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A ride along the Jordan River helps Salt Lake City’s mayor promote alternative transportation

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski biked to work with an entourage of residents and city employees Thursday as part of the annual Mayor’s Bike to Work Day.

A police escort assisted with the crossing of busy streets as the mayor rode a bike provided by the nonprofit bike share program, GREENbike.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski is joined by Police Chief Mike Brown, members of the public and city employees on Thursday, May 16, 2019, as part of the annual Mayor's Bike to Work Day.

“Mayor’s Bike to Work Day is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy a beautiful spring morning on two wheels,” Biskupski said. “There has been a renaissance along the Jordan River and this year’s ride will show all that has been accomplished and what we can continue to do with smart investments.”

Biskupski and the city’s transportation division select a route each year to highlight bike paths in neighborhoods across the city.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People ride across the new 120-foot arch bridge that connects the north and south sides of the trail between 200 South and North Temple, as part of Salt Lake City's Bike to Work Day.

This year’s ride began at the Northwest Recreation Center and ran primarily along the Jordan River Trail in an effort to show off the investments the city and others have made to the area. A 120-foot arch bridge was completed in late 2017 and connects the north and south sides of the trail between 200 South and North Temple.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Cyclists joining the mayor’s Bike to Work Day ride past the old Fisher Mansion and carriage house, which are situated along the Jordan River Trail.

The $7 million bridge is adjacent to the Fisher mansion and carriage house. Biskupski earlier this month recommended an investment of $1 million to restore the house into a nature center and recreation outpost.

See more images from Thursday morning’s ride below. Keep up with our photographers by following The Salt Lake Tribune on Instagram.