Not One More ‘Pedal for Peace’ Event Unites Community to Combat Youth Violence

From Penn State Berks

Pictured above: Each participant’s bike displayed a number plate with anti-violence slogans, such as “Violence is the PROBLEM, not the SOLUTION.” Photo courtesy of Trinity Jefferson, Not One More Media intern

On Sunday, June 22, the streets of Reading came alive with purpose and unity as Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project hosted its first annual Pedal for Peace Reading Ride Out, a community bike ride aimed at raising awareness about youth violence in Berks County and shifting the narrative that such violence is inevitable.

Starting at Pathstone Corporation at 2nd and Franklin streets and culminating at Reading City Park at Washington and North 11th streets, the ride attracted youth, families, community leaders, and advocates who wanted to promote peace. Cyclists of all ages took to the streets in solidarity, demonstrating their shared hope for a safer, more unified community. Each participant’s bike displayed an anti-violence slogans, such as “Violence is the PROBLEM, not the SOLUTION.”

The event featured personal remarks from several speakers, including elected officials and victims of violence. Not One More’s youth ambassador, Thalia Roblesm, spoke about losing a loved one to violence nearly one year ago, just steps from where the event was held. As the first person to arrive at the victim’s side following the shooting, she shared her powerful story of grief, strength, and commitment to ending the cycle of violence for future generations.

“Too many of our young people are growing up thinking violence is normal. Today, we proved that the Berks community is choosing something different — peace, purpose, and power in unity,” said Ebonie Cunningham Stringer, Not One More executive director and associate professor of criminal justice at Penn State Berks.

The day included a skill and freestyle competition, drawing skilled riders from across the county. Winners and runners-up rode away with new bikes and bike accessories, recognizing not only their talent but also their commitment to peaceful expression through biking culture.

The Pedal for Peace Reading Ride Out is a partnership between Not One More and local business owner Dante Johnson, a strong advocate for youth development and nonviolence.  As the owner of Same 24 Barber Company, Johnson has deep ties to the community. Shawn Bridges, Not One More director of outreach, said, “It’s not for the glory, but we do this to see positive change. I’m happy that Dante, my childhood friend, partnered with us to make this happen.”

With the success of this first Ride Out, organizers are already looking ahead to 2026, hoping to grow the movement and deepen its impact.

Stinger summarized by stating, “The Pedal for Peace Reading Ride Out is more than just a bike event — it’s a declaration that youth violence is not an inevitability, but a challenge the Berks County community can overcome together.”

For more information, contact NotOneMore@psu.edu or 610-396-NOT1 (6681), or visit sites.psu.edu/notonemore.

About Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project

Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project works to empower youth and families impacted by violence and to create lasting change by providing direct services to high-risk youth, education, and community-building initiatives across Berks County.

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Source: bctv