Bicycle Stories: Celebrating Life by Bike

Thank You Rep. Janet Cruz of Tampa For Supporting Bicycling and The BAM Network

2012-02-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

My Fellow Members of the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation:

I am writing to express my support for the expansion of the “BAM Network” for Bicycle Area Mobility. Aside from the inherent road safety benefits, the BAM Network promises to provide significant benefits in health, the economy and jobs, and tourism.

Attached is information about BAM and contact information for the director, Alan Snel of the South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers (SWFBUD) organization. Also attached is a letter of support.

I urge you all to write a letter of support for the BAM network so that our local government can see that the State is in support of this initiative. Alan is collecting letters from each Representative and Senator to submit in a packet to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, The Hillsborough County Commissioners, The Tampa City Councilmembers and the local MPO.

Janet Cruz

Here is Janet's letter of support:

January 11, 2012

Alan Snel, Director
South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers

Dear SWFBUD:

I am writing to express my support for the expansion of the “BAM Network” for Bicycle Area Mobility. The construction of the three multi-use trails in this project will tremendously improve Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa. The project will add 30 miles of safe, paved trails, creating an integrated and cohesive network for riders, and more effective transportation for all. Aside from the inherent road safety benefits, the BAM Network promises to provide significant benefits in health, the economy and jobs, and tourism.

Studies have shown large correlations among the amount of developed bicycle, and pedestrian trails in a city, and better health, higher rates of creativity, and more job opportunities and successful small businesses. Expanding the trails will also promote exploration and appreciation of our local gems of culture, heritage, and history by tourists and residents alike. I believe that the BAM Network will holistically improve our community and will contribute to a higher quality of life for all of us who call Tampa Bay home. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree that the BAM Network has the potential to help reenergize our city. I hope you will stand up with me for the BAM Network and Tampa Bay as we move our community forward.

Sincerely,

Janet Cruz
Florida State Representative, District 58

CC: The Honorable Bob Buckhorn, Mayor
Tampa City Council
Hillsborough County Commission
Hllsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization

Florida Congressman Mica Introduces Bill That Kills Bicycling/Walking Funding

2012-01-31T14:18:00.001-08:00

Seriously, John Mica? You're a congressman from Florida -- home of too many bicyclist and pedestrian deaths in this country -- and you just introduced the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act.

This proposed bill eliminates dedicated funding for bicycling and walking, and it goes much further and systematically removes bicycling from the Federal transportation program.

It basically eliminates our status and standing in the planning and design of our transportation system -- a massive step backwards for individuals, communities and our nation. It's a step back to a 1950s highway- and auto-only program that makes no sense in the 21st century.

The bill reverses 20 years of progress by:

•destroying Transportation Enhancements by making it optional;
•repealing the Safe Routes to School program, reversing years of progress in creating safe ways for kids to walk and ride bicycles to school;
•allowing states to build bridges without safe access for pedestrians and bicycles;
•eliminating bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in state DOTs; and
•eliminating language that insures that rumble strips "do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians or the disabled."

On Thursday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee will mark-up the bill and Representatives Petri (R-WI) and Johnson (R-IL) will sponsor an amendment that restores dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Representatives Petri and Johnson can only be successful if everyone with a stake in safe sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways contacts their representative today.

Because of these urgent new developments, and the vital importance of a HUGE turnout on Capitol Hill in March, the National Bike Summit early bird registration deadline has been extended to Feb 20. We need every single cyclist in Washington, D.C. that the city can hold (and that's thousands ...). Register today!

Stay in touch by visiting bikeleague.org and americabikes.org for background and breaking news.

Tell You Local Congressional Member to Support Transportation Enhancements

2012-01-31T07:53:00.000-08:00

This morning I called my local congresswoman -- Kathy Castor -- at both her Washington, DC and Tampa offices and urged her staffers to please advise Kathy to fight for bicyclists and walkers this week because House leadership is pressing to eliminate bicycling and walking funding in a transportation bill to be released today called the American Energy and Infrastructure Act.

According to the League of American Bicyclists, this bill:

•Destroys Transportation Enhancements by making the program optional
•Repeals the Safe Routes to School program, reversing years of progress in creating safe ways for kids to walk and ride bicycles to school
•Allows states to build bridges without safe access for pedestrians and bicycles
•Eliminates bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in state DOTs
•Eliminates language that insures that rumble strips “do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians or the disabled”

This week in the Transportation Committee, Representative Petri (R-WI) will stand up for bicycling and walking by offering an amendment that restores dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School.

Mr. Petri can only be successful if everyone with a stake in safe sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways contacts their Representative on the Transportation Committee again today to urge them to vote YES on the Petri amendment!

Kathy Castor, please help bicyclists and walkers in the Tampa area. Tampa lags behind the rest of the nation when it comes to bicycle infrastructure and we need all the help we can get.

Please call Kathy in Tampa at 813-871-2817 and in DC at 202-225-3376 and tell Kathy to support bicycling by supporting Rep. Petri's efforts to restore dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School.

Sierra Club Holds Bicycle Safety Program Feb 8

2012-01-29T19:13:00.000-08:00

The Tampa Bay Sierra Club February Program is Wed Feb. 8 at 7 pm /6:30 social time

Program: Rules of the Road: Bike Smart/Drive Safely
Speakers: Karen Kress and Jason Jackman
Walk Wise/Bike Smart Campaign
Hilton Garden Inn
1700 E. Ninth Ave. (Ybor City) (813) 769-9267

Marcia Biggs says more bicycles are sharing the road with motor vehicles than ever before.

As a bicycle rider, do you know proper signaling when riding a bike on a roadway?

What about turning left at a major intersection or riding against traffic. What about helmets, riding on sidewalks or riding at night? Did you know you can be ticketed for riding a bicycle after sunset without a white light on the front visible from 500 feet? Or riding and wearing a headset? Or running a stop sign? As a motorist, do you know the rules when encountering bicycles? Even you can be ticketed for reckless driving if you come too close to a bicyclist.

This program will be of interest to both motorists and bicyclers with a refresher on Florida bicycle laws, practical tips and techniques for safe commuting in our city streets, tips for choosing a route, carrying gear, fitting your bike/helmet/appropriate attire. All attendees will receive free bike safety gear and a copy of the Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide.

General meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call 727-797-6261. Contact is Marcia Biggs. Chair, Tampa Bay Sierra Club

New Bike Lane On Bayshore Blvd. In Tampa

2012-01-29T17:12:00.001-08:00

For years,SWFBUD has asked the city of Tampa to improve Bayshore Blvd., including reducing downtown-bound Bayshore from 3 to 2 lanes and adding a bike lane from the point where an existing bike lane ends.

Well, it's time to retire this "bike lane ends" sign. The Bayshore project offers this new bike lane and the reduction of lanes from three to two.

Let's Ride Over The Bridge To St. Pete

2012-01-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today's weather in the Tampa Bay was so nice and cool and dry that it felt like that first nice spring day in the northeast, when the warmness of the afternoon gives you an energy jolt. There was an extra spring in my legs this afternoon and a natural ride was to head over the Gandy Bridge to St. Pete's waterfront from Seminole Heights.

I was cycling in the Gandy Bridge shoulder when I took a look next-door and saw the shut-down Friendship Trailbridge. What a pathetic shame -- a bridge offering amazing access to thousands shut down for structural problems and for lack of political will to repair.

It was a joy to bike today and downtown St. Pete and its waterfront were abuzz. Check out the Dali -- the new museum is a must visit in St. Pete.

Baseball is back -- University of Miami was at the downtown St. Pete ball park.

From The Hangar restaurant-- great perch to see the downtown St. Pete airfield.

Uh-oh -- looks like someone with a penchant for mischief had a little fun with this church sign.

Let's Paddle The Hillsborough

2012-01-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

Today Bicycle Stories traded the bicycle for the kayak this afternoon and paddled the waters of the Hillsborough River from Lowry Park underneath Florida and Nebraska Avenues and I-275 to the Park Circke neighborhood in Seminole Heights.

Here's the most humble home I saw on the river today.

Back on land, let's face it, Florida and Nebraska Avenues are not exactly the stuff of a garden city. Lots of car lots, repair shops, thrift stores. But on the water, it's a whole different world. Check it out.

This vessel has seen better days.

Supporting Sharrows and the BAM

2012-01-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

Our local politicians should know there are many people in the Tampa Bay who care deeply about improving bicycling and who act on their concerns. One of those folks is Michael Ploch of Riverview, who created the Sharrows reflective design for vests and jerseys, including this one. Here's Michael at the Flatwoods park seven-mile loop.

He is also behind the creation of a regionwide paved trail system that SWFBUD is calling the BAM -- for Bicycle Area Mobility.

Michael will be selling very cool BAM T-shirts he designed showing the BAM map on the front at the Feb. 19 Swap Meet at the Taco Bus St. Pete on Central Avenuer. Fellow bicyclist Nico Stearley designed the BAM map.

Thank you Michael and Nico for supporting BAM.

66 Fixed Gear and Singlespeed Shop in St. Pete Closed

2012-01-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry to see that Michael Davis has closed his 66 Fixed Gear and Singlespeed bike shop on 1st Avenue in St. Petersburg. Mike opened the shop in 2007 and it became a favorite for the fixie crowd in St. Pete, but Mike told Bicycle Retailer that he was burned out.

I saw Mike just yesterday at the former 800-square-foot shop and it looks like he's liquidating the business. Mike said he expects to swing by the SWFBUD Swap Meet at the Taco Bus St. Pete on Feb. 19 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Bicycle Retailer has more on the store closing here.

Just last week I saw Bill Addler, who is closing Revolution Bicycles in St. Petersburg.

Gasparilla Childrens' Bike Rodeo Needs Volunteers

2012-01-18T03:44:00.000-08:00

It's time again for the Gasparilla Childrens' Bike Rodeo Saturday and they need volunteers!

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo, presented by the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, is a chance for you to help teach the children of Tampa Bay the important bicycle/pedestrian safety skills they need to know in order to be safe biking and walking members of our community!

If you volunteer you'll either be helping with passing out and fitting helmets, or leading kids through one of the stations in the safety obstacle course!

This event is free to all children, and each child participating in the safety course will first receive a free bicycle helmet to keep (until they run out)!

Volunteers should arrive between 9:30 - 10am for training and to help set up. The actual event is from 11am-2pm. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for USF volunteers!

A New Sight on Bayshore Blvd: New Bike Lane

2012-01-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

Great to see the city of Tampa install bike lanes on Bayshore Blvd. starting from Platt Street.

The bike lanes run from Platt Street to Rome Avenue. How more bike lanes extended from Rome Ave. to Gandy?

Hit-and-rin Driver Kills 23-year-old Bicyclist in Zephyrhills

2012-01-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

More tragedy on Tampa Bay's roads. Another bicyclist was killed, a 23-year-old in Zephyrhills killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Bicyclist and Actor Gene Hackman Hit By Pickup in Florida Keys

2012-01-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

81-year-old Gene Hackman was riding his bicycle in the Keys when -- surprise, surprise -- he got hit by a pickup.

