Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Beecham
Hi Tina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been connected to movement. Growing up in D.C., I spent my days outside—riding bikes, exploring the city, and feeling the kind of freedom that sticks with you. When I moved to San Antonio, that love for being active didn’t fade. Cycling became my way to reconnect—with myself, with community, and with purpose.
In 2016, while I was out enjoying Síclovía, Black Girls Do Bike found me. That encounter lit a spark. I’ve been leading the San Antonio chapter ever since, building a space where women of color and especially Black women feel seen, supported, and celebrated on two wheels. It’s not just about riding—it’s about representation, wellness, joy, and reclaiming our space in cycling culture.
That work led me to create Pedal SATX, a nonprofit rooted in advocacy, safety, and education. Through it, we empower youth and families—especially in underserved communities—to embrace cycling as a tool for freedom, health, and opportunity.
My journey hasn’t followed a traditional path—it’s been community-driven every step of the way. I believe in showing up, building from the ground up, and creating impact that lasts. Whether I’m organizing rides, speaking up for safer streets, or mentoring the next generation of riders, my goal is always the same: to keep the movement moving—boldly, loudly, and together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but that’s real when you’re doing community work and breaking barriers at the same time. I’ve faced being overlooked, underestimated, and having to constantly prove myself in spaces that weren’t built for people like me.
Starting and sustaining something meaningful, like leading Black Girls Do Bike: San Antonio chapter and founding Pedal SATX, takes a lot of heart and hustle—especially when resources are tight and you’re doing it for the right reasons, not the spotlight.
But I’ve learned to keep showing up, stay rooted in purpose, and let the impact speak. The hard parts just made me more focused and more fierce.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear a lot of hats, but at the core, I’m a community leader, cycling advocate, and educator. I lead the Black Girls Do Bike: San Antonio chapter, where I create space specifically for Black women, women of color, & all women to ride, build confidence, and feel seen in a cycling culture that has historically left us out. I’m also the founder of Pedal SATX, a nonprofit focused on bike advocacy, education, and safety—especially for youth and underserved communities.
I specialize in connecting people to movement—physically through bikes and emotionally through empowerment. I’m known for speaking up, organizing with purpose, and showing up consistently, whether that’s leading rides, building coalitions, or being at the table where decisions about our streets and communities are being made.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve made without waiting for permission. I didn’t wait for funding, a title, or a green light. I built community by being in community. What sets me apart is that my work is rooted in authenticity and lived experience. I’m not just advocating from the sidelines—I’m out here riding, organizing, and creating change from the ground up.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Absolutely. I’d just say this: representation matters—in every space, including cycling. Black women & women of color deserve to take up space, to ride freely, to lead boldly, and to be seen doing it. The work I do isn’t just about bikes—it’s about shifting culture, claiming joy, and creating safe, equitable communities from the ground up.
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in certain spaces, I hope my story shows that you do. And if you’ve ever wanted to start something meaningful—start where you are. You don’t need a title or a perfect plan. You just need heart, consistency, and purpose.
I’ll leave you with this quote that speaks to the core of how I lead and live:
“Don’t wait for someone to open the door. Ride through it, build your own path, and invite others to follow.” —Tina
Pricing:
- Community Rides with Black Girls Do Bike: San Antonio – Free
- Workshops, pop-up events, and community outreach programs – Often free or donation-based
- Partner with us: Email Blackgirlsdobikesa@outlook.com for collaborations, speaking engagements, or program support
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pedalsatx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgdbsatx?igsh=eDk4eHZ0MXo0a3Vl&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZbQMwftM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/pedal_satx?s=21&t=cfwC6sCt5uL1Nh5Rb1Mokw
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@bgdbsatx?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
