This year’s Ride for the Westside brought together 435 participants, all moving with purpose for a brighter future for the historic Westside. Hosted by the Westside Future Fund (WFF) and Quest Community Development Corporation (Quest CDC), the event offered something for everyone, featuring an 11-mile bike ride, a 5K race, and a walking tour of the historic Westside. With family-friendly activities and games awaiting participants at the finish line, it was a fully inclusive day of fun, fitness, and community spirit, ensuring all ages and skill levels could take part in the excitement.
Participants gathered early in the morning of September 28, energized and excited for the ride, run, and walk courses that stretched through the heart of our historic community. With the sun rising over some of the most iconic Westside landmarks, it was a perfect day for friends, families, and supporters to hit the streets in support of a shared cause—revitalizing and restoring the Westside community.
Purpose Behind the Movement
The event goes beyond fitness. It’s about creating lasting change in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods. Each step, pedal, and stride taken during the Ride for the Westside helps raise critical funds for the WFF’s mission of securing affordable housing, fostering economic stability, and preserving the heritage of the Westside.
Participants, from seasoned athletes to first-time walkers, came together with a shared passion for supporting a community rich in historical significance. Along the route, they passed iconic landmarks such as the homes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, while witnessing firsthand the remarkable progress in revitalizing blighted properties. These once-neglected areas have been transformed into high-quality, affordable housing for individuals and families with deep ties to the Westside—those who live, work, and learn in the community.
Highlights from the Day
The day was filled with notable moments—from kids beaming with pride as they crossed the finish line to community leaders sharing their stories of how WFF’s programs have impacted their lives. Many participants took advantage of the opportunity to explore areas of the Westside they may not have known well, gaining a deeper connection to the neighborhoods they were supporting.
Among the notable attendees were Westside residents, local business owners, and even members of the broader Atlanta community, all rallying behind WFF’s vision. Whether participants chose the scenic cycling route, the invigorating run, or the leisurely walk, each had the opportunity to connect with their surroundings while championing a worthy cause.
A Lasting Impact
The funds raised through Ride for the Westside will directly support the initiatives of WFF and Quest CDC, including affordable housing solutions and wrap-around community support services.
With every mile traveled, participants not only enjoyed a fantastic day of fitness but also made a lasting impact on the future of the Westside. This community-focused event is more than just a ride, run, or walk—it’s a demonstration of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal.
The Westside Future Fund extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and sponsored this year’s event. Your involvement is essential to our efforts to transform Atlanta’s historic Westside into a community that Dr. King would be proud to call home.