Thieves Steal Dozens of Bikes Meant for Atlanta Nonprofit's Underprivileged Kids

The stolen gear was part of a program that gives bikes to children from low-income schools and teaches them how to ride.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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An Atlanta nonprofit called Propel ATL had its trailer of 26 bicycles and 24 helmets stolen, which were meant to be given to underprivileged children as part of a program that teaches them how to ride. The theft occurred sometime on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, and Atlanta police are reviewing security footage to try to identify the culprits.

Why it matters

The stolen bikes were a crucial part of Propel ATL's efforts to provide underprivileged children in Atlanta with access to bicycles and bike-riding lessons, which can help promote physical activity, independence, and community engagement. The theft is a setback for the nonprofit's mission and the children it serves.

The details

Jeremiah Jones, the advocacy manager at Propel ATL, said that someone broke into the trailer and took all 26 bikes and 24 helmets that were meant for the nonprofit's program. The equipment was used to give bikes to children from low-income schools and teach them how to ride. Security footage shows people taking the bikes out of the trailer, carrying them down a hill, and bringing them into a nearby parking lot.

  • The theft occurred sometime on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

The players

Propel ATL

An Atlanta nonprofit that provides bicycles and bike-riding lessons to underprivileged children in the city.

Jeremiah Jones

The advocacy manager at Propel ATL.

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What they’re saying

“My heart sank when I got the call that all the bikes were gone. I said, 'Surely not all of them.' And all of them are gone.”

— Jeremiah Jones, Advocacy Manager, Propel ATL (cbsnews.com)

“This class is solely for kids, and this crime is affecting them.”

— Jeremiah Jones, Advocacy Manager, Propel ATL (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Atlanta police are reviewing security footage from the area to try to identify the individuals responsible for the theft.

The takeaway

The theft of the bikes from Propel ATL's program is a devastating blow to the nonprofit's efforts to provide underprivileged children in Atlanta with access to bicycles and bike-riding lessons. The community is rallying to support Propel ATL and replace the stolen equipment so the program can continue serving local youth.