Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike: Memorial Day

After being named one of the best cities for biking it's only appropriate that the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike & Bike event be right around the corner. Mayor Jerry wants you to be more active people and I'm with him on that plan.

Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike & Bike

Memorial Day, May 26 10 a.m. at Waterfront Park

Starting point is near the "Dancing Waters" feature on Witherspoon St.

Booths with cycling information, bicycle assistance and healthy snacks available.

Four bands from Mom's Rockschool will perform from Noon - 2 p.m.

On-street parking is available near Waterfront Park. All TARC buses are equipped with bicycle racks for cyclists who want to leave the car at home.

The Hike & Bike cycling route will highlight various Louisville attractions and historic locations, beginning at Waterfront Park and progressing west to the Portland neighborhood, along tree-lined Northwestern and Southwestern Parkways, though Shawnee Park and back to Waterfront Park.

The complete bicycle route is approximately 15 miles, with several turnoffs available providing alternate routes as short as two miles. For walkers, a "Mayor's Mile" loop will be marked in Waterfront Park.

The cycling route will be marked with signage and include several break stations staffed by volunteers to assist with directions and water. In addition, the Louisville Bicycle Club is providing "bike captains" to help cyclists obey the rules of the road, and "bike doctors" will be along the route to assist cyclists who might encounter equipment problems. Louisville Metro Police will provide traffic assistance at key intersections and the Louisville Metro EMS bicycle team will patrol the route.

Abramson said live music is being added to this year's event, compliments of Mom's Rockschool. Four bands with youth ages 8 to 18 will perform after the Hike & Bike from 12 - 2 p.m.

A healthy marketplace with nutritional snacks, music, free children's activities and several informational booths will begin at 9 a.m. at Waterfront Park. A limited number of free T-shirts will be available and the Brain Injury Association will distribute 350 bike helmets to riders who don't have one. Instructors from Jazzercise will help get participants going by leading warm-up and stretching exercises prior to the biking and hiking.

Subway Restaurants will distribute 2,500 gift cards at both the Memorial and Labor Day events. Each gift card, valued at $2.20, upgrades a regular sub purchase to a "Fresh Value Meal" by covering the cost of a drink and chips.