A CNN story said Hackman was biking without a helmet in Islamorada when a Toyota Tundra hit his rear tire.

The CNN story cited a state highway patrol report that said Hackman was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami with "serious" injuries.

Lakeland Motorist Arrested For Running Red Light and Killing Bicyclist in June 2011 -- Driver Says She Was Cleaning Her Glasses

2012-01-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

Polk County Sheriff's Traffic deputies arrested a Lakeland woman today on a warrant charging her in the death of a bicyclist in June 2011.

On Friday, January 13, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies took 34-year-old Tashica Wanyell Smith (DOB 4/12/77), of 512 W. Lowell Street in Lakeland, into custody without incident for Negligent Manslaughter/Vehicle/Killing of a Person.

According to the investigation, at approximately 1:30 p.m., on June 24, 2011, Smith was operating a 1994 Ford Escort on U.S. Highway 92 east of State Road 659 (Combee Road) in Lakeland. Smith, who was traveling at an approximate speed of 77 MPH in a posted 45 MPH zone, failed to stop at a red light, which resulted in her hitting 56-year-old James Galey (DOB 2/5/55), of 2412 Hatwood Street, Lakeland, as he was crossing U.S. 92 on his bicycle.

Smith and a witness in her vehicle stated that at the time of the crash, Smith was cleaning her glasses. Smith has been booked into the Polk County Jail and is being held on $10,000 bond.

She was also arrested and then released on bond in October 2011 for a charge of Failure to Redeliver a Hired Vehicle. She has seven total prior arrests for charges such as Grand Theft, Failure to Appear, and Violation of Probation. Attached is her current mugshot.

Thank you,

Carrie Eleazer, PIO

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Office: 863.298.6217

Cell: 863.287.7440

Fax: 863.298.6262

carrie@polksheriff.org

City of Tampa Works Deal To Maintain U-Path Trail Near Airport

2012-01-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

One of the unheralded paved trails in Tampa Bay is the U-path that allows bicyclists from points north of State Road 60 to circumvent Tampa International Airport on its west side to reach locations south of the airport. It was nice to hear Karla Price of the city of Tampa tell us members of the Tampa-Hillsborough Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee this week that the city of Tampa has worked out a deal with the Tampa International Airport for the city to maintain the trail.

It's an essential link that allows bicyclists to bike south on George Street to a city park where the trail starts and heads to State Road 60/Causeway and continues south of SR 60 past the Hyatt, around the airport and to Cypress Avenue. Make a left on Cypress and you can head to downtown Tampa and other Tampa locations.

I use it all the time when I cross the Courtney Campbell Causeway from Clearwater to Tampa and pick it up off SR 60 starting at the Hyatt.

Here's an overhead map of the U-Path.

You might recall that I also took photos of roseate spoonbills hanging out in a watery hideaway between the U-path trail and the Hyatt.

You also get a pretty good view of landing jets when biking the U-path.

Sprinkle Consulting To Start Study Next Month of Tampa Bypass Canal Trail Crossings

2012-01-11T19:37:00.001-08:00

BAM Network Update -- I learned tonight that Sprinkle Consulting will start next month on a six-month consulting job for the Hillsborough MPO on the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail crossings.

SWFBUD is pushing for the BAM Network -- a regional three-trail system of the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail, the South Coast Greenway and the Selmon Expressway Greenway.

The Tampa Bypass Canal Trail is a 17-mile trail from New Tampa along the Bypass Canal Trail to State Road 60. It's grass now. But we want the trail paved to allow more bicyclists to use it.

Bicyclist Killed in Hillsborough County Last Night

2012-01-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

Another bicyclist is killed in Hillsborough County.

SWFBUD Swap Meet -- Feb 19, 11 am to 3 pm at Taco Bus St. Petersburg

2012-01-09T15:28:00.000-08:00

SWFBUD is proud to announce its inaugural SWFBUD Swap Meet at the Taco Bus parking lot on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg on Feb 19 from 11 am to 3 pm. We will also have live music while you shop for cool bike gear and parts at the Taco Bus in St. Pete.

Bike Commuter on 40th Street

2012-01-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

My friend Allan Feldman bikes from Seminole Heights to the USF campus.

Why Bikes Lanes Are Good

2012-01-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

I was cycling north on Morris Bridge Road this morning when a car in the opposite direction passed a car in its lane and came mighty close to striking me. Here's why bike lanes are good -- take a look.

Go By Bike -- And Park At The Seminole Heights Outdoor Market

2012-01-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

They came by bicycle, the folks on mountain bikes and road bicycles, on fixed-gear and urban-commuter chariots and even a bike with a trailor. The bicyclists who pedaled to today's Seminole Heights Market were an assorted lot bound by the sheer joy of arriving at the community gathering place via human-powered transportation.

Community Cycling With The SHBC

2012-01-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

Every first Saturday of the month, I stroll down my driveway and greet the cyclists who come for the easy and casual 6-mile ride I lead through SAeminole Heights.

You never who will attend. We have our regulars such as the czar of the bike valet Jim Shirk, our Seminole Heights Bicycle Club communications manager and always friendly Margarey Shepherd and Wes and Faye, too.

And this morning we had 10-year-old Joseph who lives near Margaret, a teacher named Neil who I met at a climate symposium at Blahe Highh School in November and Kelly, who grew up in metro Tampa, lived in Boston for 24 years and has returned to Tampa.

We biked down 12th Street to Park Circle and the Hillsborough River, checked out 22nd Street Park, biked back to Lake Roberta for a lap around the ol' lake and finished back at my house.

See you Sunday morning at the Seminole Heights Market at Hillsborough School where the SHBC tent will be up and Jim Shirk and I will be ready to chat neighborhood and community bicycling with you.

Bicycles and Buses Work Together To Reduce Traffic and Air Pollution

2012-01-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

It was nice to participate in a HART video explaining the great connection between bicycles and buses.

Tampa's city TV station -- CTTV -- aired it as part of "Spotlight Tampa" this month, says bicyclist/CTTV cameraman Brian Sullivan.

Revolution Bicycles Says Good-bye in St. Petersburg

2012-01-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

The "clearance" message is on the big sign outside Revolution Bicycles on 4th Street at 30th Ave. in St. Petersburg and bicycle gear is selling for 50 percent off inside.

That's because Revolution's long-time owner, Bill Addler, is calling it quits after more than 15 years of retail bike shop ownership.

I stopped by Bill's bike shop this afternoon after I heard he was closing the Revolution Bicycles store, which is housed in a nice stand-along building on 4th Street across from a shopping center where Bill used to rent space for his bike shop. I attended the opening celebration and recalled the buzz when Revolution Bicycles opened its new store in mid-2008.

I thanked Bill for agreeing to become one of the first stores to join SWFBUD five years ago. At the beginning, Bill even suggested the SWFBUD moniker -- a play on words on the local water district that goes by the SWFMD title.

Bill doesn't know when the last day will come at his store, which sells Specialized bicycles. He said he'll be open until the last tire tube is sold.

Bill dropped out of SWFBUD a few years ago because of expenses, but we stayed friends and bumped into each other at Interbike, the national bicycle trade show in Las Vegas. I wished him well today.

Bill is not sure what role he will play in the bicycle industry after he closes Revolution Bicycles. Maybe he will work in another shop or perhaps a sale rep? Bill doesn't know.

Good luck to you Bill.

Plight of the Tampa Bicycle Commuter

2012-01-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

I'm a Facebook friend of USF graduate assistant Sven Williams, who conveyed his recent experience of being told to ride his bicycle on a sidewalk:

"dear driver on Yukon, nearing 40th: you will forgive me if I don't respond politely to your fat ass braying at me to get on the sidewalk. I'm sure you were on the way to doing something important with your life, but it takes like 30 seconds to safely pass me. (and folks wonder why I cheer a little when gas prices spike)"

* * *

About four comments followed on Facebook after Sven's post and then Sven wrote more:

"Ironically, it only really happens to me in poorer parts of town, where bikes are more transportation than recreation. I think it's in part because I'm an annoyance in their already-shitty lives, and I'm a convenient target to take it out o...n, because I can't really do much in retaliation beyond memorizing license plates and delivering one-finger salutes.

There's this really super-strong car culture in Tampa, partly because the city really grew after the 40s, right around the time when the streetcars were dismantled here and cars really took off in America. Not owning a car in Tampa relegates you to second-class citizenship and denies you full use of public space. Try going to grad school, working, and attempting to have a social life without a car here. Impossible, since it takes you an hour to get anywhere worth getting to, and you risk your life every time!

I'm done fighting and pretending like my transportation situation is a matter of principle. I'm looking for a motorcycle; know anyone selling one?"

* * *

Bike commuting in Tampa is no easy task when a high number of motorists do not respect your right to use the public right-of-way. Add to that a lack of bike lanes and paved trails and the bicyclist faces a challenge, indeed. The local DOT's new bike safety message even blames bicyclists for getting hit.

But don't give up. Don't let all these forces make you give up your bicycle. It's a beautiful thing, bicycling, and makes your life fuller.

A Walk Yields Bicyclist Scenes

2012-01-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Take a walk and it's inevitable that something will grab your attention. Like this superb use of garbage cans to protect prized plants from the frosty temperatures we have endured the past few overnights in Tampa, Fla.

Nice parking by someone with a big ol' red SUV in the assistant principal parking space by Seminole Heights Elementary School.

At Sligh and North Blvd, there's a hard-core bike commuter with big pannier bags.

The serene Hillsborough River.

There's Jordan Miller, owner of Velo Champ bike shop, cycling on Central Avenue.

SWFBUD Agrees: Cities Are Happier When They Bike Commute

2012-01-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Another great benefit of why cities should embrace and encourage bicycle commuting.

18-Wheeler Kills Bicyclist In Frostproof, Fla.

2012-01-03T04:14:00.000-08:00

The new year didn't stop the bicyclist deaths in Florida. An 18-wheeler killed a bicyclist on US 27 in Frostproof on Monday. Police said the bicyclist was struck by the 18-wheeler while riding on the shoulder.

Some New Bikes Lanes Around Tampa Bay

2012-01-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Bike lane alert. A new bike lane is always a nice surprise in Tampa Bay.

Here are a few new ones I've noticed. Here's Florida Avenue from Fletcher Avenue to Bearrs Ave. in Tampa.

Have you seen Bayshore in Tampa? There's a new striped bike lane on Bayshore from downtown to Rome Ave., then a Share the Road sign after Rome.

In Pinellas County, I rode in a new bike lane for a short stretch of 49th Street south of 118th Avenue as part of my Bridges Ride.

They're Back -- Roseate Spoonbills Hanging Out Off U-Path Trail

2012-01-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

At mile 40 of the 50-mile Bridges ride, I saw my usual pals in a watery area off the U-Path trail behind the Hyatt Hotel near the airport.

Close-up of the roseate spoonbills.

Good-bye 2011 From A Kayak On The Hillsborough River

2011-12-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

On the final day of 2011 Bicycle Stories becomes Kayak Stories as a I paddled -- not pedaled -- my vehicle on the Hillsborough River and enjoyed stunning views of the river and homes that I usually see from the road.

