Tour De Lights Dazzles Downtown with Holiday Cyclists

Refusing to let frigid temperatures cool their holiday spirit, nearly 700 bicyclists paraded through downtown Knoxville and nearby neighborhoods in the seventh annual Tour de Lights bike ride on December 12.

Riders, and their bikes, were decked out in holiday costumes and provided a moving light show for spectators along the route.

The crowd gathered downtown at 6 p.m. for bike safety checks and judging for the costume contest. For the first time, city streets were closed to traffic during the ride, which circled from Market Square through the Old North Knoxville and 4th & Gill neighborhoods and then returned to the Square for treats and the awards ceremony.

"We had such a tremendous crowd last year that the Knoxville Police Department suggested we apply for a parade permit and close the roads this year," said ride coordinator and transportation planner, Kelley Segars. "It certainly made everyone safer, and the participants enjoyed being able to ride together and interact with spectators along the route without encountering motorized traffic."

In addition to bringing a festive spirit to the event, costumed riders and bikes were also vying for prizes and bragging rights.

The 2013 Tour de Lights winners are:

Best costume(adult): Jacquilla Gillette, the Angel
Runner up: Michelle Montgomery, Snow Woman

Best costume(child): The Elf from the Farragut Unicycle Club
Best bicycle/trailer: Julianne O'Connell, Christmas in July

Best helmet: Randy Darnbush, candle helmet
Runner up - Red Tree from Fa La La La La group

Best group: Reindeer and Santa Group
Runner up - Fa La La La La group

Best all around: Wes, Drew and Jessica Breitenbach, Reindeer and Ms. Claus

The Tour de Lights has become a tradition of Knoxville's Christmas in the City celebration and draws riders from all over the region. Many thanks to the City of Knoxville, Downtown Knoxville, the Knoxville Police Department, sponsors, and volunteers for making this year's ride the best yet. Photos of the event can be enjoyed at www.knoxtrans.org/tourdelights.