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TAMPA, FL (May 13, 2011) – For the fifth consecutive year, Tampa BayCycle, an initiative that encourages commuters to cycle to work, school, for errands, or play, will hit Tampa Bay area streets this year during the month of May, National Bike Month. Hundreds of cyclists – from enthusiasts to casual riders to novices – have participated in BayCycle events since its inception in 2007.
Through Tampa BayCycle, cyclists are being recruited to participate in the initiative and join the growing ranks of Tampa BayCycle Ambassadors.
Tampa BayCycle Ambassadors are bicyclists who know that riding a bike provides for a sound mind, fit body, and helps the environment. Those who become an Ambassador commit to encouraging friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, community leaders, or anyone who wants to join the movement, to try bicycling instead of driving.
 “Through Tampa BayCycle, we hope to continue to encourage people to think of their bicycles as a mode of transportation,” said Karen Kress, Tampa BayCycle chair, director of transportation and planning, Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Fifteen percent of trips are within one mile of home and could easily be taken by bicycle instead of car.”
Activities are planned throughout the month of May, and include bike to work days and group rides; safety classes; bike giveaways; and more. All activities are free and open to the public. A schedule of events can be found at the end of this release and at www.tampabaycycle.com.
“Tampa BayCycle is a chance for bicyclists, motorists and the general public to come together to make our roads a safer place to travel for everyone,” said Julie Bond, senior research associate at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at USF and co-founder of Tampa BayCycle. “The safety classes offered are open to everyone!”
For those who bike to work, downtown Tampa YMCAs are offering their locker rooms and shower facilities to clean up before heading into the office.
 Bike racks funded by Tampa BayCycle can be found throughout the Tampa Bay area and provide convenient and secure places for bicyclists to keep their bikes once they’ve arrived at their destinations. The racks can be found throughout downtown Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, and in the University of South Florida area and Westshore business district.
“With a helmet, the proper safety skills, and a safe and secure place to leave your bicycle once you’ve reached your destination, biking becomes a much more feasible and healthier way to get around,” said Kress.
Tampa BayCycle was founded in 2007 by the New North Transportation Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership and is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. The initiative was named 2010 Program of the Year by the Florida Bicycle Association; recognized by Creative Loafing as a Green 100; and was the recipient of the 2008 Creative Excellence Award from the Association for Commuter Transportation.
For additional information regarding Tampa BayCycle and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.TampaBayCycle.com, or become a fan of the initiative on www.facebook.com/TampaBaycycle.
Schedule of Events:
- Sunday 5/15 Yoga for Cyclists (4-5:30pm) Free if you ride your bike www.treehouseyoga.com
- Tuesday 5/17 Urban Restaurant Tour, sponsored by City Bike Tampa
- Tuesday 5/17 City-County joint greenways and trails committee meeting (6-8pm) Bypass Canal Trail Planning
- Wednesday 5/18 Ride of Silence, 7pm Downtown and USF area rides
- Thursday 5/19 National Bike to Work Day, Davis Islands to downtown group ride led by Mayor Buckhorn 7:30am Free but pre-register
- Friday 5/20 Art After Dark “The Art of Cycling”, 8-11p Tampa Museum of Art
- Sunday 5/22 “Tour Day Lokale” USF area local business tour, USF Bike Club
- Sunday 5/22 Kid’s Safety Clinic 10a-12p Free but pre-register at Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium
- Wednesday 5/25 Yoga for Cyclists (5:45- 7pm) Free if you ride your bike www.treehouseyoga.com
- Thursday 5/26 Free Flat Repair Clinic 7-9pm sponsored by Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium
- Thursday 5/26 Urban Restaurant Tour, sponsored by City Bike Tampa
- Sunday 5/29 USF Bike Club Adopt-a-Road cleanup session on Fletcher Ave.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization. It is a membership organization comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing downtown Tampa. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, the Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa's Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the Tampa Downtown Partnership works to promote downtown through a multitude of initiatives including marketing, business development, transportation, planning and beautification. For additional information about the Tampa Downtown Partnership visit www.tampasdowntown.com.
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