Megan Lysowski is at the forefront of a movement to achieve equitable transportation through electric bikes and boundless determination. As the Executive Director of FEAT (Fostering Equitable Access to Transportation), Megan is at the forefront of a movement that believes empowering mobility lifts everyone. With a career deeply rooted in education and a profound passion for community, Megan is dedicated to ensuring that walking, biking, and accessible housing are not just urban ideals, but tangible realities that build strong, inclusive communities from the ground up.
We had the opportunity to speak with Megan, whose journey reflects a powerful blend of heartfelt service and strategic advocacy, offering a refreshing perspective on how local initiatives can ignite global change.
The Personal Path to Purpose: A Journey Fueled by Community
Q: Tell me a bit about yourself and what led you to this point in your career, especially your passion for transportation and community work.
Megan’s path to leading FEAT is a testament to the power of personal conviction. “My passion for transportation began not as a grand career plan, but from my daily life,” she explains. Having grown up in suburban environments where driving was the norm and public transport was scarce, she intimately understood the frustrations of limited mobility. “Roads felt dangerous, and I often found myself in situations where moving around felt challenging.” Her perspective shifted dramatically when she began to rely on buses and, eventually, discovered the joy of walking and biking.
Her journey into direct community involvement, however, was born from a pure desire to contribute. “I was an executive director but I did no paid work at FEAT for two years,” Megan reveals. “It was simply to give back to the community.” This period of dedicated, unpaid service laid the groundwork for FEAT’s impact. “A lot of hard work went into teaching people, donating e-bikes, giving helmets, and pumps.” Her initial passion for biking as a teacher naturally evolved into a broader commitment to transportation advocacy, recognizing its profound impact on individuals’ lives.
FEAT’s Mission in Motion: Bridging Gaps, Building Independence
Q: FEAT aims to improve transit mobility through e-bikes in the Lehigh Valley. Could you elaborate on some of the key challenges FEAT addresses in this area, and what specific initiatives or programs are you most excited about implementing to achieve your goals?
FEAT, though still in its “baby stages” having officially begun in January 2023, is already tackling significant challenges in the Lehigh Valley. “Our biggest challenge, like many NGOs, is funding,” Megan states, emphasizing their reliance on donations and grants. They actively host fundraising events, accept donations, and continually apply for grants to sustain their mission.
Despite the funding hurdles, Megan is incredibly enthusiastic about their core initiatives. “We recently got an e-bike grant, which was the culmination of a year of hard work,” she shares. Beyond the bikes themselves, FEAT provides essential safety gear and training, fostering confidence and independence.
Megan highlights the critical support she receives from her team. “Chris is my e-bike mechanic partner, and Jackie is my e-bike battery manufacturer partner,” she says, underscoring the collaborative effort. She candidly admits to initially experiencing “imposter syndrome” when advocating. “It took practice and repetition, but talking to people and building connections has become much easier.”
Advocacy for a Global Future: From Local Streets to Sustainable Cities
Q: Beyond the local impact of FEAT, how do you see the work of advocating for walking, biking, and more housing contributing to broader global efforts for sustainable urban development and addressing climate change?
Megan sees a direct correlation between local advocacy and global impact. “Our efforts are deeply connected to street safety,” she explains, noting the stark reality of around 40,000 traffic-related deaths annually that could be prevented. “Access to technology, like e-bikes, is a crucial part of public health.” Globally, improved traffic safety is paramount, and reducing carbon emissions by encouraging people to opt for biking as transportation is a significant contribution to climate change efforts.
Q: As an advocate for transportation and housing, what do you believe are the most important international collaborations or knowledge-sharing opportunities that could help accelerate the shift towards more walkable, bikeable, and livable cities globally?
While Megan’s immediate focus is local, her work inherently lights on the principles that resonate globally. The critical exchange lies in sharing successful models of community engagement and the practical implementation of e-bike programs. Lessons learned about grant acquisition, volunteer management, and direct community training, like FEAT’s, can inspire and inform similar initiatives in diverse urban landscapes worldwide, accelerating the global shift towards greener, healthier cities.
Leading with Strength and Focused Commitment
Q: What do you consider your greatest strengths, and how do you believe they will contribute to your success in a role like this?
Megan identifies her greatest strengths as her ability to understand team strengths and strong teamwork. “I truly believe in the strength of the team”. She affirms, highlighting her commitment to effective collaboration through consistent communication via text and email, and weekly team meetings. This collaborative spirit ensures everyone is aligned and working towards shared goals. She also emphasizes her self thrush and commitment, vital qualities in navigating the complexities of an evolving non profit.
Q: What are you looking for in your next professional opportunity, and how does it align with your goals?
For Megan, personal and professional goals are deeply intertwined. Her strategy for moving forward is one of focused progress. “I can get overwhelmed, so I focus on one month first, then think about six months, then a year”, she explains. The pragmatic approach ensures that she remains grounded and effective. “It’s about doing the best one thing at a time.”
A Future on Two Wheels: Empowering the Lehigh Valley, Inspiring the World
Megan Lysowski embodies the belief that “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Through FEAT, she has built a powerful movement that turns electric bikes into vehicles of hope by delivering independence and driving environmental progress.
Megan’s work radiates the confidence that a greener, healthier future is not just possible, but it’s inevitable when we act with purpose and determination.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 6:33 pm by Sonal Gramopadhye | Published by: Sonal Gramopadhye on Friday, August 1, 2025 8:08 pm | News Categories: News
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