SWFBUD -- South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers

SWFBUD Thanks Tampa For Adding Bike Lane On Bayshore Blvd.

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

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.

Helping SWFBUD With Sharrows and the BAM

2012-01-23T19:21:00.001-08:00

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.

Gasparilla Childrens' Bike Rodeo Needs Volunteers Saturday

2012-01-18T03:48:00.000-08:00

It's time again for the Gasparilla Childrens' Bike Rodeo Saturday and they need volunteers along Bayshore, between Albany & Nance (near Rome Ave.)

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!

SWFBUD Welcomes A New Sight On Bayshore Blvd: A Bike Lane!

2012-01-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

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?

SWFBUD Likes City of Tampa Agreeing To Maintain U-Path Trail Near Airport

2012-01-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-11T19:44:00.001-08:00

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.

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

2012-01-09T15:37:00.001-08:00

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.

SWFBUD Says Bicycles and Buses Can Work Together

2012-01-06T15:47:00.001-08:00

SWFBUD participated 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.

SWBUD Agrees: Cities Are Happier When They Embrace Bike-commuting

2012-01-03T11:35:00.001-08:00

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

SWFBUD's BAM Network Proposal Featured In City Times

2012-01-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

SWFBUD's BAM Network idea was featured in the Sunday St. Pete Times, which focused on local commumity leaders outlining their goals for 2012. On behalf of SWFBUD, I advised the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County to partner on building the BAM Network in 2012.

SWFBUD Works With Reps Cruz and Harrison To Build BAM Network

2011-12-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

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.

SWFBUD Mourns The Deaths of 3 Bicyclists In 3 Days In Tampa Bay

2011-12-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2011-12-17T18:31:00.001-08:00

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.

TBARTA Has A Bike Lock-up Area -- Finally

2011-12-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-16T04:23:00.000-08:00

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 Graphic Video From Its seetheblindsports.org Web site

2011-12-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

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 and to teach motorists how to drive in a new world where roads are for everyone?

SWFBUD Thanks HCSO For Arresting Drivers Who Killed Bicyclist

2011-11-17T04:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Sheriff Gee and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office,

On behalf of SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers), I want to thank you and your staff for arresting the drivers who were connected to the death of bicyclist Robert Niedbalec, a Temple Terrace resident who was killed while he rode his bicycle in a bike lane on Fletcher Avenue on a Sunday afternoon on Feb. 13 at 1:46 pm.

As you know, Hillsborough County suffered a string of tragic bicyclist deaths and an important element is arresting and prosecuting motorists who engage in reckless and lawless behavior that lead to bicyclist deaths.

I appreciate your efforts and please continue your hard work and committed efforts. Please pass our appreciation to the State Attorney's Office as well for their efforts.

All the best,

Alan Snel

SWFBUD Talks Bicycling With Tampa Bay Partnership

2011-11-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

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

Mayor Buckhorn Talks Bicycling While Bicycling

2011-11-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

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

Plus, check out the Bash photos:

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 Bike Story Hits Close To Home

2011-11-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-11-05T15:24:00.001-07:00

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

Creative Loafing Previews Sunday's Bicycle Bash

2011-11-03T14:24:00.001-07:00

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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SWFBUD Bicycle Bash Draws Media Coverage

2011-11-03T09:39:00.001-07:00

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.

Bicycle Bash Draws All-Star Food Line-up

2011-11-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

This year's Bicycle Bash Festival 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 Tribune Reports On Sunday's Bicycle Bash Festival

2011-11-02T06:26:00.001-07:00

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

5 Fast Reasons To Attend The Bicycle Bash NOV 6

2011-10-28T04:39:00.001-07:00

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.

SWFBUD Welcomes Peopleforbikes.org at the Bicycle Bash

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

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

Ranger Rick Says Come To The SWFBUD Bicycle Bash On NOV 6

2011-10-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

Promo Hits YouTube For 2011 Bicycle Bash On Nov 6

2011-10-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-12T10:28:00.001-07:00

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 -- WalkSmart 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.

Look For The Bicycle Bash Signs and Banners

2011-10-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

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 Winners for 2011

2011-10-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

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

Cure on Wheels Is the Bicycle Bash Presenting Sponsor

2011-09-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

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 Comes To The Bicycle Bash Again

2011-09-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Patch.com Covers The BAM!

2011-09-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Patch reporter Brendan Conley did a great story on the BAM. Check out the story here.

Creative Loafing Honors SWFBUD In Its Best Of

2011-09-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

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.

SWFBUD Asks Tampa City Council To Build the BAM!

2011-09-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Jim Shirk helps SWFBUD lobby Tampa City Council to Build the BAM!

SWFBUD Thanks Nico For BAM Network Map

2011-09-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

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.

SWFBUD Bicycle Bash Banner Goes Up Today

2011-09-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Taco Bus To Be At Bicycle Bash Nov 6

2011-09-18T14:21:00.001-07:00

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.

Bikes Belong To Exhibit At Bicycle Bash Nov 6

2011-09-17T17:07:00.001-07:00

Happy to report that Bikes Belong, a terrific national bike advocacy organization based in Boulder and led by Tim Blumenthal, will be having an exhibit at the Bicycle Bash. check out www.bikesbelong.org for more info.

SWFBUD Makes Calls To Help Keep Transportation Enhancements

2011-09-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

At Interbike, SWFBUD called Florida senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio to advise them to oppose efforts to kill Transportation Enhancement funds that help build bicycle infrastructure -- and those phone calls helped.

Here is an update from Bikes Belong:

The U.S. Senate affirmed its time-tested support of bicycling Thursday by forcing Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma to withdraw his proposal to eliminate dedicated funding for the Transportation Enhancements program.

Peopleforbikes.org supporters and our advocacy partners influenced this outcome by sending close to 50,000 emails and making thousands of phone calls to their U.S. Senators in just 48 hours. Thank you!

As a result, funding for all federal transportation programs has now been extended to March 31, 2012. The key, cost-effective programs that make bicycling safer and easier -- Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails -- will continue to receive modest, dedicated support -- about 1.5 percent of the total federal transportation investment.

Every U.S. Senate office received an unprecedented number of well-crafted emails and articulate phone calls this week from people who bike. This powerful show of support for bicycling made a strong impression on Congress and influenced the positive outcome.

Greetings From Interbike In Vegas

2011-09-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

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 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.

SHBC Cycling To Hyde Park Village

2011-09-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

Creative Loafing Does Cover Story on the BAM Network

2011-09-08T08:36:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD's plan for a regionwide paved trail system called the BAM Network got a big boost today when Creative Loafing wrote a cover story on the BAM in its current edition that just hit the streets.

