LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Get your outdoor gear ready! Mayor Greg Fischer's Hike, Bike & Paddle event is back for the 17th year in a row.
Last year's event was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, but this year, the event will be held in person at Waterfront Park with social distancing measures to keep participants safe.
This Memorial Day, thousands of people are expected to participate in the event, which will feature three different routes for hikers, a 15-mile route for cyclists and a new route for those paddling. Interactive maps for the event will be available online soon.
“One of our city’s goals is to make Louisville a healthier city. That’s been especially challenging for the last 14 months. But that means the need for many of us to get out and get moving is greater than ever,” Mayor Greg Fischer said
Sponsors of the event, Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Norton Healthcare, say it's the perfect time to get outside and have some fun with friends and family.
It will also be an opportunity for participants to get the COVID-19 vaccine. LouVax will be on hand to provide vaccinations. While appointments are not required, those who wish to get the vaccine will need to provide their name and date of birth.
The event will kick off at 8 a.m. on May 31 with Yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba on the Great Lawn. Hiking, biking and paddling activities will start at 9 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles as there will not be a refill station this year. Coca-Cola will provide bottled refreshments following the completion of an activity.
The first 2,000 participants will receive a T-shirt.
The following roads will be closed on Monday, May 31:
6 am - 4 pm
- Witherspoon Street from Brook Street to River Road
- Witherspoon Street from Campbell Street to Clay Street
- Clay Street from Main Street to Witherspoon Street
- Shelby Street from Main Street to Witherspoon Street
- Campbell Street from Main Street to Witherspoon Street
- River Road from Preston Street to Witherspoon Street (canoe/kayak lane on westbound River Road - open from Orange Lot to Green Lot)
- Floyd Street from Washington Street to Witherspoon Street (access will be allowed for Waterfront Park Place residents)
- Preston Street from Market Street to Witherspoon Street
6 am - 1 pm
- Witherspoon Street from First Street to Bingham Way
- Brook Street from Witherspoon Street to Jefferson Street
- Market Street from Floyd Street to Southwestern Parkway
- Ramp from Interstate 64 westbound to Third Street
- Ramp from Interstate 64 westbound to 22nd Street
- Southwestern Parkway from Shawnee Park Road to Market Street
- Northwestern Parkway from 33rd Street to Shawnee Park
- Southwestern Parkway from Shawnee Park to River Park
- Floyd Street from Market Street to Washington Street
The following streets will be no parking areas on Monday, May 31:
1 am - 4 pm
- Witherspoon Street from Second Street to Preston Street
- Washington Street from Second Street to Preston Street
1 am - 1 pm
- Floyd Street from Witherspoon Street to Market Street
- Brook Street from Witherspoon Street to Main Street
- Market Street from Preston Street to Southwestern Parkway
- Northwestern Parkway from 33rd Street to Shawnee Park
- Southwestern Parkway from Shawnee Park to River Park
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