Tampa BayCycle

Click here for a PDF of the Map.

More than 40 enthusiastic riders participated despite the threatening skies and heavy rain moving in from the Gulf.Read one of the stories at this link – http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/story.aspx?storyid=135444&catid=250

Rhonda Smalls displays the plaque at Tampa City Hall

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

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

Route map for long ride: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/tampa/733127732460144652

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

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