EVERYONE in the World presents: The Political Pedal! Hobnob with the bigwigs on a slow ride.

It looks like pretty much every bicycle organization in town is sponsoring this thing, but the real deal here is the fact that a bunch of people who you typically see at city council meetings or on public access in suits, ties and dresses are going to be riding bikes with a bunch of us citizens, talking about whatever's on our minds. Check out the details, including the after-ride fun times at Bike Texas HQ:

The Political Pedal is an annual Bike Month tradition for elected officials to participate in a leisurely bike ride with the cycling community. This year so far, we have RSVPs from Congressman Lloyd Doggett, State Representative Donna Howard, Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt and Austin Councilmembers Sheryl Cole and Laura Morrison.

We will gather at 4:45 PM on Austin City Hall Plaza for a few brief remarks, then leave at 5:00 for a leisurely 5 mile ride. The ride will end at the BikeTexas office (1902 E. 6th Street) for happy hour and refreshments.

This event has occurred each year with the participation of Austin City Council Members, Congressman Doggett, Travis County Commissioners, Chief of Police, Texas legislators, and bicycling advocates.

Please bring your bikes and join us for this traditional ride and show your support for advancing bicycle access, safety and education in Texas! We look forward to seeing you there!

Co-hosted by: Austin Cycling Association, League of Bicycling Voters, Austin Yellow Bike Project, Social Cycling Austin, BikeTexas

This annual bike event gives us cyclists some great access to several levels of city, state and federal government. If you're politically-minded (or just want to talk to people who are) you should swing by City Hall Plaza this Friday at 4:45pm and get in on the ride.