The City of Akron has announced closings of streets to make way for the LeBron James King for Kids Bikeathon, Saturday, June 24.
The event, featuring a number of NBA stars as well as dozens of corporate teams and hundreds of eager cyclists from around Ohio will start at 11:00am in front of Canal Park stadium.
Friday afternoon, June 23, South Main Street in front of Canal Park will be closed at 5:00pm for the construction of the starting line and will remain closed through the Saturday Bikeathon.
Saturday, access in and out of downtown will be maintained on Market and Exchange/Cedar streets, but drivers may find traffic slowed or detoured in some areas. The Akron innerbelt (Route 59) between Interstate 77/76 and Howard Street will be shut down eastbound (going in to Downtown Akron) from approximately 8:30am to 1:00pm.
Other Traffic Changes include the following:
- South Main Street will be closed between Cedar and Mill streets, 6:00am - 2:00pm
- Eastbound traffic on Mill Street will be detoured, 9:30am - 1:00pm
- Through traffic will be maintained at all times on Broadway and High Street, although some lanes will be closed
- Through traffic on West Market Street will be maintained at all times, although only one lane will be open westbound.
- Southbound lanes on Rhodes Avenue, between West Market and Copley Road will be closed to traffic, from approximately 11:00am to 1:00pm. Northbound traffic will be maintained on Rhodes Avenue.
- Through traffic will be maintained northbound on Edgewood Avenue, but southbound lanes will be closed, from approximately 11:00am to 1:00pm. Detours will be posted to the Akron Zoo.
- Vernon Odom Boulevard will be closed between Raymond and Locust streets, from approximately 11:00am to 1:00pm. Westbound traffic will have access to Route 59 westbound.
The 11am Bikeathon will be preceded by a special Children's Bike Ride at 9:30am for 300 youngsters selected by administrators from Akron's Recreation Bureau, the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, and the Akron Public Schools - - children selected for their demonstration of character.
There is a $25 registration fee to participate in the Bikeathon. Children from 12-14 can also participate if accompanied by an adult (aged 21 and over). All riders must wear a helmet and are encouraged to raise at least $100 in pledges to receive additional prizes. Individuals and teams can participate and LeBron James will present awards to those who raise the most money.
Registration information is available at each First Merit bank branch, the city's 13 recreation centers, Akron Area YMCA branches, and the Akron Urban League. Riders can also register online at www.lebronfoundation.org.
The Bikeathon benefits the James Family Foundation and the Akron Area YMCA and Akron Urban League.
|
