The Lawrence Community Bike Ride is Saturday, and it’s an opportunity for casual and beginning bicyclists to ride together along a scenic trail.

The Lawrence Community Bike Ride is Saturday, and it’s an opportunity for casual and beginning bicyclists to ride together along a scenic trail.

There are three rides to choose from, and they start at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, 5100 W. 27th St., near the Youth Sports Complex. They travel along a concrete path that is in a car-free environment. They are:

• Ten-mile ride. It begins at 8 a.m. and travels west to the edge of Clinton Lake and then north near Rock Chalk Park and back.

• Three-mile ride. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and travels west to the Clinton Lake overlook and back.

• One-mile ride. It loops around the pond at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum and is available between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Other activities from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. include:

• A Training Wheel Takeoff. Experts will help children who are ready to take off their training wheels in a safe environment.

• Safety Zone. The Rotary club will offer free bike helmets and a helmet fitting for children. For the first time, it also will offer free safety vests for adults and children. Both helmets and safety vests will be available while supplies last. There also will be a bike checkup and maintenance area.

• Kids Zone. There will be an inflatable playground for children.

The event is free, open to anyone and draws about 100 participants each year.

Steve Lane, chairman of the Community Bike Ride and member of Lawrence Central Rotary Club, which organizes the event, said the club is excited this year’s event coincides with the Tour of Lawrence, which is a three-day event that draws athletes from across the region to compete in races.

“There will be a lot of bicycling enthusiasm in Lawrence this weekend, and we’re happy to be part of the mix,” Lane said. “Our hope is that more people discover cycling as a fun and healthy activity.”

Lawrence resident Erika Dvorske participated in the bike ride two years ago with her son, Nicholas, who is now 13, and they opted for the 3-mile route.

“As we were riding home, my son said he wanted to do the long ride next time,” Dvorske said.

This year, they plan to do the 10-mile ride, and Nicholas’ sister, Renee, 9, will join them. Dvorske said they’re looking forward to exploring a trail that will be new to them.

“It’s fun. My daughter loves it when the wind blows through her hair,” she said. “It always surprises my kids how far they can go.”

Bonnie Uffman, 70, also is looking forward to participating in the bike ride, especially, she said, because it’s not for super fast bicyclists like herself.

“I like being outdoors and active,” she said. “I am going to show support for any cause that supports safe trails for people of all ages and abilities.” She typically cycles along the Burroughs Creek Trail in East Lawrence, where she lives. She said riding along the trail on the west side of town would be a new adventure for her.

Lawrence resident Ali Edwards, 27, has participated in the bike ride with her friends.

“It’s a great way for families and friends to spend a morning and to encourage healthy behaviors,” she said. “It’s also a great way to get youngsters used to riding on the road with others. The more we can encourage bike riding in our community — the better.”

Participants are required to wear a bicycle helmet and are encouraged to bring water and wear sunscreen. There will be healthy snacks available.

If it is raining Saturday, the ride will be Sunday at the same times.

In addition to the summer ride, the Rotary Club will host a fall 3-mile Community Bike Ride at 10 a.m. Sept. 17. The ride begins at Haskell University’s stadium parking lot and travels along the Burroughs Creek trail and back.

For more information about the summer and fall Community Bike Rides, visit RideLawrence.com.

— Karrey Britt is communications coordinator at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.