My arms became my legs and I churned the serene waters of the Hillsborough River from the Lowry Park boat ramp to the dam on the river next to Rowlett Park -- some 2 1/2 hours of paddling amid a wonderful array of water birds, trees and views.

Let's start paddling!

What a cool bridge! I usually see it from the road on Park Circle in Seminole Heights -- now my vantage point is the Hillsborough River.

Fans of Bicycle Stories may have seen photos of the famed Hanna's Circle section of the Hillsborough River from the shore, but now I'm smack in the middle of this wonderful bend in the river.

There's Faye, saying hey on the river. We'll see Wes, Faye's hubby, on the way back.

I'm heading to the train bridge next to Rowlett Park Drive.

Yes, I made it to the dam.

Below the train bridge.

One of my favorite photos today.

There's the wonderful Wes from the perch of his amazing back yard on Park Circle. Wes is with his granddaughter.

I normally see this bridge while walking on Park Circle, but from the water I get a front=row look at this small bridge.

Woot -- I'm in the middle of Hanna's Swirl.

The water birds are amazing.

This was one of my favorite houses because of the work beneath the main floor.

Trees look so natural from the water.

The old vacant Harbor Club looks sad.

On the way back I saw the tower once more.

Four Women Ride For Bicycle Safety

2011-12-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

Four ambitious women are undertaking a cross country endurance ride that will kick off in Key West on February 5, 2012 and culminate in San Francisco in late April.

Two sisters, Jeanie and Chelsea Ward-Waller, their mother, Jane, and close friend Stephanie Palmer are riding across America to benefit the bicycle safety advocacy efforts of the League of American Bicyclists and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

Dubbed "Ride America for Safe Routes" (RASR), their ride follows a route traversing 13 southern states and 20 major cities, logging over 5,000 miles between Florida and California.

The mission of RASR is to raise $50,000 for the League’s Bike Friendly America program and for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs in local communities.

In addition, the RASR Team will advocate the critical need for bike safety and promote the public health benefits of bicycling through events with local bicycle groups and SRTS programs in communities along their route.

See the RASR website at http://rideforsaferoutes.blogspot.com or contact rideforsaferoutes@gmail.com for more information on the Ride and to support a future of bike-friendly communities.

Come out and ride with the RASR riders in Tampa on February 12, 2012.

SWFBUD Works With Reps Cruz and Harrison To Build BAM Network

2011-12-28T15:16:00.001-08:00

By Alan Snel
SWFBUD Director
(South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers)

Democrats and Republicans don't agree on much these days but when it comes to local, back yard issues, SWFBUD has been able to unite Democratic state legiuslator Janet Cruz and Republican state legislator Shawn Harrison behind a SWFBUD initiative -- building the BAM Network.

The BAM stands for "Bicycle Area Mobility" and it centers on SWFBUD's idea to get Tampa and Hillsborough County to partner on building a regional paved trail system that would unite the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail, the South Coast Greenway and the Selmon Greenway into one comprehensive highway system for bicyclists. The tri-trail BAM Network would interface with roads with bike lanes like Fletcher Avenue and also HART bus routes.

Cruz and Harrison both attended the SWFBUD Bicycle Bash festival at beautiful Flatwoods Park on Nov. 6 and support bicycling. Rep. Harrison rode his bicycle with his son during the Bicycle Bash, while Rep. Cruz gave a speech at the Bash supporting bicycling in Tampa,

Bicycling transcends politics. Which is why SWFBUD sat down with Rep. Harrison recently to garner his support for the BAM Network. Rep. Cruz has backed the idea of paving a trail along the Bypass Canal Trail and making it part of the bigger BAM Network.

Rep. Harrison came up with the idea of co-writing a letter with Rep. Cruz supporting thr BAM Network and getting our local state legislators on both sides of the aisle in Tampa Bay to co-sign the letter that SWFBUD plans to share with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the Tampa City Council members and the Hillsborough County Commissioners. Commissioner Mark Sharpe is already a big advocate of the BAM Network and wants to see it built.

SWFBUD thanks Reps. Harrison and Cruz for stepping up and agreeing to co-write this BAM Network letter and for getting the local state legislator delegation to support SWFBUD's multi-trail system idea in Hillsborough County.

The BAM consists of three trails that would make up more than 30 miles of paved trails to provide effective transportation and a safe haven for our many local bicyclists.

The BAM can't be built fast enough as three more Tampa Bay bicyclists were killed by motorists in three days over the Christmas holiday weekend.

SWFBUD is already making strides with the BAM. SWFBUD has successfully lobbied the local MPO to conduct a feasibility study of the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail crossings, while the South Coast Greenway is in the MPO's 2035 Long Range Plan. The MPO has already had an open house for a consultant to preview the Selmon Greenway, too.

SWFBUD is asking you to also support the construction of all three trails as a cohesive unit and network of paved trails in Hillsborough County and Tampa that would interface with local road bike lanes and HART routes. As you know, the Hillsborough/Tampa area has a high bicyclist fatality rate and bicyclists need safe places to ride their vehicles.

SWFBUD offers several benefits of the BAM Network:

Economic impact: A trio of bicycle paths in Orange County, Fla. pumps $42 million into the local economy annually and supports 516 jobs, according to a study conducted by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-trails-economic-impact-20111017,0,3028584.story

Tourism: Trails promote Florida tourism.
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2009/07/02/bike_florida_trail_boosts_sust/

Health benefits: Bicycling is a great exercise that promotes wellness and fitness.
http://www.adultbicycling.com/component/content/article/9-bicycling-basics/37-health-benefits-of-cycling-ii.html

Jobs creation: Studies show trail projects create more jobs per dollar than roads.
http://seattlebikeblog.com/2011/07/28/trail-projects-in-seattle-create-more-jobs-per-dollar-than-roads/
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/career/employment/bike-paths-power-job-creation

Please write emails to your local elected officials asking them to support the BAM Network and attend public meetings to support the BAM. Let's turn Tampa and Hillsborough County around and go from worst to first in bicycle safety and bicyclist enjoyment.

Three Bicyclists Killed By Motorists In Three Days In Tampa Bay

2011-12-26T05:10:00.000-08:00

The Christmas weekend in Tampa Bay was a deadly one for bicyclists.

A bicyclist was killed Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- three dead bicyclists in three days.

Motorists killed bicyclists on both sides of the Bay.

Friday in St. Petersburg: A motorist was charged with DUI manslaughter for the Friday hit-and-run death of a bicyclist in St. Petersburg. The driver of the motorized vehicle killed the bicyclist at 2:15 am. Read the Times story here.

Saturday near Brandon: A Plant City bicyclist riding his bike across U.S. 301 just north of State Road 60 was killed by a pickup at 6:40 am Saturday near Brandon. Read the Trib story here.

Sunday in Dover in Hillsborough County: A hit-and-run motorist killed a bicyclist on Sydney Dover Road at 6 pm Sunday. Read the Times story here.

The stories are breaking news items with not too much information. But if you look at the times of the motorists striking and killing the bicyclists, you will see that there was little or no daylight -- Friday at 2:15 am, Saturday at 6:40 am and Sunday at 6 pm.

This a reminder to light you and your bicycle up like a Christmas tree or a menorah so that you have the best chance to be seen by motorists when the daylight is dwindling or non-existent.

In two of the three cases this weekend, the motorist struck and killed bicyclists and drove away. That gives you a little sense of the character of the motorists around here.

In 2010, there were a dozen bicyclists killed by motorists in Hillsborough and with the two killed bicyclists in Hillsborough over the holiday weekend, the 2011 bicyclist death number hit eight. In 2011, the Pinellas County bicyclist death count hit 10 with the hit-and-run DUI manslaughter case in St. Petersburg.

Bicyclist Enjoys Hannukah Event In St. Petersburg

2011-12-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

What happens when you combine a bicyclist who likes his helmet with a menorah=lighting ceremony? You get my new friend, who I met last night at the Hanukkuah event in downtown St. Petersburg.

Get Your Free Bike Rack In The USF Area

2011-12-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

Are you a business in the USF area and want a bike rack?

Contact the New North Transportation Alliance, which provides FREE “inverted U” bike racks to qualified New North Area businesses that agree to install the racks.

The Alliance gave six "U" bike racks to the building that houses TBARTA at the USF Reaesrach Park. Here it is.

Each rack holds two bikes and can accommodate many types of bike locks. Racks can be easily bolted into any concrete surface. Contact Julie Bond at bond@cutr.usf.edu. She can hook you up with the free bike racks.

Nice job by the NNTA to offer free bike racks, which encourages bicycling. That's good for your business and the community.

A Tampa First: A Share the Road Sign Appears On Bayshore Blvd.

2011-12-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Dreams really come true in Tampa. Look what I saw this morning on Bayshore Blvd.

A Share the Road sign. Whoa nellie!

For years, SWFBUD has implored the city of Tampa to re-pave the city's signature road and include bike lanes from the Platt Street Bridge to Gandy.

The road was not a pleasant experienced for bicyclists. The concrete sections gave bicyclists a "ka-thunp, ka-thump, ka-thump" rolling experience. A bike lane disappeared on the downtown-bound side of the road. And motorists still move too fast.

But after years of SWFBUD lobbying, the city of Tampa government is adding bike lanes as part of an initial re-surfacing project from Rome Ave. to the Platt Street Bridge.

And the Share the Road sign was added on Bayshore after Rome.

Hope there are more Share the Road signs around Tampa.

Missing The Old Trailbridge

2011-12-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

I was cycling across the Gandy Bridge this morning and gazed at the old Friendship Trailbridge, which was closed three years ago due to structural issues such as concrete pieces falling.

The old Trailbridge was an amazing resource, offering incredible access to the body of water that ties our region together.

I still cross the Bay on my bicycle, using the shoulder of the current Gandy Bridge. But the vast majority of users of the old Trailbridge don't bike the Gandy Bridge shoulders and I'm saddened this region's political leaders didn't see the value of restoring the Trailbridge.

TBARTA Has A Bike Lock-up Area -- Finally

2011-12-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

For years, I found it ironic that a regional Tampa Bay transportation agency called TBARTA never had a bike rack in front of its building. That's because I consider bicycling great transportation and just wish the people who work at regional transportation planning would join me in telling our elected leaders to fund bicycle transportation projects like regional paved trail systems and bike lanes that form a network.

TBARTA is the same agency that at the start didn't show bicycles in its materials or slide shows and didn't have bicycles as part of a rendering showing downtown Tampa transportation center to a Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

I remember about three or four years ago Karen Kress, the super bicycle lady of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, spoke to the TBARTA board about an issue and ended her chat with a suggestion that the transportation agency have a bike rack in front of its building.

For years, this agency located at the USF campus off Fowler Avenue never had a bike rack.

Even my emails didn't spark TBARTA to have a bike rack.

But I am a member of the Hillsborough/Tampa Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and a few months I made a motion that our BPAC Chair Jim Shirk send a BPAC letter to TBARTA asking for a bike rack.

