Trailnet Champion: Naresh Kumar

Each month we feature a member of our community that is working to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Naresh Kumar is our champion for June!

When Naresh Kumar (pictured above in the blue t-shirt, surrounded by Trailnet staff) set out in 2024 to bike 3,400 miles across the United States on a tandem bicycle, he didn’t do it alone — not just because of the second seat on his bike, but because of the spirit of community he carried with him the whole way.

Naresh’s cross-country journey to raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking was one of connection, courage, and what he calls “slow travel.” Along the way, he invited people from all walks of life to ride with him, even for just a few blocks. He made space for strangers to become companions, for conversations to become friendships, and for streets to become places where kindness flows.

At Trailnet’s Peloton Society Spring Social, we had the privilege of welcoming Naresh as our guest speaker. He, of course, arrived on his bike, beaming, humble, and ready to share his stories from the road. He spoke not only about the cause he rides for but also about what riding itself can do for us all.

“It’s not my adventure. It’s our adventure.”

That’s the mindset Naresh brings to everything he does, and it was clear in the way he addressed Trailnet members. In his words, in his presence, and in the way he welcomed every question during the Q&A, he reminded us what makes active transportation so powerful. “Slow travel” is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about what happens along the way.

“When you embrace that bicycle and walking, magic happens, and there is so much of that magic out there.”

Naresh named his tandem bike Kindness as a tribute to the people across the country who housed him, fed him, joined him, and cheered him on during his ride. And that kindness ripples outward. Through every mile, he was showing what’s possible when we slow down and make space for each other — on the road and in life.

“Vulnerability is the key to human connection.”
“When you bike or walk somewhere, there is a connection that happens… it’s because of the slow travel.”

Trailnet is honored to recognize Naresh as our June Trailnet Champion His story reminds us that advocacy, like cycling, is powered by people — by showing up, by asking, by trusting in the community to move forward together.

“If we don’t ask for what we want, we are never going to get it. And asking isn’t a one-time thing. We have to keep knocking on doors and asking until we get it.”

Thank you, Naresh, for showing us what it looks like to live with purpose, and for reminding us that every ride can be a ride toward something greater.