I don’t always take part in fashion shows – but when I do, my bike is with me.
Okay, so Friday morning was my first experience on a runway. But from what I’ve seen of others, this show was certainly more laid back. I got to wear comfortable shoes, jeans, and a helmet for the 19th annual Walk & Roll Rally held in Main Plaza. Other models carried their children, wore a suit and tie, rode a foldable bike, and donned butterfly wings to show the crowd that riding a bike doesn’t have to involve spandex – though there also were some great examples of modern, professional cycling wear as well (see photo gallery above).
Though not officially in the fashion show, the Wild Dawgs bicycling group’s presence was especially welcome as their custom frames, vintage bikes, and Spurs flags always draw a crowd – and attention to the joy of riding.
The event also reminded me that I need to buy a helmet. The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which organizes the awareness effort, was kind enough to let me borrow one. They give out free helmets as often as they can.
The crowd gathered in front of San Fernando Cathedral and the Municipal Plaza building early Friday morning received fresh fruit, juice, bike safety gear, and tunes from DJ Adolfo to celebrate National Bike Month in San Antonio. Every year, the Alamo Area MPO puts on a show to promote alternative transportation – be it walking, jogging, biking, skateboarding, roller skates/blades, or taking the bus – for a healthier population and environment. In recognition of Bike Month, VIA Metropolitan Transit is giving free rides to passengers that load up a bike on bus bike racks, said VIA President and CEO Jeff Arndt.
Mayor Ivy Taylor delivered the day’s official proclamation of National Bike Month and reminded the audience that simply walking to a bus stop or biking when going to work or when running errands can help people meet their weight loss goals.
“Healthy transportation options also keep our environment healthy and since ozone season starts on April 1 and runs through October, we all have a role to play to keep our air clean,” Taylor said.
After the ceremonies and fashion show, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff led a group ride to Mission Espada in the Southside which enjoyed perfect weather on the Mission Reach. A fitting way to spend the first day of Bike Month.
*Featured/top image: Green Spaces Alliance Executive Director Julia Murphy waves to the crowd during the 19th annual Walk & Roll Rally. Photo by Scott Ball.
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