WalkWise Tampa Bay joins Tampa BayCycle to walk and bike safely

USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research Takes on Pedestrian Safety in WalkWise Tampa Bay

Tampa, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2010) – With the Tampa Bay area leading the nation in pedestrian injuries and fatalities, the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) and the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven have joined forces to educate walkers and promote pedestrian safety in a new community initiative, WalkWise Tampa Bay.

Over the next year, approximately 400 free presentations will be made to community groups, neighborhood associations and in local workplaces in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties promoting safety techniques that can save the lives of pedestrians. Julie Bond, a senior research associate with CUTR, is coordinating the effort under a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation.

In 2008, 11.1 percent of pedestrians and 17.4 percent of bicyclists killed in the U.S. died in Florida, which has six percent of the nation’s population. The 15-minute presentation that provides pedestrians with easy-to-remember safety tips and encourages them to share safety methods with others is designed as a grassroots effort to empower pedestrians to protect themselves.

“Everyone is a pedestrian at some point during their day- whether they are taking a walk, walking to school or just walking from their car in the parking lot,” Bond said. “This is information everyone can use.”

Each attendee to the safety workshops receives a WalkWise Tampa Bay reflective bag after the presentation and is named to a growing list of WalkWise Ambassadors. The hope, Bond said, is that if local residents can walk safely and reap the environmental, financial and health benefits of walking, they will do so.

Among the projects that are part of WalkWise Tampa Bay is the Gulf Boulevard flag program, which has created new safety measures for pedestrians. Walkers at cross walks can use a large flag highlighted with reflective tape to help better alert drivers to their presence; when they are finished crossing the street, the flag is left in a holder at the intersection for the next pedestrian. Three hundred flags are located at more than 30 crosswalks along the Pinellas beach communities with plans for eight additional locations.

Additional information on WalkWise Tampa Bay can be found at http://WalkWisetampabay.com/.

Members of the media interested in attending a presentation to a community group should contact Julie Bond for information on dates, times and locations of upcoming WalkWise events.

Tampa BayCycle Co-Founder Presents on Panel during ProWalkProBike Conference 2010

The Pro Walk/Pro Bike® 2010 conference takes place this week in Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 13-16, and will have a wide-ranging program focusing on everything from basic bike/ped planning to sessions covering the latest design manuals in sessions led by national experts. The conference theme is Bringing Livable Communities to Scale—a timely theme considering how Federal agencies like DOT, EPA, HUD, and HHS are now beginning to coalesce their efforts under the umbrella of livability.

Julie Bond, Tampa BayCycle co-founder is part of a panel presentation set to take place on Tuesday, September 14.

Get out of Your Neighborhood and Into the Public Square - Tips and Strategies for Using Social Media
They say it’s the new public square, a cyber gathering place where relationships are grown. But it’s a scary new world and difficult to know where to begin. This session will discuss when, where, how and if social media is right for your organization; what steps are appropriate and how to be sustainable in your efforts. The panel will demonstrate ways use various platforms effectively and with proven results.
CM Credits 1.5

Moderator:
Kelley Segars, Principal Planner, Knoxville TPO

Speakers:
Ginny Sullivan, Special Projects Director, Adventure Cycling
Rebecca Serna, Executive Director, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition
Julie Bond, Research Associate, Center for Urban Transportation Research

Independence from Oil and Bicyclist Safety Day

For immediate release
Contact:
Jose Menendez
813-598-1031
linksmaster@netzero.net