So just two days ago at our December BPAC meeting I saw a surprise -- a letter from TBARTA saying it has a bike rack.

I stopped by the TBARTA building at the USF Connect building Thursday and didn't see a bike rack out front but there were these bike lock-up hoops behind the building.

And because this is Tampa, you take what you can -- even if the bike lock-up area is behind the buulding and not in front.

Chainwheel Drive Donates Bikes For Kids Next Week

2011-12-16T04:27:00.001-08:00

SWFBUD stores are always doing good deads.

Take Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater and Palm Harbor, for example.

Dottie Jessup tells me Chainwheel Driuve is involved in a holiday bicycle donation for kids and that on Wednesday, December 21, at 5:30 pm Jim Dodson Law and Chainwheel Drive will present the bikes to the kids who have been chosen to receive their first bikes.

The presentation will take place at Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater.

"We can't wait to see the kids faces when they come into our bike shop and see their bikes lined up all in a row with big red bows on each one," Dottie says.

Well done Chainwheel Drive.

Florida DOT Removes Inflammatory Video From Its seetheblindspots.org Web site

2011-12-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well, that didn't take long -- the Florida Department of Transportation has removed a graphic and inflammatory video from its so-called pedestrian-bicyclist safety campaign web site created by the Troy Dunn advertisement company less than a month after the DOT issued a press release about the safety campaign.

Months ago, SWFBUD warned the DOT that the Troy Dunn advertisement company's content was inflammatory and distorted because it blamed only pedestrians and bicyclists for getting hit and killed by motorists, but failed to hold motorists accountable for their actions.

SWFBUD believes bicyclists MUST be educated about safely riding their vehicles on roads. But we also believe motorists must be held accountable, too -- something the local DOT safety staffers and the Troy Dunn advertisement company failed to accomplish in its safety campaign.

The web site originally showed a highly graphic video on its home page that showed images collected off the internet of motorists smashing into pedestrians, with the pedestrians going flying. The scenes show pedestrians walking in front of cars and getting smashed, but I guess the Troy Dunn advertisement company couldn't find the videos of the two car drivers racing down Fletcher Avenue in Tampa and killing bicyclist Robert Niedbalec who was pedaling in a bike lane in February or the red-light-running driver who killed bicyclist Diane Vega at Spruce and Himes on Oct. 1, 2010.

The DOT wanted something attention-grabbing in the campaign because, according to the DOT PR spokeswoman, the conventional Share the Road messages are too "vanilla."

Apparently, the graphic video hatched by the Troy Dunn advertisement company was too inappopriate for the DOT.

So, the web site shows another video on its home page showing elephants and tanks on a downtown street, scaring pedestrians and a bicyclist.

SWFBUD also opposes that video because it reinforces the stereotype that roads are only for cars at a time when we are working to show the public that the roads are for everyone -- not just cars but for bicylists and pedestrians, too.

In previous St. Pete Times stories on this DOT bicycle-ped campaign, Florida Bicycle Association Executive Director Tim Bustos expressed his concerns about this DOT campaign. Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, also opposes this inflammatory DOT-Dunn campaign that does little to instruct people on how we all as motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians can safely co-exist on local roads.

The local DOT safety staffers in Tampa did not consult with the local Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee or the Florida Bicycle Association about presenting safety content in this campaign.

The local DOT safety staffers believe pedestrians and bicyclists cause their accidents and they're the ones who need to be addressed in a campaign.

Without contacting the Florida Bicycle Association, the DOT-Dunn campaign stated this on its web site: "According to a published guide from the Florida Bicycle Association, bicyclists are at fault in seventy percent of all police-reported crashes because they violated traffic rules."

FBA's Bustos said the DOT-Dunn web site distorted the information.

SWFBUD, like most bicycle organizations, believes it's split about 50-50 between bicyclists and motorists regarding who causes accidents. The local DOT pays for a local agency to run pedestrian and bicyclist safety programs and SWFBUD supports that -- but how come there is no DOT initiative to also educate motorists on how they need to share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians? There are WalkWise and BikeSmart programs but what about a program to make motorists smarter or wiser about driving in a world where roads are for everyone?

Hanging With Pedal America Today

2011-12-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

I spent today working with the Pedal America TV show crew, who are visiting Tampa Bay for a PBS episode on the local bicycling scene. They biked on the Pinellas Trail and Gulf Blvd in Pinellas Cointy and spent Saturday with the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club for an urban ride and a bicycle-theme art show.

Pedal America is led by host Ira David, a wonderful friend I met 2 1/2 years ago at the National Bicycle Leaders Conference in 2009 in Monterrey, Calif. Ira David worked to draw the sponsors necessary to finance a series of eight shows on towns across the country from Napa Valley to Savannah to Chicago to central Pennsylvania.

And this week he and his terrific can-do crew have been wonderful. Ira David's right-hand lady is producer Stephanie Rabiola, and his crew include camera whizes Peter and Andrew, super soundman Will and all-around tech Eric who went to the Lightning-Devils game tonight in Tampa.

Tampa Bay is a diverse bicycle scene, and they hit the highlights such as the Pinellas Trail. The Pedal America crew put together the cool video camera that was on a tripod mounted on a trailer pulled by veteran cameraman Peter for shots along Riverwalk in downtown Tampa today.

Putting together a TV show like Pedal America requires skill, enthusiasm, high technical standards and patience. My pal and show host Ira David and cameraman Peter showed all those qualities.

There's camera guru Peter from Wyoming, who biked his video rig on a trailer.

There's Ira David pedaling along Riverwalk in Tampa. He's a wonderful spirit who is using his TV show to show that bicycling is for all.

My pal Ira David saw the disappearing bike lane on Cross Creek Blvd and wondered, WTF? The city of Tampa and Hillsborough County has blown off this pathetic example of bicycle infrastructure, but now it's going national on Ira David's Pedal America show. As Tampa bicycle man Jim Shirk put it, sometimes you have to shame local government into addressing bicycle concerns.

Seminole Heights Bicycle Club Celebrates Cycling and Arts With Pedal America TV Show In Town

2011-12-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

Of all the wonderful scenes that played out today as the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club hosted a 12-mile bike ride to Hyde Park Village and back and a local bicycle art show as the Pedal America TV show came to film the SHBC, I recall one terrific anecdote.

Our group of 35 diverse cyclists pedaling everything from road bikes to mountain bikes to fixed gears to tandems was heading south on Tampa Street a few miles north of downtown Tampa and a group of about a half-dozen young men were on the sidewalk. We rung our bikes bells and said hey and the guys reached out to give us high fives.

And there it was for all to see. The essence of bicycling is about making connections -- with one's neighbors, local businesses and even people you never knew until they shared high fives with you on a bike ride.

Pedal America, a new PBS TV show that will run a segment on the SHBC in May 2012, came along for our 12-mile ride to Hyde Park Village and back.

And then we returned to Seminole Heights, we had a wonderful art show that exhibited paintings, photos and even furniture with a bicycle theme.

I want to thank Rodney at Indigo Coffee who gave use free water at Hyde Park Village; Anthony and Elke at Reservations in Seminole Heights who donated a great big bowl of pasta salad; Veronica at The Independent who gave us a hummus dish; and the good folks at Publix who gave use a big box of granola bark packed with delicious raisens and nuts.

Let's go for the ride today!

Here's Tanja Vidovic, who rode with her daughter Kalina. Tanja did amazing paintings featuring bicyclist subjects for today's art show.

There's Ira David Levy, host of Pedal America, chatting with Nanette before today's ride.

Doug, the ride leader, addresses the crowd.

Bicyclists gather for our ride.

We're cycling south on Tampa Street passing through the MLK Blvd. intersection.

There's Jared biking in the bike lane.

We took the lane on Kennedy on the way to the University of Tampa because the lane was too narrow.

Biking to Hyde Park Village.

There's Rodney of Indigo Coffee. whoo gave us free water, with Pedal America's Ira David Levy and Stephanie.

The wall of bicycle art and photos.

Tanja talks with the Pedal America crew about her paintings.

Bridget did a great job pulling the art show together at her cottage.

Tanja does her painting.

Another Tanja painting.

Sitting at the cool bicycle table.

Bridget dod a wonderful job arranging the art show.

Here's a cool painting done by Tanja.

Tanja did live bicycle art.

Welcome Pedal America To Seminole Heights

2011-12-08T17:03:00.001-08:00

Pedal America, the new PBS TV show on bicycling and community, came to Tampa Wednesday night and it was my pleasure to show the show's host -- my friend Ira David Levy -- to the places they want to film bicyclists such as along the Pinellas Trail and along Guld Blvd.

Pedal America is also filming the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club on Saturday and I showed them the bike route we will be taking through downtown Tampa and to Hyde Park Village and back to Seminole Heights and also we stopped by The Cottage at 5801 Ninth Street where we are holding a bicycle art show from 11 am to 1 pm in Seminole Heights.

We also stopped by Velo Champ bike store in Seminole Heights where Jordan Miller talked with Ira David, producer Stephanie and Peter about using camera equipment on a bicycle.

Here's cameraman Andrew at the famed Hurricane restaurant on the Gulf of Mexico. Ira David's crew will be documenting the Hurricane.

Ira David is also doing a segment on Ralph, who runs the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary at Mile Marker 13 on Gulf Blvd.

Bicycle Messengers Leave White House 70 Years Ago When Pearl Harbor Was Attacked

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

A Ride For The Birds

2011-12-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

I am in a little rut with my bicycle routes these days so I thought I'd try a trail-laden ride that includes the Suncoast Trail to the Starkey Park trail and eventually I bike through New Port Richey and Tarpon Springs to the Pinellas Trail. I followed Sunset Point road from Dunedin east to McMullin Booth and eventually hit Drew Street to Bayshore in Clearwater to the Courtney Campbell Causeway and its frontage roads.

I've done this 84-mile ride before and it was good to see the water, which allowed me to see some amazing birds.

I saw this guy on the Suncoast trail south of State Road 54.

Gorgeous roseate spoonbills were frolicking in a watery area off the U=Path trail that links the Courtney Campbell Causeway at the Hyatt with Cypress St. in Tampa.

I looked up while cycling the U-Path trail outside Tampa International Airport and the big birds were landing overhead.

Whoa nellie, that big bird is close.

New Bike Lane Alert

2011-11-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

It's always a thrill to see a new bike lane in the Tampa Bay market. I discovered this one in Pinellas County on my Bridges Ride Sunday on 49th Street. It was only a stretch of about a mile or so but any new bike lane is welcomed

He Likes Bicyclists and Confederate Flags

2011-11-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

On eastbound Morris Bridge Road about a mile east of I-75, a resident who lives in this trailer with a confederate flag matching the size of a U.S. flag has a yellow sign that says that the next bicyclist who dies could be your relative.

Here's the exact language of the sign.

On Thanksgiving day last week, I saw a car in front of the trailer and the door was open so I got off my bicycle and asked if anyone was home. I asked the trailer resident -- a guy who lookd like he was in his 40s wearing long shorts and no shirt -- about the sign.

