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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