TAMPA, FL (Aug. 9, 2010) — Last week BP finally succeeded in plugging its blown-out oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. Sealing the well, however, won’t repair the massive environmental damage that has been done to the Gulf, and it won’t solve the other problems related to America’s addiction to oil. To emphasize that fact, and the fact that bicycle commuting has never led — and never will lead — to oil spills that foul our oceans and beaches, local cycling advocates, joined by Tampa BayCycle (http://www.tampabaycycle.com/) and SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers — http://swfbud.blogspot.com/), have declared Sunday, August 15, 2010, “Independence from Oil Day 2.” Like the first Independence from Oil Day this past 4th of July, the goal is to promote the environmental (and other) benefits of using bicycles for transportation. This one, however, will be much larger, a true Tampa Bay area event, featuring simultaneous rides starting from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa, USF’s Tampa campus, Coachman Park in Clearwater, and the Pier in St. Petersburg.
All the rides will start at 8 a.m., but participants* should arrive at the starting points no later than 7:45 a.m. Since the theme of the event is “independence from oil,” participants are encouraged to ride their bicycles from home to the starting points. To find more bike-friendly routes, people can use the bicycle directions feature on Google Maps —http://maps.google.com/biking. (See page 2 for specific ride nformation
and links to route maps.)
While the organizers of this event believe strongly in the benefits of bicycle commuting, the recent tragic death of retired admiral LeRoy Collins Jr. is a stark reminder of the risks. Therefore, we have also declared August 15th “Bicyclist Safety Day,” and we call on both local and state governments to make Florida’s roads safer by adding more bike-friendly infrastructure, such as bike lanes, multi-use paths and trails, sharrows, and “share the road” signs. We also call on the media to help keep pressure on government officials to make our roads safer. And we ask them to help raise public awareness by doing more reporting on the issue of bicyclist safety, rather than just reporting the latest traffic fatality or injury. For instance, they could remind their viewers and readers of the 3-foot passing law and that motorists need to watch out for cyclists and pedestrians before making turns. Finally, since knowledge is a cyclist’s best protection, the organizers will offer some printed copies of bike safety literature to the participants of each ride. (The supply is limited, however.) We also urge cyclists to make use of bike safety resources on the internet. One of the best is the Florida DOT’s online
version of Florida Bicycling Street Smarts (http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/ped_bike/brochures/pdf/index.htm).
Tampa BayCycle (http://www.tampabaycycle.com/) has links to many other resources.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to make the roads totally safe for bicyclists and pedestrians — or for motorists. Accidents will always happen. Our hope, however, is that by working together, government, media, and advocates can help prevent some needless injuries and deaths in the future.
SPECIFIC RIDE INFORMATION
Downtown Tampa Rides. Starting place: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., 33602. Pace: 12-14 mph.
The shorter ride will be about 11 miles long and will go down scenic Bayshore Blvd. to Ballast Point Park, then
head back to downtown. Contact: Karen Kress, 813-221-3686, KKress@tampasdowntown.com.
Route map: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/tampa/910127732519235986
The longer ride will be about 24.5 miles long and will also go to Ballast Point Park, then west on Gandy Blvd. and across the Gandy Bridge, turning back after reaching the Pinellas side. Contact: Margaret Shepherd, 813-254-8882,
shema711@verizon.net.
Route map: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/tampa/733127732460144652
(Thanks to City Bike Tampa, — http://citybiketampa.com/ — 212 E. Cass Street, for its generous support in offering to provide some refreshments for the participants of the downtown Tampa rides.)
USF Ride. Starting place: Near the Botanical Gardens, 12210 USF Pine Dr., Tampa, 33620. Pace: 12-14 mph. This
ride, led by the USF Bicycle Club, will be about 21.5 miles long and will go to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa, then head back to USF. Contact: Jessica Brenner, jlbrenne@mail.usf.edu.
Route map: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/tampa/793128130001740510
Clearwater Ride. Starting place: Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., 33759. Pace: 10-12 mph. This ride will be about 18.6 miles long and will go to the Pinellas Trail, head north on the trail to the Honeymoon Island spur trail, west on the spur trail across St. Joseph Sound to the entrance of Honeymoon Island State Park, then head back. Contact:
Chip Haynes, 727-464-8200, chaynes@pinellascounty.org.
Route map: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/clearwater/191128096290555604
St. Petersburg Ride. Starting place: The Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, 33701. Pace: 12-14 mph. This ride will be about 28 miles long and will go up to Gandy Blvd. and head east across the Gandy Bridge, turning back after reaching the Hillsborough side. Contact: Jose Menendez, 813-598-1031, linksmaster@netzero.net.
Route map: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/st petersburg/905128129874436590
In case of rain in the area on the morning of the 15th, the rides will be rescheduled for a later date.
*All participants in this event assume responsibility for their own actions and safety. By participating,
they agree to absolve all organizers and sponsors of the event of all blame and liability for any harm, injury, or loss that may result from participating in the event. All bicyclists must wear a bicycle helmet and ride a bicycle in good operating condition. They are also encouraged to bring spare inner tubes, snacks, and plenty of water.