He said he posted the sign in response to the dangerous-driving motorists after Dr. Robert Niedbalec, a Temple Terrace bicyclist, was killed about three miles west by a speeding motorist in February.

He said the sign is designed to be read by the drivers on Morris Bridge Road.

Flatwoods Park Entrance Gets Work

2011-11-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

For those who use Flatwoods Park off Morris Bridge Road outside Tampa, you will appreciate the county doing work at the entrance to improve the entrance and exit into and out of the park.

Patch.com Story on Pedal America Coming to Seminole Heights

2011-11-29T05:18:00.000-08:00

Patch.com did a nice story on Pedal America coming to Seminole Heights to film an episode on the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club,

On Dec. 10, the SHBC bike ride is 8:30 am to 10:30 am from Seminole Heights to Hyde Park Village and back and then a bicycle=theme art show will be at 11 am to 1 pm.

The bike ride starts from the Seminole Heights Garden Center at 5800 Central Avenue. Please show up at 8-8:15am for bike ride. The art show will be at 5801 9th Street in Seminole Heights.

Bicycling Magazine also did a story on the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club two years ago.

Happy Thanksgiving From Bicycle Stories

2011-11-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

Giving thanks from Hanna's Swirl on the Hillsborough River, Seminole Heights Tampa, Fla.

Riding Lake O's 120 Miles In Bill's Memory Today

2011-11-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Today's Lake Okeechobee 120-mile ride was in memory of Bill Fox, a Middletown, NY bicyclist who died on his bike in the Hudson Valley.

Today I wore the bike jersey that Bill made famous in Bill's memory.

Revisiting Lake O For An Autumn Rite

2011-11-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I renew a fall ritual. No, not the Horrible Hundred bike ride in Clermont.

It's the Circular 120 -- the ride around Lake Okeechobee.

Every autumn when the cooler weather arrives and the humidity becomes bearable, I start at the city of Okeechobee and bike counter=clockwise around Lake O, passing through ageless oldtime south-central Floroda cities like Belle Glade and Moore Haven, Clewiston and Okeechobee.

Tomorrow my ride is dedicated to Bill Fox, a Middletown, NY bicyclist who used the bicycle to change his life. He died doing what he loved -- cycling in the Hudson Valley.

SHBC Ride and Art Show -- Dec. 10

2011-11-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

SHBC At The Market

2011-11-14T03:41:00.000-08:00

The Seminole Heights Bicycle Club is one of the most active clubs in Tampa Bay. We do a lot more than just have bike rides.

We do a free bike valet at monthly Seminole Heights Market events and hold other events like Bike-in Movie Night and Hub Grub Rides.,

Elephants and Tanks On The Road -- Oh My!

2011-11-13T15:16:00.000-08:00

Bicycling in Tampa Bay has generated a lot of interest and there are several folks creating PSAs to create more awareness about bicycling in this market.

-- The Mark Roman Law Group of Clearwater -- a SWFBUD member -- just released a cycling PSA that stresses that everyone must work together on our roadways.

The youtube video shows four bicyclists sharing the road with cars.

-- Manager Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays participated in a PSA that was organized by Tampa bicyclist Mary Helen Duke, who used to work for the city of Tampa and is a former member of the local Tampa-Hillsborough Bicycle pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Mary Helen showed the initiative to contact the Rays about making Joe available for a bicycle safety PSA and the Rays agreed to film the PSA. SWFBUD gave Joe Maddon a SWFBUDDY Award for participating in the PSA. Kudos to both Joe and Mary Helen for teaming up on the bike PSA.

-- Hillsborough County's TV station filmed a touching PSA that featured the two daughters of bicyclist Diane Vega, killed by a red-light-running motorist at Himes and Spruce on Oct. 1, 2010.

SWFBUD worked with Hillsborough County on the PSA, which stresses motorists need to respect a bicyclist's right to the road and bicyclists need to respect all traffic laws.
See the Hillsborough County PSA here.

-- The Florida Department of Transportation paid $125,000 to the Troy Dunn advertisement company for a bike-ped campaign that includes a video of elephants and tanks on a road, making it appear as if our roads are very dangerous. The campaign's web site has a home page featuring a graphic video showing pedestrians struck by cars. The DOT-Dunn perspective is that the share the road concept is a cliche and vanilla and they wanted something really cool and cutting edge.

Three years earlier in 2008, my friend Bob the Bicyclist pictured here

advised me to "Watch out for the elephants on the road," and by elephants he meant cars.

Bob compared cars to elephants three years ago, so the Troy Dunn advertisement company's use of elephants seems like a cliche and vanilla.

SWFBUD Talks Bicycling With Tampa Bay Partnership

2011-11-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

SWFBUD talked with the Tampa Bay Partnership during the Bicycle Bash Sunday about the the value and importance of bicycling in Tampa Bay.

November in Metro Baltimore

2011-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

A quick get-away to metro Baltimore to see the Bicycle Stories sister and the gang.

First thing today, hike the trail along the Patapsco River.

Nice to see fall.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn Chats Bicycling While Bicycling

2011-11-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

SWFBUD interviewed Mayor Buckhorn during the 2011 Bicycle Bash Festival Sunday.

Channel 8 also did a story that included Buckhorn.

Another Memorable Bicycle Bash

2011-11-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

SWFBUD celebrated bicycling in Tampa Bay with its 5th annual Bicycle Bash Festival at Flatwoods Park. The venue was a former parking lot tucked between Flatwoods' 7-mile loop at the "Y" water station and a mountain bike trail and woods.

Gorgeous weather, a wonderful crowd of more than 2,000 and a super mix of bicyclists made for another memorable Bash.

It included Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn leading a bike ride around the 7-mile loop and a host of cool bike activities and groups.

Channel 10 Story Focuses on Diane Vega's Daughter

2011-11-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Channel 10 did a touching story on Genevieve Almodovar, who is overseeing the kids arts and crafts program at the Bicycle Bash to honor the memory of her mom Diane Vega. A red light runner killed Diane while she was on her bike commute home from work on Oct. 1, 2010.

Bike Bash Ahead!

2011-11-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for placing this sign on Morris Bridge Road just east of I-75 to tell everyone about the Bicycle Bash at fabulous Flatwoods Park Sunday.

Tampa Police did the same on Bruce B. Downs for the other entrance into Flatwoods. Thanks go out to Tampa's John Newman for that sign.

I spent this afternoon laying out the Bash site and all systems go for a full day of celebrating bicycling in Tampa Bay Sunday.

County parks at Flatwoods led by Kevin Church, Eddie, The Grizz, Ranger Rick and the whole crew have been wonderful. See you guys bright and early tomorrow. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep

Tribune Story Previews Bicycle Bash

2011-11-05T02:29:00.000-07:00

Tampa Tribune's Cloe Cabrera wrote a very cool story for Saturday's edition on Sunday's Bicycle Bash

See You At The Bash Sunday!

2011-11-04T03:29:00.000-07:00

Creative Loafing Previews Sunday's Bicycle Bash

2011-11-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you Julie Garisto at Creative Loafing for doing a wonderful job previewing the Bicycle Bash in the magazine's "do this" section on page 5.

Creative Loafing also wrote a cover story two months ago on SWFBUD's BAM Network idea for a regionwide paved trail system in Hillsborough County/Tampa. See you Sunday.
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Sunday's Bash Draws Media Attention

2011-11-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Check out the cool Patch.com story on Sunday's Bicycle Bash.

Recognize the by-line?

Also, Brian Eckman of Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium and I met Channel 10 News at Flatwoods this morning to talk about the Bash. Look for coverage Friday and Saturday.

Mayor Buckhorn and Fla. Rep. Burgin To Sign Peopleforbikes.org Pledge At Bicycle Bash Sunday

2011-11-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

The latest cool Bicycle Bash news: Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and state Rep. Rachel Burgin will be signing the peopleforbikes.org pledge to support bicycling in the U.S. at 12:30 PM at Sunday's Bicycle Bash.

Peopleforbikes.org will also give away a new Civia commuter bike during the Bash, so visit their booth Sunday.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn Invites You To The Bicycle Bash Sunday

2011-11-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

This year's Bicycle Bash Festival also features an all-star selection of food, with our headliner being the Taco Bus Food Truck.

But we have others, too, including The Killer Samich Food Truck, La Cepereria Cafe Food Truck of Ybor City, Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant and Little Greek Restaurant.

Here's Dino of La Creperia Cafe in action.

The Killer Samich Food Truck will be at Flatwoods, too.

And the famed Taco Bus will be at the Bash.

Tampa Trib Reports Preview Story On Bicycle Bash

2011-11-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ken Knight of the Tampa Tribune wrote a terrific story about Sunday's Bicycle Bash.

Flatwoods, the Beautiful Place to Bike

2011-10-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Why is Flatwoods a gorgeous place to ride a bicycle and host the Bicycle Bash Festival on NOV 6?

Perhaps, this can explain.

5 Fast Reasons To Attend The Bicycle Bash NOV 6

2011-10-28T04:39:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD's 12 Bike Shops -- The bike stores will be on hand to show you the latest and greatest in bicycles.

^ ^ ^

Free bike helmets for kids -- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will be giving free bike helmets to kids. Also, there's a free bike gear drawing at 2:30 pm!

^ ^ ^

Bikin' Bob -- Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will be leading a bike ride around the 7-mile loop at 11:15 am.

^ ^ ^

Incredible Food -- led by the famed Taco Bus Food Truck. The Killer Samich and La Creperia Cafe food trucks will be there, too, along with the Queen of Sheba Ethiopian and The Little Greek restaurants.

^ ^ ^

Bicycles of all sizes! The Bicycle Bash is a festival for all bicyclists, bicycles and bike groups.

Peopleforbikes.org Will Be At The Bicycle Bash

2011-10-27T13:09:00.001-07:00

Today's Bicycle Bash message comes from Peopleforbikes.org -- a national bicycle organization that's coming from Boulder, Colo. for the Bash on NOV 6 at Flatwoods Park. They are looking forward to having Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn sign the peopleforbikes pledge to support bicycling in this country. Peopleforbikes.org is signing up 1 million people across the U.S. to support bicycling. www.peopleforbikes.org

Another U.S. Senator Tries To Kill Vital Enhancements

2011-10-27T03:50:00.000-07:00

From the League of American Bicyclists:

It’s happening again. Just one month ago, Sen. Coburn (R-OK) failed in his efforts to strip funding for Transportation Enhancements from the six-month transportation extension.

Senator Rand Paul’s 80-year Bridge Repair Plan

Now, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is taking the lead in trying to destroy Transportation Enhancements. On November 1, the Senate will finalize the transportation appropriations bill, which sets funding levels for FY2012. Sen. Paul has offered an amendment to redirect all funding for Transportation Enhancements to bridge repair.

We agree on the need to keep our bridges safe, but the lives of pedestrians and cyclists are important too. Thirteen people died when the Minneapolis bridge collapsed in 2007: since then, close to 20,000 pedestrians and 2,800 cyclists have died on our nation’s highways, largely as a result of poor highway design and a lack of safe non-motorized infrastructure – exactly what the enhancement program was created to fix.

