LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Mayor Jerry Abramson today announced that the popular Hike & Bike events will continue in 2007, with a first installment set for Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, beginning at 10 a.m. at Waterfront Park.

Four prior Hike & Bike events have drawn thousands of cyclists and walkers who have joined the mayor on scenic routes through downtown, historic neighborhoods and scenic parks.   The events are part of the ongoing Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement, created to encourage Louisville residents to be more active and make healthier lifestyle choices.

Abramson was joined at a news conference today by Jared Fogle - the sandwich-eating, weight-losing spokesperson for Subway Restaurants, which has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 2007 Hike & Bike series.

"We're grateful for Subway Restaurants' partnership to help us continue and grow these events that are helping our citizens get out and continue a fitness regimen or start a new one," Abramson said.  "I hope the Hike & Bike is becoming a Memorial Day tradition for many of our residents who enjoy active lifestyles."

As part of its sponsorship, Subway Restaurants will give away seven Trek 820 bikes at the Hike & Bike.  To register, visit www.LouisvilleKy.gov/CommunityRelations.  Subway Restaurants also will promote the event in its television advertising during the weeks leading up to Memorial Day.

The Hike & Bike cycling route will highlight various Louisville amenities, beginning at Waterfront Park and progressing south through Old Louisville, the University of Louisville, tree-lined Southern Parkway, scenic Iroquois Park and back.

The complete bicycle route is approximately 15 miles, with several turnoffs available providing alternate routes as short as two miles.  There also will be optional routes on the hills of Iroquois Park for cyclists looking for a challenge.  For walkers, a 2.5-mile "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, as well as "bike doctors" along the way 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.

The Waterfront Park starting and finishing point, near the "Dancing Waters" feature on Witherspoon St., will feature a health-fair atmosphere with nutritional snacks, music and several informational booths providing tips on cycling safety, bicycle commuting and other healthy-living information.  In addition, free children's activities will be provided. The first 1,000 to attend will receive a free T-shirt.  A limited number of bicycle helmets, lights and reflective gear also will be given away.