Tampa Independence from Oil Day

For immediate release
Contact:
Jose Menendez
(813) 598-1031
linksmaster@netzero.net

INDEPENDENCE FROM OIL DAY
TAMPA, FL (June 26, 2010) – The massive oil spill catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico is only the most glaring example of the dangers of America’s unquenchable thirst for oil. With images of the ongoing disaster on TV every day, the environmental (and other) benefits of using bicycles for transportation have never been clearer.

Bicycling is a clean, sustainable mode of transportation that produces no pollution. It’s also fun, practical,especially for shorter trips, and it improves health and fitness. By using bicycles, people can save a lot of money annually on gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, etc. Most importantly, using bicycles doesn’t require that billions of barrels of oil a year be pumped out of the ground and shipped around the world — with the constant risk of a disastrous leak or spill.

To encourage people to try bicycle commuting, local cycling advocates, joined by SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers), have declared Sunday, July 4, 2010, “Independence from Oil Day.” To declare their own independence, people should leave their motor vehicles at home that day and use bicycles (or walk) to get around. To help celebrate the day, there will be two “Declare Your Independence from Oil” bicycle rides, starting that morning from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Ashley Dr. (between Zack and Twiggs Streets) in downtown Tampa. Both rides will start at 8 a.m., but riders should try to arrive at the park between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m.*

The shorter ride will be about 11 miles long and will go down scenic Bayshore Blvd. to Ballast Point Park, then head back to downtown.
Route map for short ride: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/tampa/910127732519235986The longer ride will be about 24.5 miles long and will also go to Ballast Point Park, then west on Gandy Blvd.
and across the Gandy Bridge, turning back after reaching the Pinellas side of the bridge.

Route map for long ride: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/tampa/733127732460144652
Declare your independence this 4th of July, and help free yourself and your
country from its costly and dangerous addiction to oil.
(Since the theme of the event is “independence from oil,” participants are encouraged to ride their bicycles from home to downtown Tampa. To find a more bike-friendly route to get there, people can use the bicycle directions feature on Google Maps — http://maps.google.com/.)

*All participants in this event assume responsibility for their own actions and safety. By participating, they agree to absolve all organizers and sponsors of the event of all blame and liability for any harm, injury, or loss that may result from participating in the event. All bicyclists must wear a bicycle helmet and ride a bicycle in good operating condition.

Letter sent to Governor Crist from the Florida Bicycle Association regarding HB971, Crist signed the Bill

May 17, 2010

The Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor of Florida
The Capitol, Suite PL05
Tallahassee FL 32399

Dear Governor Crist:

The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) has serious concerns about House Bill 971, and respectfully requests your veto of the bill. Our members are not merely bicyclists, but also bicycle and pedestrian planners, traffic engineers, and bicycle safety educators, and we have identified a number of problems with the mandatory bicycle lane use amendment, as well as with allowing local governments to permit certain types of motorized vehicles on sidewalks and trails. FBA was unfortunately not included in discussions about these amendments.

The mandatory use of bicycle lanes poses a number of significant safety and legal problems for cyclists. Many members of the general public, as well as some law enforcement officers, already have a poor understanding of the existing law and of the real safety needs of cyclists. Current law requires bicyclists to drive as far right as practicable, but includes a number of exceptions that are in-practice very common on our streets and highways. Such misunderstandings already lead to unwarranted citations, as well as to harassment by motorists that will only be aggravated by the new law; any cyclist to the left of the bicycle lane stripe will be deemed a law-breaker by those with an incomplete understanding of the law.

There are also many roadways with striped (but undesignated) areas that do not meet bicycle lane standards, but that many motorists and law enforcement officers (as well as many bicyclists) believe to be bike lanes. Bicyclists driving outside of such areas will not likely be cited for violations, but will likely suffer harassment by uninformed motorists. Such harassment is the primary deterrent to cycling for many people.

There are numerous bike lanes around the state that do not meet Florida Green Book standards, and these facilities pose significant risks to cyclists. Bicyclists who avoid such lanes will be put in the position of defending themselves against unwarranted citations to officers and judges who do not understand the standards. One should not have to defend oneself for driving a vehicle in a safe and defensive manner.

Pairs and groups of bicyclists will be required to travel single-file on roadways with designated bike lanes, even when traffic volumes are low and passing is easy. They will not be so restricted on roadways without bike lanes.

