When restrictions to help curb the spread of the coronavirus began in Virginia, concerns arose about the need for exercise for people with certain medical conditions and those looking to maintain their health.

The Urban Cycling Group has built a unique niche in these uncertain times, guided in part by co-founder and executive director Kyron Copeland.

UCG was founded in May after Mr. Copeland and three others shared online their experiences during the pandemic biking on the Virginia Capital Trail. That led to an unexpected amount of interest that evolved into a group chat and social media posts and the organization of UCG.

Its first organized group ride Memorial Day weekend attracted 20 cyclists. The next ride attracted 50 cyclists.

Today, UCG has been able “to inspire so many people to engage in cycling and to participate within the community for positive change,” Mr. Copeland says.

UCG does this through weekly “Ride With Us” events around the city and shorter, specialized social rides, including rides in partnership with others such as BareSOUL Yoga and Pedal Power.

So far, UCG has sought not only to promote biking and healthy living but social justice issues and causes. It held a ride during Juneteenth and Father’s Day weekend in conjunction with R&B singer Trey Songz, a Petersburg native, in support of Black Lives Matter.

The group also hosted a ride in honor of the late Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by Louisville, Ky., police in her home in March. That event was with the group Angry Black Female.

Mr. Copeland says UCG plans to continue this kind of awareness-raising and advocacy in the future.

As the group’s volunteer executive director, Mr. Copeland focuses on technology, event planning and the logistics of cycling because riders have to consider proper equipment for the rides and the need to ensure that COVID-19 isn’t transmitted during these events.

Looking ahead, Mr. Copeland says among the strategic goals for UCG is to grow membership by 100 people by March and to host a cycling event in the city next year.

Already, UCG is set for its next social ride on Saturday, Aug. 8, in Washington.

UCG riders will join members of We Ride DC for a Black Lives Matter Ride For Justice.

“Together, we will ride in solidarity against racism, social injustice and systematic oppression,” according to UCG’s website. The cyclists also will visit Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House.

Mr. Copeland says cycling has opened his eyes to the city, even as it boosts his health and well-being.

“I’ve been living here all my life,” Mr. Copeland says, “and some of the places I’ve seen on a bike trip in the last six months I’ve never seen in my life living in Richmond.”

Meet health and community advocate and this week’s Personality, Kyron Copeland:

Date and place of birth: Nov. 12 in Richmond.

Current residence: Henrico County.

Education: Bachelor’s in computer science-information systems, Norfolk State University; master’s in sports leadership-sports management, Virginia Commonwealth University; and master’s in information systems-IT management, VCU.

Family: Loving and supportive wife of nine years, Tangela Copeland, and two wonderful kids, son Kyron Copeland Jr. and daughter Chandler Copeland.

Occupation: IT business relationship manager-government programs.

No. 1 volunteer position: Co-founder and executive director of the volunteer organization, Urban Cycling Group.

When and why founded: In May 2020 to encourage family, friends and others to exercise outdoors in a low-risk environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Names of other founders: Damon Thompson, James Bennett IV, Michael Wiggins, Rafeeq Akbar and Derrick Rippy.

Urban Cycling Group’s mission: Connecting urban communities to cycling while providing resources to improve fitness and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Why I am excited about this group: We have been able to inspire so many people to engage in cycling and participate within the community for positive change.

To become a member: Anyone who wants to become an official member of Urban Cycling Group can go to our website UrbanCyclingGroup.org, click on membership and sign up.

Next group cycling activities: We have weekly rides called “Ride With Us” that travel through the city of Richmond. However, our next social group ride is on Aug. 8 in Washington.

My first bike riding lesson: When I was 5 years old.

Who taught me to ride: My father taught me how to ride a bike.

When I ride: I am able to free my mind and focus on cycling. Cycling in the morning helps me clear my mind in preparation for the day ahead. I typically ride at 6 a.m.

Longest cycling excursion: Forty-two miles to date, with a goal to complete a 50-mile ride before Sept. 1.

Typical length of UCG rides: “Ride With Us” rides are 18 to 30 miles. For social rides, no more than 12 miles.

Dress for cycling: Bright and active Dri-Fit-type clothing.

Cycling benefits: Cardiovascular fitness, major calorie burn, mental relaxation, social engagement and a way to escape the world for a moment.

Safety taken while cycling during COVID-19: Wear a mask or covering over your face when not actively riding; limit face-to-face conversations; and on regular rides, not social rides, groups are broken down to decrease the number of people riding at once.

Why I enjoy cycling: I enjoy exercising, the social aspect, exploring the city, setting goals and obtaining them. I truly enjoy going downhill as fast as I can.

What new cyclists will gain from joining: An all-inclusive group that has a wide range of cycling experience. Members can network and enjoy cycling with people in the community. Cyclists will gain access to tools and resources that benefit their health and wellness. Members can get involved in community outreach events.

Good place to ride starting out: The Virginia Capital Trail.

View of Richmond becoming a more bike-friendly city: I’m excited about Richmond becoming more bike-friendly. I think people will be inclined to ride their bike to work, to the gym or to a friend’s house. I cannot wait until the new 40-mile trail is completed that runs from Ashland to Petersburg.

Gear needed for nighttime cycling: Lights, lights, lights, bright reflective clothing and more lights. You really want to be seen at night. You also want to have your cell phone with you in case of an emergency.

How I start the day: Thinking about how Urban Cycling Group can increase membership and still do meaningful things in and for our community.

Three words that best describe me: Sociable, analytical and patient.

Kindergarten taught me: That labels belong on crayons and not people.

Books that influenced me the most: “Letters to a Young Brother” by Hill Harper; “Leading with the Heart: Coach K’s Successful Strategies for Basektball, Business and Life,” by Mike Krzyzewski and Donald T. Phillips; and “One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams” by Chris Fussell and Charles Goodyear.

What I’m reading now: “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr.

My next goal: To improve fitness of riders to reduce health issues; obtain 100 members by March; host a cycling event in Richmond in 2021; and establish two major corporate partnerships to further our mission by May.