If Sen. Paul’s amendment is successful, it would eliminate approximately $700 million in federal funding for FY2012 that is used to construct sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths, trails and other infrastructure that makes it safe for bicyclists and pedestrians to get around. Even if every penny of these funds is diverted to bridge repairs, Senator Paul’s plan will still take 80 years to fix the backlog of bridge repairs we have today.

Remember that the TE program represents less than two percent of the Federal transportation program and these projects help alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety, get people active, and create more jobs per dollar than highway-only projects.

Tim Blumenthal of Bikes Belong (which will be at the Bicycle Baash on NOV 6) issued this statement on the issue:

Last month, we asked you to contact your U.S. Senators to oppose Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn's plan to strip funding from the Transportation Enhancements program, which is the main source of the federal investment for bike projects of all types. Peopleforbikes.org supporters and our allies generated more than 75,000 emails to Congress in 48 hours. This rapid and powerful grassroots response succeeded: Mr. Coburn withdrew his amendment and crucial funding for bicycling was preserved.

We are sorry to report today that bike infrastructure funding is under serious and immediate attack again – this time in an amendment proposed by Senator Rand Paul (KY) that would redirect all funding for Transportation Enhancements to bridge repairs. Mr. Paul's amendment is set for a Senate vote Tuesday, Nov. 1.

While we are all for bridge repairs, gutting the Transportation Enhancements program is not the way to get the job done. We must defeat this amendment and we need your help. We need you to contact your state's two U.S. Senators today and ask them to oppose this amendment. Here are four reasons why:

1. Everyone deserves to be safe. We agree that we must keep our bridges safe, but the lives of pedestrians and bicyclists are important too. Nearly 5,000 Americans die each year biking or walking on our nation’s roadways.

2. Reallocating bike funding won't make a dent in the cost of bridge repairs. Even if every penny of Transportation Enhancements money is diverted to bridge repairs, Senator Paul’s plan would still take 80 years to fix the backlog of bridge repairs we have today.

3. Transportation Enhancements provide essential transportation benefits, like reducing road congestion, improving safety, getting people active, and creating more jobs per dollar than highway-only projects.

4. States don't spend all the money they already receive for bridge repairs.

This is the third attempt in a month by a small group of Senators to target Transportation Enhancements, using a different angle each time. It is a waste of the Senate's time and taxpayers dollars to focus on eliminating this modest, cost-effective, valuable program when we are in dire need of real and viable solutions to fix our failing transportation system.

Please contact your Senators today to ask them to vote against the Paul amendment (SA-821) to eliminate Transportation Enhancements. (You can find your Senators, review basic suggested text for your email, and send your note directly from this link.)

Thank you for your help today, and for passing this call to action along.

Tim Blumenthal
Director, Peopleforbikes.org

Today's Bicycle Bash Message Brought To You By Ranger Rick

2011-10-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Biking To Arts and Antiques In Seminole Heights

2011-10-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

What a blast to work with talented glass artist Susan Gott to inaugurate the first ever Free Wheeling Art and Antique Bicycle Ride, which started and finished at Susan's Phoenix Glass Studio at Knollwood and Nebraska in Seminole Heights.

I led a ride of 25 terrific bicyclists who came from St. Petersburg to Wesley Chapel to my own neighborhood here in Seminole Heights. It was a gorgeous day to bike with my 'hood pals such as Rick, Dale, Lisa and CJ and meeting many cyclists who enjoyed biking to the art studios of Susan Gott and wood scuplturer Charlie Parkhill and the Tempus Project and also stopping off at terrific antique shops like Sherry's Yesterdaze, D & D Antiques and Kaleidoscope.

And we even met Mayor Bob Bukshorn, who was on his way to the Food Truck rally in Seminole Heights.

Let's starting biking!

Stop 1: Kaleidoscope

CJ enjoys a seat.

There's mason-bicyclist Dale Edminster, mesmermized by the cool Kaleidoscope items.

Stop 2: Charlie Parkhill's wood sculptures

Charlie's woodwork was stunning.

A gorgeous day to bike.

Stop 3: D & D Antiques
Thank you Debra Vallejo, who hosted us at D & D Antiques.

Stop 3 1/2: The Buckhorn Visit
We met Mayor Bob Buckhorn on the way to Sherry's Yesterdaze.

Biking to Sherry's Yesterdaze.

Stop 4: Sherry's Yesterdaze
Sherry opened her store to the bicyclists, who enjoyed checking out her wonderful vintage clothes and items. Thanks Sherry!

Stop 5: Tempus Project

Nicole and Tracy of the Tempus Project discuss the art work in its gallery.

Tracy chats with an arts blogger, who rode a very cool single-speed Paramount.

Come on, I have to try one photo that's framed by a bike frame.

Here's my idea of art.

Susan Gott rocks. The talented artist with gorgeous glass works held one-on-one demos with guests who were guided by Susan to make their own glass pumpkins this afternoon after the ride.

Tampa Area Bicyclist Killed By Motorist Sunday

2011-10-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

A 55-year-old bicyclist was killed biking across the eastbound lanes of West Waters Avenue Sunday. SeminoleHeightsPatch.com has the story. Michael Swanson was the bicyclist's name.

There are so many motorist-bicyclist crashes in Tampa Bay that hospitals use billboards for ads showing a bicycle to drive business. Consider this billboard in Pinellas County.

Video Promo For The 2011 Bicycle Bash on NOV 6

2011-10-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Hillsborough County TV and Commissioner Mark Sharpe for this terrific promo video for the 2011 Bicycle Bash Festival.

Bicycle Bash Press Release

2011-10-13T12:13:00.001-07:00

TAMPA -- SWFBUD, the alliance of Tampa Bay bicycle stores, is proud to put on the 2011 SWFBUD Bicycle Bash Festival to celebrate bicycling in the Tampa Bay market at Flatwoods Park on Nov. 6 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Bicycle Bash is Tampa Bay's bicycle festival and SWFBUD's 12 retail bicycle shops hosts the bicycle festival to bring Tampa Bay's bicycle community together and promote bicycling as a healthy lifestyle, effective transportation and asset to the region.

The 5th Annual Bicycle Bash will feature:

-- Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn leading a bike ride called the Buckhorn Bash Ride around the Flatwoods 7-mile loop at 11:15 AM.

-- The SWFBUDDY Awards given to local Tampa Bay residents and officials who have worked to make the area a more bicycle-friendly community.

-- A Swap Meet where people can buy used bike gear; food provided by the famed Taco Bus Food Truck; and music.

-- Guest announcers Skip Mahaffey and Brendan McLaughlin of Channel 28 Action News.

-- Free bike gear giveaway drawings; an artist doing creating live bicycle painting;

-- SWFBUD lawyers will be on hand to offer free legal advice regarding bicycle issues.

-- Tampa BayCycle will provide a free BikeSmart bike education class and Tampa Bay's bicycle clubs will be on hand to talk about bike rides throughout the region. Bikes Belong from Boulder, Colo. and the Florida Bicycle Association will also be participating. HART and the MPO will be on hand, too.

-- The Bicycle Bash is FREE.

-- The Cure on Wheels charity bike ride (www.cureonwheels.org) is the Bicycle Bash presenting sponsor and Hillsborough County is a co-sponsor.
SWFBUD is a nationally-recognized, award-winning alliance of 12 Tampa Bay bicycle stores: Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium, Oliver's Cycle Sports, Bicycle Outfitters, Just Ride Bicycles, Chainwheel Drive, ABC Bicycles, Trek Bicycle Store of Tampa and Clearwater, Street Fit 360, University Bicycle Center, Trek Bicycle Store of St. Petersburg, The Ironman Store and Velo Champ. SWFBUD also includes three lawyer members: Tom Singletary, J. Steele Olmstead and the Mark Roman Law Group.

SWFBUD's achievements include prompting Hillsborough County to initiate a bicycle safety action plan in response to local bicyclist deaths and also prompting local officials to consider a regional paved trail system called the BAM (Bicycle Area Mobility) Network.

Please log on to www.bicyclebash.com and www.bicyclebash.blogspot.com for more information.

Bicycle Bash Update

2011-10-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Bicycle Bash Festival on NOV 6 at Flatwoods is Tampa Bay's bicycle festival and I am happy to release an early program:
10 AM -- BASH starts
10:30 AM -- Bicycle yoga with Michelle Cherry
11:15 AM -- Buckhorn Bash Ride with Mayor Bob Buckhorn around the 7-mile loop
12 Noon -- SWFBUDDY Awards Ceremony
1 PM -- BikeSmart bike education program
2:30 PM -- Free bike gear drawings
4 PM -- BASH ends

If you want to be an exhibitor/vendor, log onto www.bicyclebash.com to get a form or contact alansnel@yahoo.com.

We also have the swap meet, the Taco Bus food truck, guest announcers Skip Mahaffey and Brendan Mclaughlin and our SWFBUD bicycle shops and lawyers: Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium, Olivers's Cycle Sportsm Just Ride Bicycles, Chainwheel Drive, Univerfsity Bicycle Center, Bicycle Outfitters, ABC Bicycles, Trek Store of Tampa and Clearwater, Street Fit 360, The Ironman Store, Trek Store of St. Petersburg, Tom Singletary, Mark Roman Law Group and J. Steele Olmstead.

Thank you sponsors -- Cure on Wheels, our presenting sponsor; Hillsborough County, our co-sponsor; American Traffic Solutions, a sponsor.

We also have incredible bicycle groups coming -- Tampa BayCycle, the St. Petersburg Bicycle Club, Suncoast Cycling Club, SWAMP, Seminole Heights Bicycle Club, the Florida Bicycle Association, Bikes Belong and the Tampa Bay Bicycle Co-op.

Organizations and agencies in attendance include -- the Sierra Club, HART, Hillsborough County MPO/Planning; Hillsborough parks and recreation.

Please support the Cure on Wheels bike ride on NOV 5 from Flatwoods. Cure on Wheels helps out on the Bicycle Bash and raises money locally for the families of cancer patients going through treatment. Their 350 riders raised $165,000 last year! Log onto www.cureonwheels.org to sign up.

Sun Comes Out and Bicycling At Flatwoods Is Back

2011-10-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Sun came out this morning and I was able to squeeze in my 41-miler before work. But there was some water out in Flatwoods.

Steel is Real -- My Steel Specialized Sirrus Is For Sale

2011-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am selling my Specialized Sirrus road bike. It's a classic -- a 1991 steel road bike that gives you a rock-solid ride. The frame is just too big for me. Ideal for someone in the 5'6" - 5'10" foot range.

I'm selling it for only $200 because there's a small crack in the rear rim, so the rim or rear wheel will have to be replaced.

Bike comes with odometer, Armadillo tires, two water cages and two new Polar Bottles.

First $200 gets the bike. Contact me at alansnel@yahoo.com.

Look For The Bicycle Bash Signs and Banners

2011-10-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Bicycle Bash signs are out -- you'll see them around Flatwoods and SWFBUD shops.

And the Bicycle Banners are up, too.

Rick Fidanzato's crew at Trek Store of St. Petersburg put up a Bicycle Bash banner in front of their store on Fourth Street in St. Petersburg. This will be their first Bicycle Bash.