The law permitting local governments to enact ordinances to allow motorized vehicles on sidewalks may not in practice pose problems for many pedestrians, but we feel it sets a bad precedent. Vehicles belong on roadways, not on sidewalks. We should be focusing on making our roadways safer for lower-speed vehicles instead of moving them into pedestrian areas.
Florida’s bicyclists wish to be part of the solution for many of our states challenges. Florida Bicycle Association is working hard to ensure cyclists understand the safest ways of using our roadways. HB 971 will make the law and its enforcement more complicated, not less, and will make cycling less safe and enjoyable.

Sincerely,



David Henderson
Board President

cc: Chuck Drago, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor

Tampa Bay area honored by state bicycling organization

Tampa BayCycle, under the direction of Julie Bond, New North Transportation Alliance at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, and Karen Kress, Tampa Downtown Partnership, has been honored as Program of the Year by the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) at its annual awards ceremony during the recent ProBike/ProWalk Florida Conference, held in Lakeland, FL.
In 2007, the New North Transportation Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership, co-organizers of Tampa BayCycle, created an initiative to encourage commuters to cycle to work, school or play during the month of May, which is National Bike Month. Tampa BayCycle brought together people who believe that riding a bicycle benefits everyone from individuals to the entire community. Bicycle commuters save money and gas, stay fit, reduce traffic congestion and most importantly have fun. It was the first year that a bicycling initiative of this scale was held in the Tampa Bay area and it won a Creative Excellence Award from the International Association for Commuter Transportation. Tampa BayCycle was also named as one of the Green 100 by Creative Loading during 2009. Efforts are funded in part by the Florida Department of Transportation, New North Transportation Alliance, Tampa Downtown Partnership and various sponsors including bicycle shops and other private businesses. Tampa BayCycle also relies on volunteer hours contributed from the cycling community.
The campaign continued to grow over the next 3 years, adding new elements and partners as well as participants. The new website has dramatically helped create an awareness of the now year-round campaign and a Facebook page and Twitter are also utilized. During 2010, Tampa BayCycle successfully celebrated Florida Bike Month in March with plans for activities during National Bike Month during May. Safety courses, group rides and other events brought the community together during March.
Jim Shirk, of Tampa, was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.
Jim is a citizen member of the Hillsborough County Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and stands up for everyday bicyclists. He volunteers for every bicycle event in the Tampa area such as the Bicycle Bash festival and the Tampa BayCycle commuter program. As a member of the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club, Jim creates a bike route map for the Seminole Heights Home Tour, one of the most popular home tours in Tampa. He can be seen at numerous bike rodeos like the event at the Children’s Gasparilla Parade in February, and then he’s working the downtown Tampa Crit bike race in March. Jim’s tireless energy motivated him to drive to and from Tallahassee for the 2nd Annual Florida Bike Summit April 8 to lobby his local state legislators. Jim is a selfless bike advocate who does and act - not just talks. As an engineering consultant, Tampa resident and 66-years young, Jim does more bicycle activities than people half his age.
Representing the other side of the bay, the Pinellas County MPO Bicycle Advisory Committee, chaired by Tom Ferraro, was recognized as Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the Year.
The Pinellas County Bicycle Advisory Committee was the original group to start the Pinellas Trail program 20 years ago by advocating the conversion of a 34-mile rail corridor into the Pinellas Trail. Because they were a standing committee of the MPO, they were able to advocate and support the follow-up funding for trail overpasses and filling in trail segment gaps with enhancement funds and CMAQ funds. The BAC successfully negotiated use of the power company corridor for the Progress Energy Trail, a corridor 20 miles long on the east side of the County. The committee developed the Pinellas Trail Loop plan which is a 75-mile loop connecting all destinations in the county by trail including as the spine, the existing Pinellas Trail and the Progress Energy Trail which has been approved by the MPO and is on the Rails to Trails Conservancy website. The group plans to complete this project within 10 years.

The committee has also supported the recognition and implementation of bike lanes throughout the county initiated 10 years go with a special joint workshop with the County Commission and MPO. The committee has been very active with respect to educating the public concerning safe cycling. It has a close partnership with the MPO's Pedestrian Transportation Advisory Committee on common issues such as bike /pedestrian crossings of roadways. Most recently, the committee has been involved with FDOT in the redesign of Gulf Blvd. In summary, the Pinellas County Bicycle Advisory Committee serves as a role model for how to engage the public and agencies in a positive way to further bicycling as an integral part of our livable community.

