Join the Community Bike Ride for the Greenways on Sunday

This Sunday, local residents will strap on their bicycle helmets and put their pedals to the metal—figuratively speaking—for this year's community bike ride.

The ride, which this year starts and ends at the , is meant to show participants ways they can bike around the Apple Valley and Rosemount communities.

Riders of all ages will meet at the zoo's Puma parking lot to take off at noon Sunday, either for an 11-mile family ride, or a 30-mile road ride for more experienced riders.

Snacks will be provided before and after the ride, as well as at a rest stop in Rosemount. The ride ends back at the zoo's Puma lot.

Beyond exposing the community to local biking routes, Ride for the Greenways also will raise money for the North Creek Greenway project. The greenway is meant to provide a place for recreation like biking, walking and skating, areas for wildlife habitats, places for foot traffic to cross major roads and ways to clean water runoff.

Some of the 14 miles planned for the trail, which will go from Eagan to Empire Township.

The North Creek Greenway is part of the county's long-term plan for 200 miles of trails and greenways in the county. Maps, renderings and more information about the greenway are available on the project website for Dakota County's greenways, including the Rosemount and Vermillion Highlands greenways.

Register for Ride for the Greenway before Sunday online on the Valley Bike & Ski website, or register on site the day of the ride. The cost is $12 per person or $20 per family.

Anyone who pre-registers for the ride will receive a  will receive a swag bag with many fun items and treats to take home.

Helmets are required for all riders.

Sponsors of the ride are Bike Friendly Apple Valley, , HaveFunBiking.com, the City of Rosemount, Dakota County and the City of Apple Valley.