On January 20, 2010 BikeTexas opened its doors to the 24 volunteer ride leaders of Social Cycling ATX for a three hour training in leading rides. Eileen Schaubert of the Austin Cycling Association led the training with Stanton Truxillo, also of ACA, assisting. As their website states, “Social Cycling ATX is a place to find and start bike rides of all kinds in Austin Texas. It’s really that simple.”
Their regular Thursday night social ride has grown quickly, and often is attended by as many as 300 cyclists. A major concern of the leaders was to learn how to conduct a fun, safe ride where riders share the road with motorists. They see the importance of taking one lane and stopping at stop signs and lights. The training offered an opportunity for the leaders to learn the rules of the road, and now they will all have a strong base of knowledge to build on as they continue to conduct the Social Cycling ATX rides.