The seventh annual Neighborhood Bike Ride, sponsored by the City of Knoxville and organized by the Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program, will be held on Saturday, October 20.

The 11-mile tour - which highlights the Parkridge, Holston Hills and Burlington neighborhoods, Chilhowee Park, the Knoxville Zoo, Speedway Circle, and Knoxville Botanical Gardens - will begin at 9 a.m. at Ashley Nicole Dream Playground in Caswell Park."This is a great way for Knoxville residents to exercise while exploring some of the historic neighborhoods and amenities that Knoxville has to offer," said Mayor Bill Haslam.The Knoxville Zoo is offering $2 off admission to bike tour participants on Saturday. Free bicycle parking is available at the zoo.There is a shorter, five-mile option for families with younger children.

Participants on the shorter route will ride to Chilhowee Park and back to Ashley Nicole Dream Playground for pizza. The Zoomobile will be on site in Chilhowee Park to greet bicyclists.Helmets are required for all riders participating and bottled water is recommended. The 11-mile route is not recommended for young children. However, children capable of riding an 11-mile tour with hills and who understand street safety are welcome.

Bicycles with at least seven speeds are recommended for our Knoxville terrain.Free parking is available at Ashley Nicole Dream Playground, located at 620 Winona St. Free pizza will be provided at the end of the bike ride.For more information, call Kelley Segars at 215-3815 or visit www.knoxtrans.org .