorite spot to ride is around Brookhaven’s Silver Lake and golf course area, especially on Monday and Wednesday nights with fellow cyclists

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 6785759181