The actor from 'Stranger Things' is deeply understanding of teenagers facing difficulties and emphasizes the significance of forgiveness.

In the popular sci-fi series "Stranger Things," bicycles hold a sentimental significance. Similarly, they hold a special place in the life of one of the show's actors, Matthew Modine, outside of filming.

As a seasoned bicyclist in New York City, Modine was already comfortable in the seat when he took on the role of Greg Townsend in the new movie "Hard Miles." Directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna and produced by Blue Fox Entertainment, the film is based on a true story about a social worker who leads a group of juvenile convicts on a 1,000-mile bike ride from Denver to the Grand Canyon. The movie also stars Leslie David Baker, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Jackson Kelly, Jahking Guillory, Damien Diaz, and Judah Mackey, and features an appearance by Sean Astin.

""As a young boy, I always rode bikes to school," Modine shared with Planet Chronicle Digital."

Modine stated that although his bicycling abilities aided him in completing the film, the entire cast was learning how to tour together during the set.

Biking can be a great form of therapy for those struggling because it requires being "present."

"When riding a bicycle, it is crucial to be present, as our lives can easily become consumed by distractions such as dwelling on past mistakes or future plans. As he stated, "When you get on a bicycle and start riding, your thoughts can drift, and you can think about lots of different things. It does become kind of a meditation, but you have to be present.""

Townsend leads four young adults on a challenging bike ride from Denver to the Grand Canyon, where they initially complain but later bond and enjoy the journey.

As the young kids ride 762 miles from Denver, Colorado, to the Grand Canyon in 'Hard Miles,' the physical exertion helps them become more present. The farther they get away from Denver and the troubled home they may have come from, the eating disorder one of them is experiencing, the greater perspective they gain.

"Just like a horse with blinders, being preoccupied with past and future problems can limit our peripheral vision and prevent us from fully experiencing the present moment. By focusing on the present, we can pull those problems away and gain a clearer understanding of the world around us. So why not strive to be the best version of ourselves in this very moment?"

Townsend acknowledges that cycling has been instrumental in his personal healing journey.

In November, CBS News Colorado reported that Townsend, being a troubled kid himself, helped keep him on the straight and narrow.

He stated that the atmosphere, environment, experiential education, and physiological benefits of riding a bike can have a significant impact if desired.

Modine passionately argued that juvenile offenders should be shown compassion, citing his own experience as evidence of the importance of not allowing past mistakes to define a person's entire future.

"Empathy is essential for every child, as it is an exceptional trait. The age range for troubled youth is typically between 14, 15, and 17 years old. It is unfortunate to punish a child for their mistakes during their youth, as my grandparents used to say, 'there go you, but for the grace of God.'"

"If I had been judged for my mistakes in my youth, it could have hindered my progress in life. It's crucial for communities and society to acknowledge the mistakes we made as young people and provide support to children in similar situations, so they can move forward without the burden of those mistakes."

The actor emphasized the significance of forgiveness, stating that it is reflected in the very name of the penitentiary.

"Prisons were once called penitentiaries, but now the root of that word is penance. When we make mistakes, we go to a place to rehabilitate ourselves, learn, and do penance for our mistakes. We change our perception and vocabulary of the circumstances of those people and the mistakes they made. It's important to help people rehabilitate and move on with their lives, rather than continuing to punish them."

"He believes that 'Hard Miles' is a great example of how society can help young people who make mistakes and have goodness within them, rehabilitate and move forward in life. He thinks this is an important story."

"Like Grandma Ethel used to say, 'there go you,' but for the grace of God, and I'm not even religious," he chuckled.

Modine's two domains - cycling and acting - intersected during his time on "Stranger Things." Although he doesn't ride a bike in the series, his young co-stars evoke sentimental emotions each time they cycle together through the fictional city of Hawkins, Indiana.

"Watching 'Stranger Things' and seeing the kids riding bicycles is part of its appeal for young audiences today," he said. "The show's portrayal of the kids' freedom and adventure through bicycles resonates with young viewers. When I moved to New York City to pursue acting, I also used to ride a bicycle to all my auditions."

As an environmentalist, Modine founded Bicycle for a Day with the goal of "reducing his carbon footprint." The organization eventually evolved into a lobbying group advocating for a bicycle share program in New York City.

He remembered the event at the South Street Seaport where tens of thousands of people gathered for a cause, and Mayor Bloomberg presented him with a certificate and an official Bicycle for a Day proclamation.

Bicycling is a significant aspect of my life, as Modine gleamed with pride.

"Hard Miles" hits theaters April 19.