The SWFBUD Bicycle Bash T-shirt just came out and it features the "Build the BAM" message on the front.

The T-shirt costs $10 and the money will go to promoting the Bicycle Bash and the BAM. Contact Alan Snel at alansnel@yahoo.com if you would like to buy a shirt.

SWFBUD's Build The BAM Shirts Are In

2011-09-07T15:13:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD is pushing our local elected leaders to Build the BAM (Bicycle Area Mobility) Network -- a regional multi-trail system that would include the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail, the Soputh Coast Greenway and the Selmon Greenway.

Check out Tampa bicyclists Jason Wilson and Nereia Cormier sporting the Build the BAM shirts that are this year's Bicycle Bash T-shirts.

If you want one, it only costs $10. Contact alansnel@yahoo.com.

Velo Champ Bike Store Joins SWFBUD

2011-09-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD is happy to report that a new bike store has joined the bike store alliance.

Velo Champ, owned by Jordan Miller, is the 12th bicycle store in the Tampa Bay market to join.

Jordan is a strong bicycle advocate and appreciates SWFBUD's work to further the cause of cycling in the Tampa Bay area.

Jordan's Velo Champ store is located in the Tampa neighborhood of Seminole Heights and is a specialty boutique bike shop that sells brands such as Cinelli road bikes, Linus urban bikes and Brooks accessories.

Jordan can be reached at info@velochamp.com.

Please welcome Jordan to SWFBUD.

SWFBUD Pleased With MPO Trail Item Approvals

2011-09-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD appeared before the Hillsborough-Tampa MPO Board this morning to urge the board members to amend the long range plan to accommodate the construction of the proposed Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail beyween Tampa and Clearwater and to also approve a feasibility study of the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail road crossings.

I'm happy to report the MPO Board -- which is made up of Tampa city council members, Hillsborough county commissioners and other transportation agency heads -- approved both.

Here's my compatriot Jim Shirk, all-universe bicycle volunteer and chairman of the Hillsborough-Tampa Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, just completing his comments advising the MPO board to approve the Bypass Canal Trail feasibility study for crossings and to amend the long range plan to accommodate the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail.

Here's a Florida DOT staffer explaining an item about the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail.

MPO staffer Michelle Oglivie shows photos taken by SWFBUD on a bike ride along the Bypass Canal Trail, which is open to the public but grassy with some access but other more difficult access points at a few road crossings.

This is what SWFBUD wants -- a paved trail along the Bypass Canal. This is the prototype -- a half-mile section along the canal at the Bypass Canal Park east of Rt 301 and south of I-4.

SWFBUD Will Lobby MPO Board To Support BAM and Causeway Trail

2011-09-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Please contact these Hillsborough MPO Board members and tell them you want them to support the the building of the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail and the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail as part of the BAM Network (Bicycle Area Mobility),which also includes the South Coast Greenway and the Selmon Greenway.

There is a MPO Board meeting Tuesday at 9 AM at the County Center on Kennedy Avenue in downtown Tampa and attend to speak out at the meeting foe these trails and the BAM Network.

Your MPO Board
Mayor Joe Affronti, Chair
City of Temple Terrace
P.O. Box 16930
Temple Terrace, FL 33617
813/989-7141

Commissioner Sandra Murman
Board of County Commissioners
601 East Kennedy, 2nd Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-5740

Commissioner Kevin Beckner
Board of County Commissioners
601 East Kennedy, 2nd Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-5730

Commissioner Lesley "Les" Miller
Board of County Commissioners
601 East Kennedy, 2nd Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-5452

Commissioner Mark Sharpe, Vice Chair
Board of County Commissioners
601 East Kennedy, 2nd Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-5740

Councilman Mike Suarez
Tampa City Council
315 E Kennedy Blvd, 3rd Fl
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-7072

Councilman Harry Cohen
Tampa City Council
315 E Kennedy Blvd, 3rd Fl
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-7072

Councilwoman Lisa Montelione
Tampa City Council
315 E Kennedy Blvd, 3rd Fl
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-7072

Commissioner Rick A. Lott
City of Plant City
302 W. Reynolds Street
Plant City, FL 33563
813/659-4274

Joseph C. Waggoner
Executive Director
Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority
1104 E. Twiggs St., 3rd Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
813/272-6740

Joe Lopano
Executive Director
Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
P.O. Box 22287
Tampa, FL 33607
813/870-8705

Richard Wainio
Port Director
Tampa Port Authority
1101 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
813/905-7678

Steve Polzin
HART Representative
CUTR
4202 E Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33620

Let's Build The Green Artery In Central Tampa

2011-08-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD was in the house tonight at the Howard Johnson Hotel in downtown Tampa where Mayor Bob Buckhorn spoke at the monthly Green Artery meeting. The Green Artery is a central Tampa movement to connect the green spaces with bike trails, bike lanes, sharrows and the mayor talked in glowing terms about the importance of connecting neighborhoods and these green spaces.

Words are nice to hear but actions are the best, Bob. Let's make it happen. More Green Artery meetings will be held in other central Tampa neighbrohoods each month.

The meeting drew more than 100 folks -- including city council members Yolie Capin, Lisa Montelione and Mike Suarez.

My friends Myron and Lena have led the charge for the Green Artery, holding a meeting a month in a new central Tampa neighborhood. They have held about 10 with another nine or ten to go. Keep on plugging away Myron and Lena -- your efforts will pay off.

Sept. 22 Tampa City Council Info Meeting on The BAM Network

2011-08-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD will appear before the Tampa City Council on Sept. 22 to provide an informataion presentation on the BAM Network (Bicycle Area Mobility).

SWFBUD On The Radio About Bayshore Blvd. Bike Lanes In Tampa

2011-08-23T15:25:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD has urged the city of Tampa to re-pave Bayshore Boulevard and stripe bike lanes for years and we welcome the city on doing the job now.

WMNF radio in Tampa did a cool report on the Bayshore project.

MPO Committee Approves Recommending Feasibility Study for Tampa Bypass Canal Trail

2011-08-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jim Shirk and Nico Stearley for speaking on behalf of the BAM Network earlier this morning at the MPO Policy Committee in Hillsborough/Tampa.

SWFBUD appeared this morning before the Policy Committee to show photos of what it's like to bike on the grass along the Bypass Canal Trail. We're asking the county to pave a trail along the canal stretch and make it paret of an overall highway system for bicyclists that SWFBUD has dubbed, "the BAM Network" for Bicycle Area Mobility.

