Seventy bicycle enthusiasts hit downtown Tampa recently for a Bike to Work Ride and Rally, shining a spotlight on Mayor Jane Castor’s transportation initiatives.
Bicyclists started in various locations of the downtown area, biking as far as five miles in groups.
In partnership with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership and Bike/Walk Tampa Bay organized the event.
Bike/Walk Tampa Bay is a regional coalition that includes advocates, citizens, professionals and other organizations that support making bicycling and walking the preferred modes of transportation throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Tampa Downtown Partnership is a not-for-profit that works to create a 24-hour urban center in the downtown area’s diverse neighborhoods. It promotes a shared vision for downtown Tampa, including transportation options for those who live and work in the urban core.
Mayor Castor’s transportation initiatives include expanding and linking the city’s trails and greenways, implementing a “Vision Zero” perspective into transportation projects and using technology to help with mobility issues. The mayor is also looking at expanding various transportation options, including safe ways to bicycle downtown.
All the participants were just happy to get out and bike together, said Karen Kress, Director of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. She said she typically organizes the event twice a year – in March for Florida bike month and in May for National Bike Month.
