Ride On! Cheers to a Successful Season and Safe Biking Year-Round
As presenting sponsor of Portland Sunday Parkways, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is thrilled with the record-setting attendance at this year’s rides, and thankful to everyone who participated in the Passport to Health Sticker Hunt. Thanks to all of you who completed your passports, we raised $5,000 for the Community Cycling Center’s Bike Club for kids!
“It was definitely the best Sunday Parkways season yet,” said Molly Haynes, Community Health Director for Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest region. “The weather was great for every ride, people were smiling and laughing, exploring new neighborhoods, playing games and taking home freebies like our solar eclipse glasses. We overheard so many people say they loved playing the sticker hunt and knowing they were helping children earn bikes.”
Combined attendance at this year’s five rides was over 100,000. “It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying being active together,” said Haynes. “Our partnership with Sunday Parkways began as an effort to help people improve their health and well-being through increased physical activity, and we really saw that come to fruition this year.”
Sunday Parkways may be over for the season, but you can still enjoy riding and reap the health benefits of cycling in cooler months. “Bike lovers are fortunate to live in Portland because the climate allows us to ride almost all year, as long as you take a few extra safety precautions,” said Dr. Rowena Manolo, Chief of Family Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Northwest.
“Start by being prepared with layers of bright, reflective clothing to keep you warm and dry, and a hat and gloves to protect your extremities,” said Dr. Manalo. “Have a bike shop check your tires to make sure they’ll get good traction, and use extra bike lights and a helmet to keep you safe.”
“Check the weather forecast ahead of time and avoid riding if conditions are poor. And if snow and ice prevent you from riding outdoors, stationary bikes are a good indoor alternative that will keep you in shape and ready to ride at Sunday Parkways next spring. See you there!”
Karen Vitt