Sunday Parkways is a favorite annual event for many Kaiser Permanente employees who embrace healthy, active Northwest lifestyles. Dr. Rowena Manalo, Chief of Family Medicine, has enjoyed many rides with her family, and is particularly excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary.

“My daughter is 10 years old, and we’ve seen her grow through a decade of Sunday Parkways,” said Dr. Manalo. “She started off riding in a bike trailer, graduated to a trailer bike, very slowly completing the route with training wheels, to now being a fully independent rider who sometimes speeds ahead of us!”

As presenting sponsor of Sunday Parkways, Kaiser Permanente and its employees put health and safety first, so Dr. Manalo says she especially appreciates how safe the rides are for families. “We have a sense of security riding on the routes with young kids, and not having to worry about cars. The community volunteers and neighbors we pass are always very welcoming. We’ve been able to explore and appreciate different parts of Portland, and the kids love the fun freebies along the way, like T-shirts and bike bells. They’re especially excited about this year’s scavenger hunt.”

While Dr. Manalo usually rides with her family, she often enjoys bringing friends along for the ride. “It’s been great to ride and hang out with friends, and take our lunch break together to sample some of the great food trucks along the way. I’ve often recommended the event to patients and colleagues, especially those new to the area. It’s a great way to get active on the weekend with family and friends.”

With five different ride routes each year, Dr. Manalo has seen ‘em all. “My favorite route has been the Southeast-Lents ride. We enjoyed the cultural events and dances put on by different communities, and there was a pretty cool beginning BMX trail set up as well.”

In addition to her favorite Southeast route, Dr. Manalo and her family are also looking forward to the brand-new route in Outer Northeast Portland this year. “There is a wonderful sense of community on the Sunday Parkways routes, and we’re looking forward to exploring a new part of Portland!”