SWFBUD is alo pushing for the paving of the South Coast Greenwau and the Selmon Expressway Greenway to lead into Ybor City and downtown Tampa.

The MPO Policy Committee, chaired by County Commissioner Mark Sharpe, a good friend of bicyclists, approved recommending a feasibility study for the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail -- one of the three regional trails that comprise the BAM (Bicycle Area Mobility) Network.

Tomorrow, the MPO's Livable Roadways addresses the issue.

SWFBUD Bicycle Bash on Nov 6 Needs Volunteers

2011-08-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

Want to help put on the SWFBUD Bicycle Bash on Nov. 6 at Flatwoods? The Bash needs volunteers to help with parking, work with vendors to set up and offer info to guests. Contact alansnel@yahoo.com if you want to volunteer. All volunteers get a Bicycle Bash T-shirt and a Polar Bottle.

SWFBUD Supports Fla DOT Plan For Causeway Bridge And Trail

2011-08-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD strongly supports the Florida DOT building a Courtney Campbell Bridge trail, including a new bicycle-pedestrian bridge alongside the high span on the Tampa side of the causeway. Check out what it's like to bike the high bridge now -- the shoulder is a mere four feet wide. I believe construction of the causeway trail is scheduled to begin in 2012.

Why is a bicycle-pedestrian bridge on the Tampa-Clearwater causeway so vital? Because it would offer much safer access to the causeway. Here's SWFBUD supporters Nick and Ellen biking on the causeway frontage road this morning. It was a great ride and look at this incredible cycling access to the Bay.

Bicycle Bash Welcomes American Traffic Solutions As A Sponsor

2011-08-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Bicycle Bash festival, set for Nov 6 at Flatwoods, is happy to report that American Traffic Solutions is a sponsor.

SWFBUD Asks MPO Board To Recommend Funding The BAM Network

2011-08-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

This morning SWFBUD appeared before the Metropolitan Planning Organization board to unveil its proposed BAM Network -- the unified multi-trail system that would cover most ofHillsborough County and Tampa. BAM stands for Bicycle Area Mobility and SWFBUD believes connecting the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail, the South Coast Greenway and the Selmon Expressway Greenway into one unified trail system would offer bicyclists a safe and efficient way to get around while also interconnecting with bus routes and surface streets with bike lanes.

Our message to the MPO board and elected officials: Ride The BAM! SWFBUD asked that the MPO board recommend funding a regional BAM Network and get the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County to partner in building the BAM.

Here's a great stat: Portland, Oregon built 360 miles of bike trails and bike lanes for the cost of a single mile of highway construction.

This man serves on several Ybor City business committees and urged the MPO board to recommend funding the Selmon Expressway Greenway as a vital link between downtown Tampa and Ybor City.

Thank you Kathy D'Onofrio of state Rep. Janet Cruz for speaking on behalf of the funding of the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail. Rep, Cruz has been a terrific supporter of bicycling in Tampa Bay.The Bypass Canal Trail would connect New Tampa to State Road 60 and be one leg of the BAM Network.

This woman asked the MPO board why the Selmon Expressway Greenway is not being funded after she told the board she was buzzed by motorists when she rode her bicycle on the road in Tampa.

Sharrows Arrive On North Blvd. In Tampa

2011-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD has been asking the city of Tampa for more sharrows in the city - and today I noticed new sharrows on North Blvd. north of Columbus Avenue. Great to see them. Thank you city of Tampa -- Jean Dorzbeck, city transportation director and John Marsh, the city staffer who attends lots of meetings where bicycle-ped issues are discussed.

SWFBUD Stores Always Doing Good Bicycle Acts

2011-07-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

It's an honor to represent 11 amazing bicycle stores in the Tampa Bay area and each one supports bicycle advocacy to increase the profile of cycling in our area and make this community a friendlier and safer place to ride a bicycle.

The bike shop owners are a group of amazing and diverse folks and I enjoy representing their oollective voice to improve bicycling in the Tampa Bay area.

Each store also puts on cool events and activities, such as the Tour de CBE Ride this morning by the Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium, which drew some 80 bicyclists were split into four groupsof 20 for the 42-mile ride to Safety Harbor and back.

A nice job by CBE owner Brian Eckman and also thank you to chef Peter at the Roasted Pheasant bistro for the free snacks and mimosas after the ride.

Thanks chef Peter for the post-ride snacks and drinks.

Boston Bill Sunglasses Registers For The 2011 Bicycle Bash

2011-07-22T14:20:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD is happy to report that we have our furst two vendors for the 2011 Bicycle Bash festival at Flatwoods on NOV 6: Boston Bill Sunglasses and Boomer's Bents and Bikes.

Visit a SWFBUD bicycle store in Tampa Bay and thank them for supporting bicycle advocacy!

Bicycle Bash Set For NOV 6, 10 am-4 pm At Flatwoods Park

2011-07-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD Wants A Paved Trail Along The Bypass Canal

2011-07-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

You just witnessed one of the few paved sections along the Bypass Canal.

SWFBUD wants the entire 14-mile public right-of-way stretch along the Bypass Canal -- which is operated by Southwest Florida Water Management District -- to have a paved trail just like the one you just saw.

The Bypass Canal Trail is just ONE segment of a multi-trail unified network of paved trails that SWFBUD is proposing for Hillsborough County.

This evening, I was joined by Jason Wilson and Nereia Cormier on a bike ride along the Bypass Canal from south of I-4 to State Road 60.

SWFBUD believes this unified trail network can be blended into a comprehensive bicycle infrastructure system that also includes intersecting roads with bike lanes.

The Bypass Canal Trail runs from State Road 60 all the way to New Tampa.

Most of the bikeable area along the canal is like this -- grassy.

Unfortunately, this public trail has too many points where access is discouraged. Like these two spots.

The Bypass Canal Park is one access point.

This is exactly what SWFBUD is asking for -- a paved trail along the canal. What a great ride. This section is adjacent to the Bypass Canal Trail Park. Unfortunately, not much of the right-of-way along the canal is paved. The vast majority is grass -- and in some places, knee-high grass.

This is the one road we were able to go under. Most time we go to the surface road, cross it and return to the canal right-of-way.

It's a lot of grass to bike through.

On the way to SR 60.

Barbed wire mounted across the opening in the fence -- not exactly inviting.

Jason and Nereia arrive.

The three of us at State Road 60.

