SATX Social Ride
The SATX Social Ride happens every Tuesday at 7 pm sharp in San Antonio, Texas, meeting at the Hub MRKT, a local bike shop. This ride stood out from many social rides I’ve joined, primarily because they stop at almost all red lights and major stop signs. The ride leaders are adamant about fostering a cooperative relationship with the communities they ride through, setting clear expectations for participants. Here's an excerpt from their Instagram flyer:
"Remember WE STOP AT RED LIGHTS. We do not block traffic; we ride AS TRAFFIC. Stay in ONE LANE whenever possible. CALL OUT OBSTACLES for your fellow riders. Listen to your Ride Marshals, they are looking out for OUR own good! Ride with proper bike etiquette. Don’t cut anyone off, be aware, and call out vehicles. You know traffic rules, and they apply to bicycles."
I spoke with the ride leader, Jeff Moore, who explained that they’ve had issues in the past with local police regarding corking streets and running stops. Jeff and his team of marshals do an excellent job ensuring participants follow the rules to maintain a positive relationship with the community. I was impressed by how well the group, about 80 riders, adhered to these rules. I was especially struck by the number of riders calling out potholes and yelling “stopping” at lights and signs—something that’s less common on social or party rides.
As I travel and experience new bike communities, I’m fascinated by the different ways people balance the dynamic between bikes and traffic. In places like Portland, there’s often a "war on cars" mentality, but here in San Antonio, it was refreshing to see a more cooperative approach. This ride minimizes conflict with drivers, and even when we rolled through some stops, riders waved and thanked waiting cars, who were patient and peaceful.
San Antonio, much like Houston, has a rich diversity. The group ranged from people in their early 20s to late 70s, and at one point, they even sang “Happy Birthday” to a rider turning 79. Interestingly, many people drove to the ride start, filling up the parking lot and nearby streets, suggesting less of a commuter culture here. I also noticed fewer bikes on the streets compared to other cities. Riders were on mountain bikes, hybrids, fixies, road bikes, and I, of course, was on my cargo bike. The ride itself is a loop—flat, casual, and accessible to all levels.
As for the vibe, the ride leader and marshals were warm and friendly, but as an openly queer person, I didn’t feel equally welcomed by all the riders. San Antonio, with its more conservative culture and strong military presence, gave me some mixed feelings. While some interactions were positive, at times the looks (or lack thereof) made me question my welcome. However, I did meet a few other queer folks and some amazing artists on the ride.
I also learned that this ride, which once had up to 300 participants, has seen a noticeable drop in numbers since COVID. Interestingly, Jeff mentioned that this isn’t due to a lack of interest, San Antonio has actually seen a rise in bike ridership, but rather the growth of new rides. With more rides happening almost every day of the week, the SATX Social Ride is now one of many choices.
There are also rumors of talks about new leadership and possibly monetizing the ride, but I don’t have much concrete information on that. I hope that’s not the case, as I’ve seen attempts to monetize community rides negatively affect their spirit. While this is just one of many rides in San Antonio, I hope it continues to grow and welcome new riders for years to come.
The Official Pink Tag Review?
The ride itself was pleasant and enjoyable. The route is smooth and accessible to all skill levels, offering a great tour of the city. The ridership was diverse and mostly friendly, and the ride leader and marshals were very kind. While the ride promotes a safe and inclusive environment, I hope the culture will continue to evolve and welcome everyone more fully in the future.