Lastly, Rebecca Afonso, of Oldsmar, has been honored as Special Recognition of the Year.
After participating in the initial Florida Bike Summit in 2009 Becky provided valuable input and suggestions on ways the event could be improved. In the months leading up to the 2010 Summit, Becky visited Tallahassee to research and nail-down lodging options, meeting sites, and bike routes. She was even able to gain access to showers at a church near the capitol for cyclists who rode to the Summit. She also provided time and energy towards analyzing several pieces of legislation Summit attendees would be supporting. Her insight and organizational skills helped make FBA’s second Florida Bike Summit an overwhelming success and she is already working on the 2011 edition. Her volunteer work continued throughout the 2010 ProBike/ProWalk Florida conference as a logistical expert. All in all, Becky is a go-to person and is happy to take on a challenge.
The FBA annual awards are presented to worthy recipients for their contributions to bicycling, to bring attention to the efforts and achievements of groups, organizations and individuals that help deliver the FBA's mission to inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well being through bicycling. "These awards are just a part of FBA's work on behalf of Florida's bicyclists," said Laura Hallam, FBA executive director. "Through its annual Florida Bike Summit in Tallahassee during the legislative session, ProBike/ProWalk Florida conference and its local chapters including Bike/Walk Central Florida, FBA works to improve the legal landscape for bicyclists. “Our organization also strives to make bicycling a safer alternative for more and more Floridians through education and safety programs and the "Share the Road" campaign, which includes the proceeds generated by Share the Road specialty license plate sales that helps support our efforts."
The FBA was incorporated in 1997 in Orlando for educational and charitable purposes and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Through its many educational tools, hands on training programs, literature, communication tools and annual events, FBA has raised awareness for everyone who rides a bike. FBA envisions a state where people of all ages see bicycling as a normal, practical and safe transportation alternative and where drivers of motor vehicles respect and appreciate the presence of bicycles on the roadways. FBA is supported by membership dues and grants for safety education for both bicyclist and motorist awareness programs. Find out more online at www.floridabicycle.org.
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Call Governor Crist

This is taken from a posting on Commute Orlando's blog:

HB 971 Bad for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

Unbeknownst to Florida Bicycle Association, a mandatory bike lane use provision was included in the Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles bill. The bill also allows local governments to permit mopeds, golf-carts and other motorized vehicles on sidewalks and trails.

Call Governor Crist as soon as you can to ask him to veto this bill. Executive Office of the Governor Switchboard: (850) 488-7146

If you’re on Facebook, post the link to this blog post to spread the word!


Why it’s bad for bicyclists:

Motorists who learn of the bill will have one more very strong excuse to harass cyclists who “aren’t in the bike lane.” There are many striped-off areas of roadways that are not really bike lanes, but some believe they are. They will also likely be ignorant of all the exceptions to the law (because they’ll hear it second hand) and even if they read it in full, they won’t understand many of the good reasons cyclists need to leave bike lanes.

The bicyclist outside a bike lane is put in a defensive position and must prove his or her innocence. Many bike lanes are substandard in width, force cyclists into door zones, or are improperly placed to the right of right-turn-only lanes, but many officers don’t understand these problems.

Motorists get another new excuse when they hit a cyclist: “He left the bike lane.”

Why it’s bad for pedestrians:

It’s bad enough that pedestrians have to suffer parked cars blocking sidewalks, being blasted by sprinklers, sidewalk bicyclists who don’t announce themselves when passing, and thousands of other nuisances, now they’ll have to share stretches of sidewalk in some jurisdictions with motorized vehicles. Local governments will be able to permit mopeds, golf-carts, motorized scooters and other vehicles which don’t belong on sidewalks and on “bike paths.” The law limits such vehicles to 15 mph, but how will that be enforced?

It’s time for Florida’s bicyclists and pedestrians to send a strong message: “We will not be marginalized.”

Please call now!

UPDATE:

The bill also allows drivers who have had up to four DUIs to get their licenses back. From a Jacksonville TV station:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you get four DUI’s in Florida, you could lose your driving privileges. However, if passed, a bill would allow drivers with four DUI’s to get their licenses back.

The driver would have to go through a program, which includes educational classes and installing a breathalyzer in his or her vehicle. The device is called Life Safer Interlock, and costs about $70 to install and about $80 a month to maintain.

