Our Team

Cailyn FitzGerald

I currently live in Wilmette and am a Senior at New Trier High School.  I have been leading Pedal Power since 2019 in partnership with my twin brother and since then we have donated over 5,000 bikes to hard working students in Chicago.  It takes only one person to make a difference and I am excited to expand our reach even further across the northshore and pass along the tradition.

Owen FitzGerald

I am a senior at New Trier High School and live in Wilmette. My journey with Pedal Power started in 2019 when my sister and I took over for Nicole and Bennet Basil, and since then, we have helped over 5,000 students get the bikes they need. I am eager to extend Pedal Power’s reach in the Northshore in order to help more kids!

Charlie Jacobs

I live in Wilmette and attend New Trier High School. I first became involved with Pedal Power in 2021 through Owen and Cailyn. I had come to their location to drop off a bike, but was amazed by how many donated bikes had been dropped off. From then on, I wanted to help as much as I could, and have since found how rewarding it is to see the hundreds of bikes we have collected — knowing they will be going to hard-working students in the city of Chicago. I hope to help Pedal Power continue to grow and benefit kids across areas in need.

Founders and Alum

Nicole and Bennett BasilNicole and Bennett started Pedal Power in 2008 in Wilmette, IL. They had no idea how big Pedal Power would become. They have both since gone to college, but are still involved in the project. Nicole is studying mechanical engineering and Bennett is studying computational biology.

Nicole and Bennett Basil

Nicole and Bennett started Pedal Power in 2008 in Wilmette, IL. They had no idea how big Pedal Power would become. They have both since gone to college, but are still involved in the project. Nicole is studying mechanical engineering and Bennett is studying computational biology.

Lauren and Grant Schleiter
Lauren and Grant became involved in Pedal Power in 2017. While they are both currently attending the University of Michigan, they stay involved as advisors to Pedal Power. Lauren is studying Biology with the hopes of becoming a doctor and Grant is studying Economics. Pedal on!