Bikes Belong Issues Call To Action

2011-07-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

Federal funding for bicycling and walking is in jeopardy. We need you to send a short email today to your members of Congress.

Today, Congressman John Mica of Florida, Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, outlined his plans for the new transportation bill and called for the elimination of dedicated funding for biking and walking programs, which he suggested, “do not serve a federal purpose.”

In the Senate, James Inhofe of Oklahoma is leading a similar attack. Inhofe, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said that one of his top-three priorities for the next multi-year federal transportation bill is to eliminate “frivolous spending for bike trails.”

If Representative Mica and Senator Inhofe get their way, dedicated funding for three crucial programs -- Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements, and Recreational Trails -- will be eliminated. The cost-effective federal investment in bicycling that is making our nation better will shrink dramatically. We can’t allow this to happen.

That’s why we are asking you to reach out to the two U.S. Senators and the U.S. Representative who represent you in Congress. Ask them to support ongoing, dedicated funding for biking and walking in the next transportation bill. (You can find your representatives and send your note directly from our website. Click here to review clear, basic, suggested text for your email. Feel free to customize it and/or add a personal story.)

Your simple messages will make a difference. You can help refute Representative Mica’s and Senator Inhofe’s unreasonable, counterproductive cuts. You can help assure that progress will continue in all 50 states to make bicycling safer and better for people of all ages.

At peopleforbikes.org, our goal is to unify support for bicycling and celebrate all the great things that happen when people ride bikes. Occasionally, we need to stand strong together to keep bicycling on track. This is one of those times!

Thanks for your support and your quick response to this call to action.

Tim Blumenthal
Director, Peopleforbikes.org

SWFBUD Supports Tampa Police 3-Foot Decals On Cruiser Windows

2011-06-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD met with Tampa Police several months ago and voiced support for decals on the back windows of police cruisers that show the 3 Foot Buffer law that requires cars to pass bicycles by a minimum berth of 3 feet.

SWFBUD Welcomes The Mark Roman Law Group

2011-06-20T18:19:00.001-07:00

SWFBUD welcomes its newest member -- the Mark Roman Law Group of Clearwater.

Law firm partners Mark Roman and Morgan Gaynor are bicyclists who support SWFBUD's mission to make the Tampa Bay area a more friendly place for bicyclists. Check them out www.markromanlaw.com.

The Mark Roman Law Group joins the following SWFBUD members:

Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium
Oliver's Cycle Sports
Just Ride Bicycles
Chainwheel Drive
Bicycle Outfitters
Street Fit 360
Trek Bicycle Store of Tampa and Clearwater
University Bicycle Center
ABC Bicycles
Trek Bicycle Store of St. Petersburg
The Ironman Store

Lawyer Tom Singletary
Lawter Chris Burns
Lawyer J. Steele Olmstead

Early-Morning Biking In Tampa

2011-06-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

I bike very early on summer weekend mornings to check out Tampa. There are few cars and no one is rushing around and it's not too hot.

I like Cypress Avenue because it's a decent east-west road that goes from central Tampa west all the way to the U-Path and the Rocky Point/Clearwater causeway area.

Here's Cypress west of Dale Mabry Highway and it looks like it has been re-paved, so I'm wondering why there are no bike lanes or at least sharrows.

RIP Tom McEwen -- the Tampa Tribune's former sports editor.

The U-Path trail connects Cypress with the Rocky Point area at State Roads 60 and the Clearwater causeway. The U-Path is very close to Tampa International Airport.

I found this paved trail behind Blake High School along the Hillsborough River and I'm wondering why is this gate locked?

SWFBUD Pushes For Regional Paved Trail Network

2011-06-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Bay News 9 this afternoon filmed Randy Myhre, owner of SWFBUD bicycle store Oliver's riding his mountain bike on the Bypass Canal Trail.

SWFBUD wants Hillsborough County to pave the trail next to the Bypass Canal Trail from Morris Bridge Road to State Road 60 to help create a region-wide network of bicycle trails that would lead from the county into the city of Tampa.

I will be making a powerpoint presentation on the Bypass Canal Trail to the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, making the case that it's just one segment of a trail network that would include the South County Greenway, and the Selmon Expressway Greenway leading into downtown Tampa.

Look for the Bay News 9 report Wednesday during the day.

SWFBUD Wins Tampa City Council Commendation

2011-05-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

I was honored to receive a commendation for SWFBUD bicycle advocacy work from the Tampa City Council and Councilwoman Lisa Montelione, who nominated me. Tampa is slowly improving its bicycle infrastructure and needs to do much more. A bicycle-pedestrian plan is currently being crafted and the city needs to do improvements to streets for bicyclists before they are re-surfaced.

SWFBUD Bikes With Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn On Bike to Work Day

2011-05-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

This morning at 7:30 AM Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn donned a bike helmet and hopped on a Tampa Police bicycle and pedaled about two miles from Davis Islands to downtown Tampa and the Tampa Police headquarters for a fun bike-to-work event put on by the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

The mayor pledged his support for bicycle safety, joking that's he's more into three feet distances between bicyclsists and motorists than the famous six-foot distance he supported between strippers and customers when he was a Tampa city councilman years ago.

Tampa Police also unveiled its 3 Feet decal program on the rear window of its police cruisers and its bike safety campaign. Thank you Assistant Police Chief John Bennett for pledging the police support.

SWFBUD was there so let's check out the Mayor Bob bicycle scene. There's Mayor Bob ready to roll.

There's Jim Shirk and Jose Menendez.

There's Lea, Tony and Gena -- three fine bicyclists who appreciate the value of bicycling in Tampa.

There's the fast-growing son of MPO staffer Gena Torres, who has worked on a local bicycle safety action plan.

Biking on Davis Islands as we head for downtown Tampa.

Mayor Bob comes off the ramp and on to Bayshore Boulevard. Bob quipped as we biked on Bayshore, "Someone call the mayor and tell him Bayshore needs to be fixed."

There's the proof that Bob is a good bicyclist -- the mayor passes me on the uphill of the Platt Street Bridge, blowing me away like Lance did to the field in the French Alps during the Tour de France.

The mayor is happy after crossing the Platt Street Bridge with his life intact.

The mayor gets ready to turn left on Franklin.

Mayor Bob and Gena Torres of the MPO who works on bike issues side-b-side as they head for the Tampa Police Department.

Mayor Bob chats with my friend Tony of Seminole Heights.

There's Sheila wearing a Downtown Crit T-short chatting with Mayor Bob. Sheila was one of the earliest downtown residents.

