BikeTexas partners with the NAACP on Southwestern Regional Conference Bike Ride 2011

On Saturday, April 2, 2011, the NAACP partnered with BikeTexas to host a bike ride for the 2011 NAACP Southwestern Regional Conference

The two organizations initially joined forces last October when the Texas NAACP organized a ride with BikeTexas in Killeen. BikeTexas has worked with Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) to organize many past bike rides. Senator Ellis has been a champion and author of many of BikeTexas’ bills including the Safe Passing and Complete Streets bills.

NAACP members responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to ride with their colleagues. BikeTexas’ fleet of 68 bikes was booked solid and many members were on the wait list. Even though the ride began at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday amid a steady drizzle, there was a strong showing and 53 riders left the hotel to take to the streets..

Senator Ellis addressed the group at the start on the importance of physical activity and good nutrition before embarking on his favorite activity – going on a bike ride!

Like many of BikeTexas’ VIP Bike Rides, this one took an easy course at any easy pace and showcased some great nearby bike infrastructure, with the goal of helping people remember the joy that bicycling brings.

The course covered a nearly 8-mile loop, with a stop halfway at TC Jester Park and the newly constructed path along the White Oak Bayou. Local cycling group Biking Babes assisted BikeTexas staff and Houston Bike Police accompanied the ride. Everyone spent time talking to old friends and making new ones while getting some early-morning exercise.

Even though some people hadn’t ridden a bike in decades, the group kept up a decent pace and no one was left behind. There was even a sprint by a few speedsters at the front to the finish!

BikeTexas hopes to continue the partnership with the NAACP and Biking Babes for future bike rides.