SWFBUD's newest bike shop is Velo Champ in Seminole Heights. Jordan Miller plus dad Doug and mom Sue make Velo Champ a family-run busines. They strung up the Bicycle Bash banner on their storefront on Central Avenue.

SWFBUD Names SWFBUDDY Award Winners -- They Will Be Honored at the Bicycle Bash Nov 6

2011-10-03T11:01:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers), the alliance of 12 Tampa Bay retail bicycle shops, is proud to announce this year's SWFBUDDY Award winners who will be honored during the SWFBUD Bicycle Bash Festival at Flatwoods Park on Nov. 6.

SWFBUD gives the SWFBUDDY Award to Tampa Bay residents who have made our community a more bicycle-friendly place. The SWFBUDDY Award honorees are:

-- Tampa City Councilwoman Yolin Capin, for her support of shared road markings ("Sharrows") that have been placed on various streets in the city of Tampa. Councilwoman Capin also delivered a stirring speech at the Hub Grub Bicycle Ride in Seminole Heights in April.

-- Zachary Taylor, wellness specialist for the city of Clearwater's parks and recreation who started a bicycle sharing program.

-- Tampa Bay Rays Manager Joe Maddon, for showing his love for bicycling during various media reports and doing a bicycle safety PSA.

-- Alicia Zicchino, Catherine Fritchman and Dan Magazu, for reaching out to the bicycle community and holding a bicycle memorial event to honor the life of bicyclist Dr. Robert Niedbalec, who was killed by a speeding motorist while cycling on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa in February.

-- Tampa Police Department, for applying Share the Road decals across the entire width of the rear window of its police cruisers.

-- St. Petersburg Councilwoman Leslie Curran, for her courage to return to bicycling after suffering a serious head injury from a bicycle crash.

-- Doreen Jesseph of Seminole Heights, for her generous contributions to donating many bicycle event fliers and supporting Seminole Heights bicycle club activities in Tampa.

SWFBUD holds the Bicycle Bash Festival to promote and celebrate bicycling in Tampa Bay. The Bicycle Bash will be 10 am to 4 pm at Flatwoods Park on Nov 6 and will include Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn leading a bicycle ride, bike vendors and exhibitors, a swap meet, music and food led by the Taco Bus food truck. Check out www.bicyclebash.com and the Bicycle Bash blog at www.bicyclebash.blogspot.com

Support SWFBUD Bicycle Shops and Lawyers

2011-10-02T13:34:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday October 2 and only five weeks to the Bicycle Bash Festival to celebrate cycling in Tampa Bay.

I'm proud to work on behalf of 15 SWFBUD members -- 12 bike shops and three lawyers -- who enlist me to increase the profile of bicycling in Tampa Bay, get more people on bikes and show our elected leaders that bicycling enhances our local communities through economic development, tourism, fitness, transportation, healthy lifetsyle and quality of life.

SWFBUD prompted Hillsborough County to initiate and pass a bicycle safety action plan, has represented the voices of bicyclists before many local agency boards and elected panels and puts on the Bicycle Bash every year to celebrate and promote bicycling in Tampa Bay.

I'm lucky to work for 12 amazing bike shops and three lawyers who believe in the SWFBUD mission.

Please shop at these bike shops and use these lawyers. They enlist me to collectively represent their bicycle voices and I urge you to support them. Here they are:

Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium

Oliver's Cycle Sports

Just Ride Bicycles

Bicycle Outfitters

Chainwheel Drive

University Bicycle Center

Street Fit 360

Trek Bicycle Store of Tampa and Clearwater

ABC Bicycles

Trek Store of St. Petersburg

The Ironman Store

Velo Champ

Tom Singletary

J. Steele Olmstead

Mark Roman Law Group

SHBC Easy Ride Enjoys The Autumn Weather Today

2011-10-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Seminole Heights Bicycle Club's Easy Ride drew about 10 cyclists this morning. Here is Eddie, pedaling along. He started on training wheels in the club.

Good to see Margaret back in the saddle after an ankle injury.

Tampa Number 9 In The Country In Bike-Commuting Out of the 70 Biggest Cities

2011-09-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Gene Bisbee, my bicycle blog comrade from Seattle, published the top bike-commuting cities in the country. Gene contacted me because he wanted to let me know that Tampa finished NUMBER 9 out of the 70 biggest cities and experienced "the largest growth in bicycle commuting in the past year -- more than double at 121 percent."

Check out Gene's blog at www.bikingbis.com -- Gene reported:

Here are the top 20 bicycle commuting cities of the 375 cities in the report, as compiled by the League. You'll notice that most are home to large colleges or universities. We can hope it shows a trend for the future:

1. Davis, California 22.1%
2. Boulder, Colorado 9.9%
3. Eugene, Oregon 8.3%
4. Berkeley, California 8.0%
5. Cambridge, Massachusetts 6.8%
6. Santa Barbara, California 6.4%
7. Madison, Wisconsin 6.0%
8. Gainesville, Florida 6.0%
9. Portland, Oregon 6.0%
10. Iowa City, Iowa 5.6%
11. Chico, California 5.5%
12. Missoula, Montana 5.4%
13. Flagstaff, Arizona 5.1%
14. Miami Beach, Florida 5.0%
15. Pasadena, California 4.8%
16. Fort Collins, Colorado 4.4%
17. Mountain View, California 4.1%
18. Boise, Idaho 3.9%
19. Seattle, Washington 3.6%
20. Somerville, Massachusetts 3.6%

Top 10 of the 70 largest cities:

1. Portland, OR 6.0%
2. Seattle, WA 3.6%
3. San Francisco, CA 3.5%
4. Minneapolis, MN 3.5%
5. Washington, DC 3.1%
6. Tucson, AZ 3.0%
7. Sacramento, CA 2.5%
8. Denver, CO 2.2%
9. Tampa, FL 1.9%
10. Philadelphia, PA 1.8%

Interestingly, Tampa is the only city on that list of 10 that is not a (League of American Bicyclists) bicycle-friendly city. However, it experienced the largest growth in bicycle commuting in the past year -- more than double at 121%

Art & Antique Bicycle Ride in Seminole Heights on Oct. 22

2011-09-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm working with Susan Gott, the famed glass artist of Seminole Heights, on an art and antique bicycle ride for Oct 22 from 9 am to 1 pm when we will visit six art studios and antique shops in the bike route in Seminole Heights.

The bike ride will start and finish at Susan Gott's art studio on Knollwood Avenue right off Nebraska Avenue on the side street across from the Sulphur Springs Post Office. You must sign a ride waiver and be ready at 8:45 am.

Thank you Doreen Jesseph of the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club for arranging the bicycle flier.

Cure on Wheels Is Bicycle Bash Presenting Sponsor

2011-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD appreciates Cure on Wheels being the presenting sponsor for the 2011 Bicycle Bash on Nov 6 at Flatwoods, so please participate in the Cure on Wheels ride one day before the Bicycle Bash on Nov 5 at Flatwoods.

Sign up at www.cureonwheels.org

Buddy Brew Coffee To Participate In The Bicycle Bash

2011-09-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD welcomes Buddy Brew coffee of Tampa to the Bash festival on NOV 6 at Flatwoods Park outside Tampa.

Buddy Brew owners Dave and Susan Ward are friends of bicyclists and check out the bicycle cargo rig created by SWFBUD bike shop Velo Champ. Buddy Brew will be bringing that cargo bike to the Bash.

Buddy Brew was at the Bicycle Bash last year and don't forget to visit their coffee shop on Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa.

Look Who Won A Creative Loafing "Loafie" Award

2011-09-22T15:12:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD is recognized by Creative Loafing for our bike advocacy. We're a "Best Of" Winner -- from Creative Loafing:

Best Advocates for Bicyclists

Alan Snel and the South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers
SWFBUD is the country’s only localized alliance of bike store dealers, comprising 10 shop owners and two lawyers. Group spokesman Alan Snel, a bicycle advocate and former metro newspaper reporter, has lobbied local governments to provide more bicycle resources and helped put on the touted Bicycle Bash festival each year. With the staggering statistics placing Tampa at the bottom of bike-safety lists, it’s encouraging to know that Snel and SWFBUD are fighting the good fight for two-wheelers. Snel also organizes the popular Hub Grub Bike Ride, and the next Bicycle Bash takes place at Flatwoods Park on Nov. 6. bicyclebash.com/swfbud.html, hubgrubride.blogspot.com.

Also, two SWFBUD stores won Loafies, too:

Best New Bike Shop

Velo Champ

This year, Velo Champ has upped Seminole Heights’ retail profile, bringing life to Central and Hanna’s long-abandoned vintage storefronts. The sleek, distinctive one-stop shop offers a range of performance road, cyclocross and track bikes, as well as today’s most functional townie and commuter bikes. Mad props to owner Jordan Miller, who has helped organize and bring sanity to the PBR Pub Bike Rides and has been a staunch supporter of bike culture and safety in Tampa Bay. 6112 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 813-374-2424, velochamp.com.

******

Best Bike Retailer Before Bikes Were Cool

Chainwheel Drive

Clearwater isn’t known for much in the way of hip retail (exceptions include back-in-the-day shops Sagittarius and Crash and Burn, of course), but Chainwheel Drive is a survivor, thank God, a stellar standout amid the city’s strip-mall mediocrity. The mainstay in North Pinellas for the past three decades supports local bike clubs and state and national cycling organizations, providing support for rides and races all over the region. They are also involved with many different aspects of cycling, including racing, triathlon, mountain biking, cross country touring, and BMX. 1770 Drew St., Clearwater, 727-441-2444, chainwheeldrive.com.

Jim Shirk, You Da Man -- Build The BAM!

2011-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Construction Site Protects Kay Ghost Bike

2011-09-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

The construction crew at the USF entrance off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. protects the Kay ghost bike.

BAM Network Map Shows The Trail System For Tampa/Hillsborough

2011-09-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD thanks talented architect Nico Stearley of HOK in Tampa for creating this gorgeous map illustration of the BAM Network Plan -- SWFBUD's proposal to unify the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail, the South Coast Greenway and the Selmon Greenway into a unified superhighway system for bicyclists in the Tampa/Hillsborough area.

I look forward to showing this map at a presentation before the Tampa City Council on Thursday morning.

Bicycle Bash Banner Goes Up Along Pinellas Trail

2011-09-19T13:26:00.001-07:00

All 12 SWFBUD bike shops are amazing, including Bicycle Outfitters and owner Adam Beland pictured here with the 2011 Bicycle Bash Festival banner that he tied to the fence behind his store on the Pinellas Trail in Largo, Fla.

Shop at a SWFBUD bike shop because that store supports bicycle advocacy here in Tampa Bay. Check out more info about the Bash at www.bicyclebash.com.

More Assaults On Bicyclists Along The Pinellas Trail In St. Petersburg

2011-09-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Several people have informed me about ambush muggings and assaults against bicyclists on the Pinellas Trail in St. Petersburg. They're usually along the stretch of Pinellas Trail between Tropicana Field and the high school -- in the area between 31st and 34st Streets.

