Henry Daily Herald

Special Photo Local leaders are inviting community members to take part in a community bike ride scheduled for Sunday, at 6 p.m., in Stockbridge. The rides, promoting health and wellness, are held each third Sunday of the month in the city.

As area residents pay tribute fathers this Sunday, local community leaders hope to inspire parents, and others, to maintain healthy, active lifestyles.

Henry County Board of Education Vice Chairman Erik Charles, along with Stockbridge City Mayor Lee Stuart, are teaming up to host a free bike ride Sunday, that will take riders on a course through Stockbridge neighborhoods.

“It’s a way to bring family together and do some physical activity,” said Charles.

Charles and Stuart began their monthly rides last fall as a way to engage families, and to promote among them healthy and active living. The child-friendly rides are held every third Sunday of the month.

“We don’t ride any faster than the slowest person,” said Stuart, who credits Charles with approaching him with the idea about a year ago.

The mayor said he hopes more families throughout the Southern Crescent will take part in the rides and other physical activities. He said a significant McDonough presence has already been felt at the monthly rides in Stockbridge.

“Not everybody is into cycling,” said Stuart. “By me doing it, it motivates some people to get out and exercise.

“It’s not competitive,” he added. “It promotes health and wellness.”

Sunday’s bike ride is free and open to the public, and will take area bicyclists on a leisurely five-mile ride through Stockbridge. It starts at Stockbridge City Hall, and will route through the city escorted by patrolmen.

Riders will meet at Stockbridge City Hall, located at 4640 North Henry Blvd., in Stockbridge. They will be escorted by police from the municipal parking lot, when the ride begins at 6 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear protective cycle helmets.

Organizers of the monthly bike rides note they are held at different times during the afternoons. To learn more, visit the Mayor’s Community Bike Ride web page at www.cityofstockbridge.com, or contact Charles at (678) 462-4670.