Celebrate: May is Bike Month

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Julie Bond
New North Transportation Alliance
Phone: (813) 974-9799
E-mail: bond@cutr.usf.edu

Karen Kress
Tampa Downtown Partnership
Phone: (813) 221-3686
E-mail: kkress@tampasdowntown.com

For Immediate Release:


TAMPA BAY AREA TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL BIKE MONTH WITH MONTHLONG BAYCYCLE EVENTS

TAMPA, Fla. (May 3, 2010) – The New North Transportation Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership announce Tampa BayCycle during May in conjunction with National Bike Month. Tampa BayCycle is an initiative that encourages residents to cycle to work, school or play year round. This is the fourth year that events of this nature will be held in the Tampa Bay area. Tampa BayCycle is made possible through a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Activities are planned throughout the month of May, including bike giveaways, Safety and Basic Maintenance Courses; fun group rides, and more. A schedule of events can be found at http://www.tampabaycycle.com.

Each year Tampa BayCycle recruits “Ambassadors” to join over 1,000 cyclists that have already signed on. The Tampa BayCycle Ambassadors commit to encouraging friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, or anyone who wants to join the movement, to try biking instead of driving. They gain recognition as local leaders and will be listed on the Tampa BayCycle website.

“We are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to ride bicycles to their destinations instead of driving when possible,” said Julie Bond, executive director, New North Transportation Alliance managed by the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. Bond, an avid bicycle commuter herself hopes this month will bring greater visibility to the needs of cyclist in the Tampa Bay area.

Bond also encourages cyclists along with drivers to sign up for one of the Bicycle Street Skills classes offered during May at USF and downtown Tampa. “Bicycle safety is a top priority and through education, bicyclists and motorists can share the roads more safely and enjoyably.”

“Through Tampa BayCycle, we hope to generate an awareness of bicycling as a mode of transportation,” said Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning, Tampa Downtown Partnership, and a bikes on bus commuter. “Fifteen percent of trips are within one mile of home and could easily be taken by bicycle instead of car. With a helmet, proper safety skills and careful route choice, biking becomes a much more feasible and healthier way to get around.”
For additional information regarding Tampa BayCycle and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.TampaBayCycle.com.

Tampa BayCycle encourages residents to cycle to work, school or play. Tampa BayCycle was recently formed through efforts of the New North Transportation Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. For more information, visit www.TampaBayCycle.com.


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Google Bicycle Mapping

Everyone is talking about the new Google feature for bicycle mapping. Let us hear your thoughts.

Cyclists Voice Your Opinion at BBD Public Meeting

Bruce B Downs Blvd Transit Assessment – Public Meeting: April 1
Date: 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tampa Palms Elementary School, 6100 Tampa Palms Blvd
More Info: View draft report, an assessment of right-of-way available for rail or bus rapid transit in concert with reconstruction of Bruce B Downs Blvd to 6 lanes or 8 lanes wide between Bearss Ave and Palm Springs Blvd, conducted in partnership between Hillsborough County MPO and Hillsborough County Department of Public Works.

Julie Bond and Karen Kress Talk about Cycling on Radioactivity Live Call In

Bike Month featured on Radioactivity: Live Call In
02/22/10 Jon Butts
Radioactivity: Live Call-In (Monday) Listen to this entire show:
We started today’s program talking about our upcoming local Bicycle Month in March. Our guests were some of the organizers: Karen Kress with the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Julie Bond with the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida.

Bike Month activities will include biking contests, workshops, races, and other events throughout the month. Visit Tampa Bay Cycle for the complete schedule. The main safety issue that came up was how dangerous it is to ride against traffic

Log Your Bicycle Miles and Win During March

Calling all Cyclists:

Log your miles during March via Bay Area Commuter Services Commuter Calendar and win fabulous prizes. While you are on the BACS website, remember to sign up for the free Emergency Ride Home Program. The website has all the rules and instructions to register and use the Commute Calendar. You will need to register with BACS. This is a free service funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Prizes will be awarded for most days and miles ridden. You can back track and log your trips within a one week time period.

Go to this link and join us during Florida Bike Month:https://www.rideproweb.com/bacs/

Best Workplaces for Commuters supports Bicycling to Work

Best Workplaces for Commuters encourages employers to offer high level commuter benefits. Bicycling is included! Read their latest feature on Treehugger or visit Best Workplaces for Commuters.

Ride your Bicycle to work, school, or play!