Group shot with the mayor. The mayor has his arm around me as I keep Bob up on his feet after the two-mile ride -- ONLY KIDDING! Seriously, Bob did great on the bike and his cadence was excellent. He had the RPMs up and looked like a natural bike commuter.

Great job Karen Kress of the Downtown Partnership for bringing Mayor Buckhorn and the Tampa Police Department together for the bike to work event and the TPD Share the Road squad car decal program and bike safety campaign.

Mayor Buckhorn addresses the media with the Bicycles Are Vehicles message on the portable sign that TPD District II uses in Seminole Heights and other locations.

A look at the Tampa Police car with the share the road decal. Thank you Stadium Toyota on Dale Mabry Highway for underwriting the costs for the decal.

SWFBUD Proud To Ride In The Tampa Ride Of Silence

2011-05-18T19:17:00.001-07:00

Tonight about 50 bicyclists pedaled the streets of Tampa from downtown past the ghost bikes of retired Navy Admiral LeRoy Collins and Diane Vega after hearing words from Admiral Collins' son, Ed Collins, and the daughter of Diane, Genevieve. It was an emotionally moving night as we rode our bicycles in silence to remember the 14 bicyclists who have been killed in Hillsborough County since the start of 2010.

The Ride of Silence is a ride held in cities across the country to remember those bicyclists killed on roads around our nation.

My comrade Ellen Pierson rode for a close friend who was killed while biking in Louisiana on a training ride for the recent Police Unity Tour.

Nice work by Drew who worked with Jose Menendez to organize the Ride of Silence. There was also Rides of Silence from the USF campus and in the Dunedin/Clearwater area.

Ed Collins told the bicyclists to get involved.

The local FOX-TV station interviewed Ed.

A motorist ran a red light on Oct. 1 and killed bicyclist Diane Vega at the corner of Himes and Spruce in Tampa. Diane's family have attended events to keep Diane's memory alive and Genevieve thanked the bicyclists for riding in tonight's event.

Ed Collins listens to Genevieve talk about the Ride of Silence meaning for her family.

There's Drew and Karen Kress.

Steve Swiger had the NHL playoffs look.

Biking in downtown.

Heading out of downtown.

On Howard Avenue getting ready to turn left on Kennedy.

Who says you can't bike on Kennedy? We did tonight.

The night's youngest rider.

Steve remembers retired Navy Admiral Collins with the two stars on the black arm band.

SWFBUD Presents Regional Paved Trail Plan

2011-05-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD appeared before the greenway committees of both the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County Tuesday to stress the importance of a regional paved trail network and focused on one segment -- the Bypass Canal Trail.

Our powerpoint on the Bypass Canal Trail was well received and hopefully will move up on the MPO's project priority list so that work can be done.

SWFBUD Requests Paving Of Bypass Canal Trail As Part Of Metro Tampa Regional Paved Trail Network

2011-05-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

TAMPA -- On Tuesday SWFBUD will be making a powerpoint presentation on paving the Bypass Canal Trail along the Bypass Canal from Morris Bridge Road to State Road 60 as part of a proposed regional paved trail system for bicyclists to improve transportation and enhance bicycle safety in Hillsborough County.

Alan Snel, SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers) Director, will be making the Bypass Canal Trail presentation at a Hillsborough Greenways and City of Tampa greenways & Trails Citizen Advisory Coimmittees joint meeting on Tuesday May 17, at 6 PM, at the Loretta Ingraham Community Center at 1615 N. Hubert Street, Tampa 33607.

A paved Bypass Canal Trail would encourage bicyclists from New Tampa and Temple Terrace to bike south to State Road 60, where SWFBUD is asking the Florida DOT to include bicyclist facilities as part of the SR 60 improvement project.

In addition, a proposed South Coast Greenway project from the south could also hook into SR 60, with bicyclists biking from the south. Then, bicyclists can follow an improved State Road 60 corridor to the proposed Selmon Expressway Greenway and downtown Tampa.

"Hillsborough County, the city of Tampa and the MPO must work together to create a regional paved bicycle trail network so that bicyclists can safely and efficiciently move from all parts of the county. Some roads have good bike lanes, but many do not, causing gaps in bicyclists' travel routes in the Tampa area," Snel said.

"By creating a regional network of paved trails, it would provide bicyclists a chance to bike-commute to different parts of the county. It's just a matter of our elected political leaders to buy into this concept and make it happen," Snel said.

SWFBUD is choosing now to propose a paved Bypass Canal Trail as part of a regional paved trail network in metro Tampa because May is National Bike Month and the area has been hit hard by too many bicyclists killed by motorists.

SWFBUD is an alliance of 11 retail bicycle shops and two law fiems in the Tampa Bay area committed to improving bicycling in the Tampa Bay area. SWFBUD is responsible for prompting Hillsborough County officials to initiate the current bicycle safety action plan, putting on the annual Bicycle Bash festival and increasing the profile of bicyclists in the public arena. SWFBUD is nationally recognized for its bike advocacy work

Rides Of Silence In Tampa And Clearwater Wednesday 7 PM

2011-05-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

There will be two Rides of Silence in Tampa on Wednesday at 7 PM. One will leave from downtown Tampa at Curtis Hixon Park on Ashley Street; the other will leave from the USF campus area -- location to be determined. Stay tune for details on that ride.

The Tampa Bay area has been scarred by too many bicyclist deaths and the bicyclists killed cross all ages, backgrounds and economic groups. In Hillsborough County/Tampa alone, a dozen bicyclists were killed by motorists in 2010.

The two rides will include passing all four ghost bikes in the Tampa area.

Ghost bike for retired Navy Admiral LeRoy Collins, killed July 29, 2010 at Brorein Street and S. Hyde Park Ave. Adm. Collins lived on Davis Islands in Tampa. A doctor heading to work at Tampa General Hospital made a left turn on red killed Adm. Collins.

*

Ghost bike for Kayoka "Kay" Ishizuka, killed Sept. 26, 2010 on Bruce B. Downs/30th Street. Kay worked as a USF Health researcher. A hit-and-run driver killed Kay.

*

Ghost bike for Diane Vega, killed Oct. 1, 2010 at Spruce and Himes. Diane workeed for FedEx and lived in Tampa. A motorist ran a red light and killed Diane who was heading home from work.

*

Ghost bike for Robert Niedbalec, killed Feb. 13, 2011 on Fletcher Avenue. Robert was a veterinarian who lived in Temple Terrace. A speeding motorist, possibly racing with another motorist, lost control of her car and struck Robert while he rode his bicycle in the bike lane.

