A bicycle tour of the Memphis Medical District is being organized by the Shelby County Health Department and their partners Explore Bike Share and the Memphis Medical District Collaborative.
The tour is said to take place on May 17 and start at 8 a.m. on the front lawn of 814 Jefferson Avenue. The event, celebrating "National Bike-To-Work" Day, is also a celebration of a new bike-sharing station at this location.
This station is brought to the area by Explore Bike Share, a Memphis non-profit that supplies e-Bikes.
“Explore Bike Share is truly excited to partner with the Shelby County Health Department to offer their staff members and the public this opportunity to exercise and learn more about cycling as an alternative way to travel,” said Anton Mack, Executive Director of Explore Bike Share.
A limited number of e-bikes will reportedly be available on a first-come, first-served basis during the event. The public is also welcome to bring their own bikes to join the guided tour, according to the health department.
This event also aims to highlight the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) — a community development organization working with institutions like the Shelby County Health Department to "strengthen the connections, communities, and campuses located in the district to create a more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable community."
“The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is proud to be a part of this effort to promote cycling in the Medical District,” said Rory Thomas, President of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. “The Medical District is more than just a great place to live and work. It is also a great place to visit, dine and shop. Biking is the perfect way to see all the amenities it offers while connecting our campuses and neighborhoods.”
“Cycling is an environmentally friendly way to travel, and a great form of aerobic exercise,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director of the Shelby County Health Department. “Regular cycling strengthens the cardiovascular system, promotes balance and coordination, increases muscle strength and flexibility, and reduces stress. The Shelby County Health Department is proud to promote cycling and Explore Bike Share with this guided ride through the beautiful Memphis Medical District. We hope the participants will consider cycling as a commute option to get where they need to go for work or play.”
For more information on the Shelby County Health Departments' goals, click here.
