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Meet Frankie, the Education and Community Manager for CreaTV San Jose, and an avid bicyclist. Frankie recently earned their ride leader certification, driven by their passion for bicycling and connecting people. Their goal: to spread the joy of biking and create memorable experiences.

In May, Frankie led a successful, huge group ride called "Roses to Reels." This collaboration between Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition and CreaTV San Jose, hosted in celebration of Bike Month, brought together diverse bicycling enthusiasts for a memorable day. The ride began with the blooming beauty of the Municipal Rose Garden, briefly stopped off for coffee and pastries at Nirvana Soul, and culminated in a screening of the Italian neorealist film Bicycle Thieves (1948) at the Open San Jose facility in Downtown San Jose.

Ride Leader Training gave Frankie the fundamentals to plan and execute a ride for the San Jose community. They learned how to plan a route, help folks do an ABC quick check, and lead a safe and fun ride through their local neighborhood.

*Frankie checks their hand brake — the second step of the ABC Quick Check demonstration.*

Frankie says, “What felt really special about this ride was that a number of people said this was their first time riding on large, busy roads. As someone who is an intermediate cyclist that bikes to work and for fun, it felt really special to help others use their bikes in ways they haven’t been able to before.”

As the ride leader, Frankie meticulously planned every detail. They set ground rules, kept the group together, and saw to everyone's safety and enjoyment. They led a fabulous demonstration on the ABC’s of bicycle safety checks, and kept spirits high from where they rode at the front of the group on the journey down Park Ave.

The movie screening of Bicycle Thieves added an extra layer of intrigue to the event. Inside the Open San Jose facility, participants were captivated by this classic Italian neorealist film, which explores the struggles and resilience of a man searching for his stolen bicycle. Many even stayed after the credits for an impromptu post-movie discussion about capitalism, community, and bicycle transportation.

Frankie's journey exemplifies the transformative power of becoming a ride leader. SVBC's Ride Leader Training, conducted by experienced League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors, equips you with essential skills in route planning, group management, and basic bike maintenance.

Other Ride Leaders, like long-time cyclist Sharlene Liu, say that this training also provides the tools to become more skilled riders. “It was through ride leader training that I learned about taking over the travel lane,” says Sharlene. “As a result of this training I now ride more confidently. It’s also a great feeling to be able to make a difference and increase ridership in our community.” Sharlene will be leading her next social ride on Saturday, August 12 on El Camino Real.

Join our bicycling community as a ride leader and help make memories for bicyclists throughout the Bay Area. Sign up for SVBC's Ride Leader Training this Wednesday, July 12, and take the first step towards becoming a ride leader. Together, let's pedal towards a brighter, more connected future.

Check out some highlights from this ride below!