*

Clearwater is also having a Ride of Silence:

Greetings Suncoast Cycling Club members,

Plans for our May 18 Ride of Silence are taking shape, and this is your first "heads up" to plan to attend this global memorial event.

This year's ride will feature a new route of just over 11 miles, part of which will follow scenic Edgewater Drive and Bayshore Boulevard in Dunedin, with beautiful early evening views across the bay to north Clearwater Beach and Caladesi Island State Park. As in years past, our ride will leave 7 PM sharp from the Publix Parking Lot at Caledesi Shopping Center, Curlew Road and Alt. 19 in Dunedin, with police assistance for the entire route.

This is also a call for a volunteer (preferably two) to ride sweep for the route, since our police escort will be assisting from the front to get us safely through busy intersections and/or traffic lights. Riding sweep simply involves staying behind the last riders to ensure that all return to Publix safely. The club's sweep kit (spare tubes and C02 cartridges) will be available in the slight chance it is needed. While lights are strongly advised for all participating, sweep rider(s) will be REQUIRED to have bright, functional tail and head lights. If you are willing to assist, please let me know via return email.

Please plan to attend if you are able, and encourage your family and friends who might not otherwise be interested in club rides to participate. Remember, this is a slow-paced ride (think funeral procession), so just about anyone can participate. It is a very moving experience to pedal slowly along hearing only the whir of freewheels spinning and chains pulling.

Further details will follow as the date approaches. For more information and to understand the scope of this international event, please visit www.rideofsilence.org

Dottie
Chainwheel Drive
1770 Drew Street
Clearwater, FL 33755
727-441-2444

Truck Driver Kills Motorist On Sanibel Causeway Saturday

2011-05-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

When I discuss with government the high number of bicyclists who are killed by motorists in the Tampa Bay area and Florida, I'm often told that it's the bicyclists who are to be blamed because they're causing motorists to hit them. Proposed plans to help bicyclists in Florida include steps to educate bicyclists (which I support 100 percent) but why are motorists also not targeted for improved education and awareness? Case in point: A truck driver crossed the center line and hit and killed a bicyclist on the road shoulder on the Sanibel Causeway Saturday.

Read the story here.

Dan Moser of the Florida Bicycle association was quoted in the story:

Bike and pedestrian advocate Dan Moser said cyclists are permitted on all area bridges except the Caloosahatchee Bridge.

The causeway’s shoulder is 8 feet wide, he said, and the ride is more strenuous than dangerous.

“If motorists are paying attention, it’s pretty safe,” Moser said.

SWFBUD Supports League's Efforts To Educate BOTH Bicyclists AND Motorists

2011-05-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Few people in the Tampa get to witness people on bicycles act in a risky manner as much as I do.

On a recent Sunday night, for example, while I biked north on Nebraska Avenue from downtown Tampa to Seminole Heights, within a five-minute window I saw at least five people on bicycles with NO lights, no reflective gear and no helmets. Most of them were biking on sidewalks against the flow of traffic.

I tried to explain to them that they need to be visible and be seen, which means getting lights on their bikes and wearing clothes and reflective vests or gear. I also suggested they bike with traffic and not against. I don't know how much they will heed my suggestions.

The point is I'm quite aware that we need to inform bicyclists to reduce their risky bicycle behavior to reduce the number of bike-car crashes.

BUT, what is missing in the public discussion regarding making the Tampa Bay area safer for bicyclists is also EDUCATION FOR MOTORISTS regarding a bicyclist's right to the road and motorists' dangerous, distracted, incompetent and bully driving that imperils the lives of bicyclists on the roads.

That's not just my opinion.

The Florida Bicycle Association's new executive director, Tim Bustos, made this point in his first column in a FBA spring 2011 newsletter.

And this afternoon, I received a letter in the mail from the League of Americxan Bicyclists, which was focused on educating motorists AND bicyclists.

The letter from League President Andy Clarke starts this way: "Dear Alan, If you're like me, you're tired of hearing about educating cyclists. Wouldn't it be great if we saw road signs telling motorists to Stop Texting! Focus on Driving! Don't Buzz Bicyclists"

The League has a strong program to educate bicyclists. Now the League is calling for local communities to also advise motorists to respect bicyclists.

You might recall that League President Clarke wrote Hillsborough County about its proposed bicycle safety action plan because while the plan offers initiatives to educate bicyclists it fails to address motorist education about bicyclists to the same degree.

To the League's credit, Clarke wrote Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa to say exactly that. It was bicyclist Robert Niedbalec's death on Feb. 13 while he was cycling in a Fletcher Avenue bike lane and killed by a speeding car that struck him in the bike lane that caught the League's attention.

Clarke's letter a few months ago said, in part, "After reviewing this latest cyclist fatality, AND looking at the dreadful pedestrian crash story in this area AND the almost daily serious crashes involving just motorists throughout the Tampa Bay area, we figure it’s time to really challenge the community to tackle the scourge of careless, dangerous and reckless driving behavior that is making life miserable for everyone out there."

SWFBUD applauds the League's willingness to go public with that email and today's letter I received this afternoon that stress that we need BOTH bicyclist and motorist education regarding bicyclists in the roadways.

I am scheduled soon to meet the local Tampa Bay District 7 Florida Department of Transportation Office to hear the latest about a bicycle campaign that was originally entitled, "You Vs. Vehicle -- You Lose Every Time."

SWFBUD blew the whistle on that campaign title, contacting both the ad agency hired by the local DOT office and also the DOT office regarding this misguided campaign title.

SWFBUD will be asking the local DOT office to include motorist education in any campaign in addition to the message that bicyclists must ride safely, too.

We're all in this together -- bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

SWFBUD Participates In St. Pete Bike n Eat Saturday

2011-04-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD will be at the St. Pete Bike n Eat restaurant tour Saturday.

Ride is 3 PM and starts from the Trek Store at 3169 Fourth Street north.

I will have a SWFBUD table there, so stop by and say hi. More than 100 bicyclists will be there and if you like the Hub Grub Bicycle Ride of Seminole Heights you'll enjoy this ride.

SWFBUD Likes This Sign

2011-04-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Pro-bicyclist sign on Morris Bridge Road, a mile east of I-75 interchange.

SWFBUD Likes 40th Street In Tampa

2011-04-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD applauds the city of Tampa for its 40th Street road project, which includes a newly-poaved surface, bike lanes from Hillsborough to Fowler and three traffic circles that keep traffic flowing.