Tampa Bay Area Celebrates Florida Bike Month

Story Sources: Julie Bond
(813) 974-9799
New North Transportation Alliance
Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida
bond@cutr.usf.edu

Karen Kress
Tampa Downtown Partnership
(813) 221-3686
kkress@tampasdowntown.com



Tampa Bay Area Celebrates Florida Bike Month with Baycycle Events

TAMPA, Fla. (March 2, 2010) – The New North Transportation Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership announce Tampa BayCycle during March in conjunction with Florida Bike Month. Tampa BayCycle is an initiative that encourages commuters to cycle to work, school or play all year.

This is the fourth year that events of this nature will be held in the Tampa Bay area. Tampa BayCycle is made possible through a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Each year Tampa BayCycle recruits “Ambassadors” and “Friends” to join more 1,000 cyclists that have already gotten involved. The Ambassadors are a group of bicyclists who know that riding a bike provides for a sound mind, fit body, and helps the environment. Those who join the Tampa BayCycle Ambassadors commit to encourage at least five other friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, community leaders, or anyone who wants to join the movement, to try biking instead of driving during the month of March. They gain recognition as local leaders and will be listed on the Tampa BayCycle website. Those who are recruited can become part of the Friends of Cycling, a long-term network of cyclists.
In addition to the Ambassadors and Friends of Cycling, activities are planned throughout the month of March, including a Words for Wheels essay contest, Safety Courses, Individual Commuter Challenge; downtown Tampa Criterium and more. A schedule of events can be found at http://www.tampabaycycle.com.

“We are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to ride bicycles to their destinations instead of driving” said Julie Bond, executive director, New North Transportation Alliance managed by the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. “Bicycle safety is a top priority and through education, bicyclists and motorists can share the roads more safely and enjoyably.”

Bond, an avid bicycle commuter herself hopes this month will bring greater visibility to the needs of cyclist in the Tampa Bay area. She also encourages cyclists and drivers to sign up for one of the Bicycle Street Skills classes offered during March at USF and downtown Tampa.

Area residents are invited to enter ‘Words for Wheels,’ an essay-based bike giveaway contest. To enter, participants should submit a 200-word essay detailing how winning a bike would change their lives.
“With Tampa BayCycle, we hope to generate an awareness of bicycling as a mode of transportation,” said Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning, Tampa Downtown Partnership, and a bikes on bus commuter. “Fifteen percent of trips are within one mile of home and could easily be taken by bicycle instead of car. With a helmet, proper safety skills and careful route choice, biking becomes a much more feasible and healthier way to get around.”
For additional information regarding Tampa BayCycle and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.TampaBayCycle.com.

Tampa BayCycle encourages commuters to cycle to work, school or play. Tampa BayCycle was recently formed through efforts of the New North Transportation Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. For more information, visit www.TampaBayCycle.com.

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), established in 1988, has become recognized nationally and serves as an important resource for policymakers, transportation professionals, the education system, and the public. With emphasis on developing innovative, implementable solutions to transportation problems, CUTR provides high quality, objective transportation expertise in the form of technical support, policy analysis, and research support that translates directly into benefits for its project sponsors.



Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/usf.edu

WeCar and Tampa BayCycle Join at USF

Ride your bicycle to USF during March and rent a WeCar. You will receive a bicycle light or other goodie. Just email your trip to bond@cutr.usf.edu. Carsharing is available on the Tampa Campus and rentals begin at $7.50 per hour including gas and insurance.

Be Heard as a Cyclist - Attend meetings that matter

Tampa BayCycle: "HART Community Open Houses
We need to hear your thoughts about transit to help us make the best decision! A series of HART Community Open Houses will be held at the following locations:

Westshore Area
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Loretta Ingraham
Recreational Complex
1615 Hubert Street Tampa, FL 33607
11:00AM – 2:00PM & 4:00PM – 7:00PM
HART Routes: 7,10,15,30,45 & 89

USF Area
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
University Square Mall
2200 East Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33612
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
HART Routes: 1,2,5,6,9,12,18,33,45 & 57

Downtown Tampa
(2 locations)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tampa Downtown Market
Exhibit on Madison St. between Franklin St. and Florida Ave.
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
One Tampa City Center
201 N. Franklin St.
Tampa, FL 33602
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
HART Routes: 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,14,18,19,30,31 & 46"

Celebrate Tampa BayCycle Month

Celebrate March in Florida and Ride Your Bicycle

Visit the newly updated website at http://www.tampabaycycle.com for events, rides, prizes and more.

Ride your bicycle to get or stay fit and enjoy our beautiful Florida weather.