ST. GEORGE — Check the air in your tires and grab your bike helmet.
The St. George Police Department, in collaboration with the St. George Active Transportation Committee, is celebrating National Bike Month by hosting the 3rd annual Roll With Patrol Community Bike Ride on Monday, May 6, at Crosby Family Confluence Park, 1953 S. Convention Center Drive.
Festivities begin at 5:45 p.m. with the main ride starting at 6:30 p.m. The course travels along the scenic Mayor’s Loop, spanning 5.3 miles of the Virgin River Trail. Members of the Police Department’s ECHO Unit will lead the ride.
“Roll With Patrol is such a fun event showing off St. George’s incredible system of trails,” said Lloyd Sutton, Active Transportation coordinator for the city of St. George, in a news release. “Every time I’m on the Virgin River Trail, I’m amazed by the gorgeous scenery and the comfort of being able to bike for miles without crossing a road. This event highlights the importance of our community’s commitment to promoting active transportation and fostering a culture of wellness.”
Roll With Patrol is open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. No registration is required. Additionally, a shorter 1-mile out-and-back option will be available for those seeking a more leisurely ride.
Attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments including hot dogs, chips and drinks while testing their skills on a cone course starting at 5:45 p.m.
Several partner organizations are joining in the Roll with Patrol effort:
- St. George Bicycle Collective will be on-site to help inflate tires and provide any last-minute, minor mechanical support.
- Southwest Utah Public Health Department will hold prize drawings.
- Utah State University Extension and the Healthy Dixie Committee will be present with the “Bike Blender” — creating a smoothie powered by you.
- Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance has information regarding local bicycle advocacy efforts and is hosting an aid station along the course.
The city of St. George has 73 miles of paved trails along its trail system. Buoyed by the voter-approved Trails, Parks and Recreation General Obligation Bond, the city has plans to add 11 new trails or trail connections over the next several years.