In the early mornings, I bike from Seminole Heights east on Hanna Avenue and intersect a 40th Street circle, which takes me onto the road north to Busch and beyond.

The road is smooth as silk and the bike lanes are great.

The traffic circles don't have the bike lanes, but I flow into the inside lane and take the lane. Most motorists understand my right to the lane and follow me if they need to turn out of tyhe circle behind me.

Well done, city of Tampa. Now, let's build some more roads like this around Tampa Bay.

SWFBUD And The Three Mayors

2011-04-17T08:01:00.001-07:00

On Saturday mornings at the St. Petersburg farmers market you can find former St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker strumming his guitar at the market's weekly home in the parking lot of Al Lang Stadium.

So this morning, St. Pete's ex-mayor wearing his trademark dungaree shorts ended a set and shifted over to a table topped with his new book, Seamless City. He was selling books and signing them at the market.

I was in downtown St. Pete with my bicycle after cycling from Tampa over the Gandy with my bike pal Ellen and her friend Doug. Both are riding the Police Unity Tour this spring.

I said hi to Rick Baker, who used to stop at the Bicycle Bash festival when SWFBUD staged it in his city.

I noticed Rick was hanging with a pal -- new Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who was visiting Rick while his daughter was swimming at the North Shore Pool. And even St. Pete Mayor Bill Foster was there, too.

Since I had an audiience with the two current mayors and Rick Baker, I took the chance to tell Rick that he deserved credit for transforming St. Pete from a Mean Streets city to one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the state. Indeed, I spent Saturday morning biking from bike lane to trail to bike lane throughout St. Petersburg.

Then I asked Rick to help Buckhorn make Tampa more bike-friendly and explained to Bob the importance of a network of interlocking bike lanes or paved trails through a city so that neighborhoods can be safely connected via bicycle and cyclists can get where they need to go in an efficient and safe manner.

Rick said he mentioned the bicycle progress in St. Pete in his new book and Bob seemed to understand that bicycling needs to be valued in Tampa.

Tampa city government seems a bit more receptive to making its roads better for bicyclists -- witness 40th Street north of Hillsborough Avenue and North Boulevard's new re-surfacing and bike lanes north of Cass. Coming soon after the city dragged its feet for years -- Bayshore Blvd. bike lanes as part of the re-surfacing project.

But Tampa needs to be proactive and put sharrows and Share the Road signs on other roads used by bicyclists that do not have space for bike lanes. Too many studies and too many reports and too many powerpoints.

Notice to Tampa: stop spending money on consultants and start spending money on road improvements that help bicyclists. For years, the MPO has been advising Tampa on where bike lanes should go. The city already has maps of proposed bike lanes. Let's make it happen. It's not rocket science.

Making a city more friendly for bicyclists is a matter of political will by a mayor and the can-do enthusiasm of city workers to make it happen.

Let's hope Buckhorn takes a page from Baker's book and buys into making Tampa a better place for bicycling.

Bad News -- Proposal Would Hurt Bicyclists and Pedestrians

2011-04-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

On Friday, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) released a letter and supplemental document, which asked the US Department of Transportation to weaken their guidance on accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians.

The supplemental document, submitted as part of a formal review of regulations, asks that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) withdraw their guidance on the meaning of “due consideration” of bicyclists and pedestrians to make it easier for states to ignore the needs of non-motorized travelers. AASHTO prefers the weaker “consider where appropriate” to allow states to avoid having to justify failure to accommodate bicycling and walking.

This request is misguided. At a time when cities are building entire bicycling networks for the cost of one mile of urban four-lane freeway, bike projects are putting people to work, and benefiting business, this is not the time to move backwards. When more and more states – 23 and counting – are embracing Complete Streets policies, AASHTO should be a leading voice in shaping holistic and comprehensive transportation systems, not resisting them.

In fact, AASHTO’s own 12 year-old Bicycle Guide, due to be up dated this year, says that bicyclists and pedestrians can be expected on any roadway they are legally allowed to operate and therefore should be accommodated.

SWFBUD Supports The Causeway Trail Project

2011-04-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Ming Gao, Robin Rhinesmith and Lori Snively,

My name is Alan Snel, director of SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers) -- a group of 12 Tampa Bay area bike shops that represents thousands of bicyclists in the Tampa Bay area.

I am writing on behalf of our 12 bike shops and our thousands of bicycling customers to voice our support for the proposed Courtney Campbell Causeway trail project.

This is a badly-needed trail project that is necessary for bicycle safety, transportation, commuting, recreation, safe access, tourism and economic development reasons.

Bicycle safety -- the current high bridge on the causeway has a mere four feet for a shoulder, placing a bicyclist on the shoulder in danger of being struck and potentially killed. Too many bicyclists are being killed on local streets and roadsin Tampa Bay.

Transportation and Commuting -- Bicyclists would use the causeway to reach jobs and other destinations in Tampa and Clearwater. It would help remove motorized vehicles off the road and improve traffic flow.

Recreational and Access --The former Friendship Trailbridge drew 600,000 annual users, but that bike-ped bridge between Tampa and St. Petersburg is closed and a new bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians is needed to cross The Bay. This trail would provide safe access to recreational points along the causeway.

Tourism and Economic Development -- Visitors to Tampa Bay and Florida express interest in locating a safe place for bicycling and the causeway trail would create economic opportunities and spending.

Please move forward with this very vital trail project.

Sincerely,

Alan Snel
Director of SWFBUD

Tell The Fla DOT To Build The Causeway Trail

2011-04-14T08:18:00.001-07:00

Please write to the Florida DOT and tell them to build the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail.

ming.gao@dot.state.fl.us
robin.rhinesmith@dot.state.fl.us
Lori.Snively@dot.state.fl.us

Harry did!

Dear Ming Gao and Robin Rhinesmith,

When the old Gandy bridge was deemed unsafe and it was decided not repair it, the Tampabay Region lost a great asset. By building a safe route to cross Tampa Bay it would fill the missing link for a continuous bike/ped path around the our whole region. This would attract families and business to the area as it has done in other metropolitan areas.

The Greater Tampa Bay area needs the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail!

I urge you, to press forward with its' implementation and completion.

Thank you for you time and consideration in this important matter.

Harry Portellos
Tampa, FL

Dan Burden Visits Tampa-Hillsborough BPAC Wednesday

2011-04-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD is a member of the Hillsborough County Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and our committee doesn't get too many people off the street attending our meetings.

But at yesterday's meeting, our BPAC meeting was honored to receive a visit from the grandfather of the walk-bike movement in Florida -- Dan Burden.

