Bikes Over Bang’n was founded in 2013 by Kortel “Korta-T” Autrey with the goal to provide youth from low-income homes and single parent families, opportunities outside of their environments. He is a testiment to the importance of exposing at risk youth to alternatives, to help deter them from gangs.
Enjoy Kortel’s Bio below:
I was born and raised in the inner-city of Los Angeles; South Central/Watts to be exact. I was exposed to bikes when I was 4 years old by my father. I thought bikes were just recreational fun when I was a kid. At the time, I didn’t realize my father used bikes as a motivational tool to keep me on a righteous path. As a kid, it was difficult growing up in the inner city. My father worked a lot to help provide my brother and I with creative alternatives. I didn’t see my mom often. As an adult, I now understand the detremental effects of the crack epidemic. My grandmother raised me and provided the nurture that all kids need. My father, mother and grandmother were all instrumental in me becoming the man I am today. The phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child” is an understatement in the “hood”. As a youth, I developed a passion for peddle bikes, BMX bikes, motorcycles, dirt bikes riding moto and stunting in the streets. Growing up in the inner-city riding dirt bikes was not as tangible to my community at the time. Due to the lack of resources, people of color are not exposed to the same opportunities as others.
Our community loves the bike culture so we created our own, rode bikes in the street and developed stunt riding on another level. I was able to master the skill which helped me developed respect and relationships with different neighborhoods and gangs. At a young age I was very aware that the ability to stunt ride could be something truly awesome; something my community needs to help mend its brokenness. I began to teach my peers how to ride and stunt ride. I coordinated and hosted street rides, unifying gangs in our neighborhoods. Developing relationships and witnessing how dope people were from neighboring communities, I had a strong desire to create unity in our streets. That’s where the concept “Bikes Over Bang’n” was developed. I lost many close friends and family members from senceless gang and gun violence. I always saw a different path for myself and desire a different path for our youth. Once I began to see opportunities within the industry, I was able to capitalize on them to carry out my vision for our people. I began to coordinate music videos which brought income into the homes of the inner city.
I’m currently a Stunt-Rider and Driver through SAG-AFTRA. I have stared in Straight out of Compton, Bad Boys for Life, Gemini Man, Charm City, Fast and Furious Hobbies and Shaw, commercials, awards shows and music videos. I build custom bikes for people in the industry. I utilize the discipline I learned through the “bike life” for the industry. I have been nominated for a Taurus World Stunt Award for my stunt work for “Gemini Man” and “Fast and Furious Hobbies and Shaw”. I am currently mentored by Jalil “Jay” Lynch who is not only an amazing Stunt-Driver but a dynamic individual. I believe in the concept each one teach one.
My wife and son are very important aspect of my success. I met my wife in 2003 and we welcomed our brilliant son into the world in 2016. Everyone says I inspire my son to be like me, but in reality he inspires me to be the best husband, father, son, friend, mentor and Stunt-Rider that I can be. I use my passion for bikes, my experience and skills of riding bikes and relationships I have built along my journey to create opportunities for inner-city youth. I believe in teaching the youth discipline and learning how to recognize the value of being in the moment. I have developed a program that expose inner -city youth to every aspect of bike life and functions of bikes. I continue to use my exposure to bikes to give back to my program. I believe we need to light each others candles to grow within our communities.
