Night Riders is hardly the only group you can join if you're interested in bike riding. Mark Troxler is also involved in Critical Mass, a monthly event that takes place in nearly 300 cities. In other cities, the groups have been characterized as political-protest rides, though the Fort Worth chapter is relatively tame.
The leader of the local chapter, Bryan McKendry, who owns the bicycle shop Trinity Bicycles, said that he prefers that the Fort Worth rides be peaceful and that the riders act as representatives of the biking community as a whole.
"The idea is just getting people out in the city on bikes," he said, "being friendly and setting a good example. Critical Mass is kind of a dirty word in some towns. But we want it to be very nonconfrontational. It's not a protest. We're getting together and celebrating something we like."
You can find out more information about the group by searching for Fort Worth Critical Mass on Facebook.
There is also an all-woman ride, Bicycle Betties, which was created to encourage more woman riders. Melissa Green, one of the original Betties and an organizer, said that the group started organically. There were a few women who rode around together, and they eventually organized the group.
"There is a much higher level of comfort amongst women," she said. "It creates a supportive environment. Plus, hanging out with chicks is really fun." The group holds fundraisers, fitness rides, bake sales, museum visits, shopping trips and other activities. The core group of women has been riding together since spring 2011 and gets anywhere from 15 to 25 riders. You can find out more information about the group by searching for Bicycle Betties on Facebook.