A few months agao, Rick Fidanzato, owner of ABC Bicycles and the Trek Store of St. Petersburg, sent me an email from a customer who was assulted while cycling about three months ago.

There have been media reports of more attacks recently. And one bicycle friend passed along information about a cyclist named Brian who reported he was assaulted as well.

Be on guard while cycling that section of Pinellas Trail!

Here is a recent account from bicyclist Brian:

At 7:30 PM I was biking west on the Pinellas Trail between 31st and 34th St S in St Pete. About midway between the two streets is an "island", with railroad track remnants and a bench, where the paved path divides and goes around it on both sides. As I approached the island, I saw a man partially blocking the path to the right (north), and another man sitting on the bench on the left side of the island. I thought maybe I saw signs of one or more other people there as well (and I've since been told there were in fact four guys), but my attention was focused on the two guys I saw clearly. Because the path to the right was partially blocked, I rode around the island to the left.

When I got within about 100 ft of the man on the bench, he got up, walked to the left of center of the trail, then just sorta stood there casually. Suspecting nothing, I rode to his right, between him and the bench. As I passed him, he suddenly moved closer, raised his elbow, and walloped me in the mouth -- I never saw it coming. Somehow, I don't know how, I managed to stay upright and keep moving. I also retained enough presence of mind to shout a few obscenities at him. When I got about 100 ft away, I stopped, looked back to see what was happening (nothing -- the guy was just standing there, looking at me -- I like to think he was saying, "damn, this is harder than I thought!"), pulled out my cellphone, and dialed 911. At that point the guys took off in the opposite direction. (I tried dialing 911 twice, and the call failed both times. In the end I called Linda, who gave me the non-emergency police number to call.)

I'm fine -- a deep laceration inside my mouth and a headache for a day, but it could have been much worse, as proved to be the case for poor Michael Hall, who rode by the same spot an hour later (after dark) and got badly pounded. By then I guess the muggers had perfected their ambush technique enough to be successful. Fortunately for them and unfortunately for Michael, their second assault yielded a much better haul than their first one could have: Michael lost a $1500 bike, whereas all they could have got from me was a 10-year-old cellphone and a 25-year-old bike worth maybe $100.

And another Pinellas Trail bicyclist added: "I rode by that area last Sunday morning @ about 9:30am. When I rode by that same bench there was a woman's purse sitting open on the bench. I saw no woman around.

It seemed odd. I got to the top of the bridge over 34th and stopped and called 911. They put me over as a non-emergency call to St Pete police. They said they would check on it and I chose to leave the area.

I am thankful I did not stop. It seems any time of day is not safe in that area until the police take things a bit more seriously."

Here is the St. Pete Times story: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/article1191471.ece

Taco Bus Will Be At Bicycle Bash Nov 6

2011-09-18T14:25:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD is happy to report that the famed Taco Bus of Tampa is sending its food truck to serve the hungry Bicycle Bash goers on Nov. 6.

And Brendan Mclaughlin, a bicycle enthusiast and Channel 28 news anchor, will also be at the Bicycle Bash to offer some announcing in the afternoon of the Bash.

Me and the Metal Cowboy at Interbike

2011-09-16T17:53:00.001-07:00

My plane home from Interbike and Vegas Thursday afternoon was delayed an hour, so I stuck around the ISM bike saddle booth an extra bit, chatting with ISM owner Steve Toll and his wife Laura, who live in the Lutz area outside Tampa.

Next to Steve's booth was an exhibit showing gorgeous bicycle pannier travel bags, which caught my eye because I biked across the country solo twice back in the 1980s and know the value of a reliable pannier bag that can hold a lot of gear and clothes.

The salesman in front of the panniers was a friendly dude with a beard and a blue shirt and as soon as I strolled over to check out the bags, we immediately swapped stories about bike travels and panniers.

His company is Arkel based in Oregon.

I told him I represented 12 Tampa Bay bicycle stores who pay me to advance bicycling in our market and he was intrigued because first, he would love those shops to sell his panniers.

And second, he's a Plant High grad and from Tampa Bay. He's also a USF alum.

His name his Joe Kurmaskie, known as the "Metal Cowboy" for his long-distance bike travel books he has written.

They're wonderful books, packed with funny tales of bicycling long distances and meeting wacky folks. I enjoyed Joe's books because they reminded me of my cross-country bike rides and the bike adventure stories I wrote for the Syracuse Herald-Journal and the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record.

In fact, I love reading most bicycle travel books and have a nice collection of the genre, which includes two of Joe's books -- Metal Cowboy and Riding Outside The Lines.

Joe immediately pulled out his latest book, called You Might Be A Cyclist If . . . It's full of funny quips that finish the title of the book. Joe signed it and gave it to me. It was fun reading on the journey home to Tampa.

Naturally, we hit it off and I told Joe that he HAS to come to the Bicycle Bash to show his Arkel panniers (Joe said he's a partner in the company) and meet his fellow Tampa Bay bicyclists.

Joe lives in Oregon, so it's a haul.

But Joe is a kindred spirit, so we promised to try and make this happen -- a Metal Cowboy appearance at the Bicycle Bash.

Stay tuned.

Interbike Comes To An End Today

2011-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

If you love bicycles, you should plan an outing to Interbike -- the bicycle industry's annual trade show and gathering. Lots of super bicycle gear eye candy and it's like a family reunion with all the different branches of the bicycle family coming together to network, check out new products, meet old pals and hob-nob about bikes in Las Vegas.

I'm back in Tampa after a Tuesday-Thursday excursion, which included one day at the outdoor demo in Boulder about 40 minutes from Vegas and two days inside the Sands convention center attached to the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas.

Ben Coffey of Cinelli is a Facebook friend and I got a chance to meet Ben for the first time at the outdoor demo and trade show this week.

Mascots are hard to resist -- no matter what the sport.

A damp morning and cloudy afternoon kept the crowd low at the outdoor demo on Tuesday.

Back at the convention center on Wednesday, lots of room to test e-bikes.

Eddie is the brand.

The Surly wooden rollers were a big hit.

Bell helmets.

Here's ISM owner Steve Toll, triathlon star and ISM team member Michellie Jones and big Dave of ISM. It was great to see Steve and his wife Laura and the ISM crew at Interbike.

How about an electric cargo bike?

There's always a fixie in the house.

Cinelli display.

The Electra display is always a treat.

Bicycle eye candy all around.

It was great to see Tim Blumenthal of Bikes Belong

and Andy Clarke of the League of American Bicyclists.

My pal Ellen Pierson of the Policy Unity Tour enjoyed her rookie Interbike experience.

I met my kindred spirit, Joe "Metal Cowbuy" Kurmaskie, who has written bicycle travel books and now is a partner in Arkel bicycle panniers in Oregon. Joe is from Tampa! And I begged Joe to come to the Bicycle Bash to tell funny bike travel stories and show his bike panniers.

Greetings From Interbike In Vegas

2011-09-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD is on the scene at the Interbike show, the bicycle industry's annual get-together where some 1,200 bicycle brands set up exhibits and thousands more from the bicycle world come to schmooze, network and hob-nob.

SWFBUD is spreading the word about our 2011 Bicycle Bash festival on NOV 6 at beautiful Flatwoods Park and is recruiting exhibitors to be Bash vendors in less than two months.

SWFBUD is also spreading the word about the BAM (Bicycle Area Mobility) Network that we have lobbied for in the Tampa Bay area. The BAM Network is a unified paved trail system made up of the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail, the South Coast Greenway and the Selmon Greenway as a superhighway for bicyclists in the Hillsborough County and Tampa area. Check out Creative Loafing for a great story about the BAM.

SWFBUD is happy to see SWFBUD bike shop owners on the scene, such as David Luppino of Just Ride Bicycles, Tom Jessup of Chainwheel Drive. Jana and Andy Clark of Street Fit 360, and Carlos Mirabal of University Bicycle Center. On the flight to Las Vegas from Tampa, SWFBUD bumped into Tom's son, Scott Jessup, from Chainwheel Drive and also Brian and Jen are here from Chainwheel as well. Waiting for the flight fromk Tampa, I also chatted with Bicycle Bash supporter Clayton Bramlett of American Classic wheels, as AC owners Bill and Ellen are on the scene at Interbike, too.

SWFBUD also appreciates the support of Steve and Laura Toll, owners of the incredible ISM bicycle saddle. Steve and Laura are from the Tampa area and are big supporters of SWFBUD, the local cycling scene and the kids' triathlon programs put on by Suzanne Henslee. Steve and Laura are spreading the word about ISM and people are listening.

SWFBUD has caught up with Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, who wrote letters of support to Hillsborough County commissioners and Tampa city council members advising them to help the local bicycle scene in light of the 12 bicyclists killed in Hillsborough County in 2010. I also enjoyed chatting with Bill Nesper, the guy at the League who runs the program that awards bicycle-friendly honors to towns and businesses.

Bill has a personal connection to Tampa because his wife is from the Tampa area, so Bill keeps tabs with the SWFBUD work to make the Tampa Bay area a more friendly place for bicyclists.

It was also great to see Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Boulder, Colo.-based Bikes Belong, which is collecting 1 million signatures from people who favor bicycling to give to the power brokers in Washington, DC. By the way, please call your local US senators and congressmen and tell them to keep funding for bicycle infrastructure. Bikes Belong will be at the Bicycle Bash (bicyclebash,com) so please sign the 1 million bicyclist petition at the Bash on Nov. 6.

My cycling pal Ellen Pierson has rolled into Vegas and it's her first Interbike, so she's in for a treat today when she sees the endless sea of bicyle exhibitors at the gargatuan Sands Expo and Convention Center.

I arrived Tuesday morning to torrential rain in the Vegas area -- how bizarre is that? I came Tuesday to experience the second day of the Outdoor Demo in Boulder City and took the shuttle bus from the convention center to the Bootleg Canyon park, where the demo is staged.

It stopped raining at the demo by the time I got there, but threatening skies kept the crowd low and subdued at the demo, where I met Facebook friend Ben Coffey of Cinelli bicycles. Ben might be from Santa Fe, NM but he also supports SWFBUD and bicycling in Tampa. Ben, how about coming to the Bicycle Bash?!

It was nice to see Dan Thornton and Fred Clement of the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) -- and remember SWFBUD's own Tom Jessup of Chainwheel Drive is a NBDA board member.

I also hope today to catch up with my friend Ira David Levy from Chicago, who plans to start of a PBS TV show called "Pedal America."

I'll be back late Thursday night and will post photos when I'm back in Tampa.

Cycling With The Seminole Heights Bicycle Club

2011-09-10T12:02:00.001-07:00

This morning I biked with the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club to Hyde Park Village and back. Nice bicycling everyone.

Thank you city of Tampa transportation dept. for re-working North Boulevard with bike lanes, shared road markings and Share The Road signs -- we need more.

Beautiful Flatwoods Park -- as seen from Morris Bridge Road.

Order your 2011 Bicycle Bash T-shirt with the Build the BAM message. They cost only $10. Contact alansnel@yahoo.com