Wheels Up Guns Down event hosted by Chilly-O in Atlanta

ATLANTA — An Atlanta artist is working to combat gun violence with a monthly initiative that keeps kids active.

Chilly-O, known for its work in arts and entertainment, introduced BMX cycling to youth in the metropolitan area. He hosted a “Wheels Up, Guns Down” event Sunday, in which a group of about 80 to 100 people walked through the historic Fourth Ward skate park to Northside Drive. Participants at Sunday’s event included teachers, mentors and mental health professionals.

“We’re just making a statement across the city about how we can better engage with young people and how young people can better engage in the city,” Chilly-O told 11Alive.

BMX – short for bicycle motocross – can be an exciting sport for many, and Sunday’s event was one part of a larger movement aimed at helping young people stay out of trouble.

“It’s a (monthly) program to get kids away from the mischievous things that we all know kids do and engage them in something more positive, and that positivity lies in the culture cycling and BMX,” he said.

His organization, The Invisible Army, also helps kids get their first professional BMX bike; Chilly-O helped provide 75 bicycles to the city’s youth.

“Shout out to Chilly-O because he made sure a lot of us had good bikes and he really helped us out,” said Carter Leslie, one of Sunday’s participants.

Chilly-O said the organization receives positive feedback during its hikes.

“It’s like when we go through our neighborhoods, especially on the west side – we haven’t reached the east side yet – people are cheering us on,” he said. “It’s a positive thing for the community. More than that, it’s inspiring. So these kids have the skills and the ability to control these bikes, and we’re just trying to grow this sport.”