She’s on a Mission to Make the World More Bike‑Friendly

Championing Equitable and Sustainable Mobility

Melissa Bruntlett has made it her life’s work to reshape how cities think about bicycles. From bustling metropolises to quiet suburbs, she pushes for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable transportation solutions that put people—and the planet—first.

A Vision Rooted in Community

Growing up in a neighborhood where cycling was a luxury, Melissa witnessed the gaps in infrastructure that left many residents—especially women, seniors, and low‑income families—feeling unsafe on two wheels. Determined to change that narrative, she founded the nonprofit Pedal for All, which partners with local governments, schools, and grassroots groups to create bike lanes, secure parking, and affordable bike‑share programs.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

Since its inception, Pedal for All has:

• Secured over 50 miles of protected bike lanes in three major cities.
• Launched a Women on Wheels mentorship program that has trained more than 1,200 women to become bike‑repair technicians and advocates.
• Negotiated with city councils to provide subsidized bicycles for families living below the poverty line.

Spotlight on Women Changing the Ride

Melissa doesn’t work alone. She regularly writes about other trailblazing women who are reshaping mobility:

• Rosa Martínez – a civil engineer designing climate‑resilient bike infrastructure in coastal towns.
• Aisha Khan – the founder of CycleHer, a platform that connects women cyclists with safe route maps and community rides.
• Leila Chen – a policy analyst who helped pass legislation mandating gender‑inclusive bike‑share stations.

Looking Ahead

With a growing network of allies and a clear roadmap, Melissa aims to expand her initiatives to ten new cities by 2026. Her message is simple: when we design streets for everyone, we build healthier, more vibrant communities.

“Cycling should be a right, not a privilege,” Melissa says. She continues to ride forward, one pedal stroke at a time.