Imagine you’re sitting outdoors on University Boulevard one evening. Suddenly a chorus of bike bells, conversation and laughter fills the air.
A virtual sea of bicycles – dozens, even hundreds – coast by, riders smiling and chatting as they disappear into the darkness, red taillights blinking.
Looks like fun!
The diverse, ever-changing population of the loosely organized weekly event known as Tuesday Night Ride thinks so. Bounded by little more than a meeting place and a self-enforced code of conduct, these nocturnal pedalers are all about having a two-wheeled good time.
Tuesday Night Ride’s peaceful participants champion recreation and cooperation, though automobile drivers are momentarily inconvenienced by the large pack of bikes. This laid-back, neighborly approach attracts new people to the fun, amicable bunch of folk whose only agenda is to enjoy life.
That’s not to say Tuesday Night Ride hasn’t had run-ins with the law. In 2007, as the weekly rides grew in popularity, the Tucson Police Department responded to complaints by ticketing, warning and monitoring riders by using a heavy contingent of motorcycle officers and a paddy wagon. However, it quickly became obvious that cyclists were behaving civilly and could be trusted by the police.
Kalyn Stalinski, 27, has been a part of Tuesday Night Ride since its beginning. He says the ride is “respectful of traffic” and focuses on “camaraderie,” combining two of his main interests – bikes and friends.
Stalinski is quick to agree with Mountain Bike Hall of Famer Gary Fisher’s sentiment, “Anyone who rides a bike is a friend of mine.”
Our interview ends quickly: it’s time to ride. We’ll zip down Fourth Avenue, across Congress Street and over the Diamondback Bridge before we cross paths again.
The ride meets every Tuesday at the flagpole near Old Main on the University of Arizona campus around 8:30 p.m. Lights and helmets are encouraged. Check out: Tuesday Night Ride Facebook