For those who don't know Dan, he successfully lobbied for and gave birth to the bicycle-pedestrian committees around Florida and is a tireless and respected voice for bicycling, walking, hiking and trails in the Sunshine State.

It was great to see Dan yesterday in Tampa!

Send Pro-Causeway Trail Emails To The Florida DOT

2011-04-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD asks you to write to these emails at the Florida DOT and tell them you support the proposed Courtney Campbell Causeway multi-use bike/ped trail.

Many people are writing to oppose this vital project.

The emails are:

ming.gao@dot.state.fl.us
robin.rhinesmith@dot.state.fl.us
Lori.Snively@dot.state.fl.us

Bicyclist Glen Gulickson, who works part-time at SWFBUD member store Bicycle Outfitters in Seminole, wrote this email in favor of the causeway trail.

Dear Ming Gao and Robin Rhinesmith,

Aas a follow up to my email yesterday, I would like to submit the article attached below. It is the word for word presentation, before Congress, by John Burke, CEO of TREK Bicycle Corporation.

You can take what you will from the article, but there are two things I would like to point out.

The first is that, if anything, the pendulum favoring bicycle/pedestrian
infrastructure improvement should be swinging our way. Everything about
non-motorized transportation is a plus-better health,documented economic
benefits, less wear and tear on the roads we already have, less reliance
on foreign oil and much less expensive infrastructure development and
maintenance costs.

The second is the example of Portland, Oregon. Here is a city that is
split right down its' heart by the Willamette River and stays connected by
five bridges. (Additionally, there are two interstate bridges) These are
OLD BRIDGES and I'm sure took some significant engineering to accommodate
cyclists and pedestrians, but the thing that caught my eye was that
Portland has spent, over the last TWENTY YEARS, the equivalent cost of ONE
MILE of urban, four lane highway. ONE MILE!!!! And bicycle ridership has
sky-rocketed!

I know you have a tough job and a lot of folks are weighing in on all
sides, but now is NOT the time to waiver on this issue-now is the time to
step forward boldly and take the step that will be a legacy to our
grandchildren!

The Greater Tampa Bay area needs the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail and
I urge you, once again to press forward with its' implementation and
completion.

Thank you for you time,

Glen A. Gullickson

Motororist In Pickup Truck Kills Bicyclist In Hernando County Hit-and-run

2011-04-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Another week, another killed bicyclist at the hands of a killer motorist in the Tampa Bay area.

This time, it was in Spring Hill at around 3:15 PM today when a pickup truck struck a bicyclist from behind in the shoulder of US 19 and dragged the cyclist before the motorist drove away and left a mortally wounded bicyclist on this side of the road.

St. Pete Times story.

Tampa Tribune story.

We gave seen safety programs discuss what bicyclists should do in Tampa Bay but how about a campaign telling motorists to stop killing bicyclists?

SWFBUD Likes The New Bike Lane On North Blvd. In Tampa

2011-04-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

It's nice to see the city of Tampa working on North Boulevard with a newly-paved surface and a new bike lane from Cass to the North Blvd Bridge at Blake High School.

North of the bridge the roadwork will continue as the road gets narrowed from four to three lanes with bike lanes or sharrows to MLK Blvd.

Ride the Divide Movie Comes To Tampa April 28

2011-04-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD is happy to sponsor the Ride the Divide mountain biking movie playing at the Cinebistro in Hyde Park on April 28 -- two showings between 6:30-9:30 PM

Tickets are $10 and available at www.IMAthlete.com/events/ridethedividemovie

SWFBUD Bike Shops' Activities

2011-04-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD's 12 member bicycle shops are all great bike stores and they're always involved in new projects and events.

At Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium -- a SWFBUD founding bike shop member -- owner Brian Eckman just unveiled a bigger store by moving next-door to a larger space.

Here's Brian at his new place.

And in St. Petersburg, Rick Fidanzato, owner of SWFBUD bike shops ABC Bicycles and the Trek Store of St. Petersburg, is doing a Hub Grub-style restaurant bicycle tour called, "St. Pete Bike n' eat," on April 23.

The bike n eat event starts at 3 PM from the Trek store at 3169 4th Street N. in St. Petersburg and will include stops at Tour de Pizza, 400 Beach Seafood and Top House, the Taco Bus, Grand Central Perc, The Hangar and Harvey's 4th Street Grill.

Tampa Councilwoman Yolie Capin Says "Bike On!"

2011-04-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD supported Tampa Councilwoman Yolie Capin when she ran for city council against Chris Hart last month.

And it's cool when an elected leader gets it -- which is why I was happy to hear Councilwoman Capin talk about her support for bicycling when she addressed nearly 100 bicyclists at Ella's restaurant in Seminole Heights for the Hub Grub Bicycle Ride Saturday.

Her quote was fabulous when she told the bicyclists: “You are activists,” Capin told the crowd. “You care about your city – otherwise you would not be here. So have a wonderful ride and bike on!”

SWFBUD Supports DOT Plan For Causeway Trail Between Tampa And Clearwater

2011-03-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD enthusiastically spoke in favor of a Florida Department of Transportation plan to build a $20 million multi-use bicycle/ped trail along the Courtney Campbell Causeway, including a $13 million tall span next to the State Road 60 bridge on the Tampa side.

Linda Saul-Sena, a former Tampa city councilwoman, voiced her support.

And so did John Harrison, a county greenways committee member.

Tampa Police Plan Bike Safety Message On Cruisers' Back Windows

2011-03-29T12:31:00.002-07:00

SWFBUD and Karen Kress of Tampa BayCycle met two Tampa police officers this afternoon to see a new bicycle safety message that will initially go on the back windows of 40-50 police cruisers.

Thank you Sgt. Carl Giguere and Cpl. William Shaw for thinking of bicyclist safety. Stadium Toyota is paying for this.

Sgt. Giguere said TPD would like eventually to have all police cars in Tampa with this bicycle safety design on the back window.

SWFBUD Attends Florida Bike Summit In Tally Today

2011-03-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD was a proud participant in today's Florida Bike Summit in Tallahassee and is proud to call state Rep. Janet Cruz of Tampa a friend of bicyclists for her support of bicycling and for supporting a bicycle safety bill.

Rep. Cruz lost a friend, bicyclist Diane Vega, who was killed on her bike-commute home last Oct. 1 at Himes and Spruce in Tampa.

SWFBUD also talked with state Rep. Betty Reed of Tampa and hopes a representative from Rep. Reed's office attends the Hub Grub Bicycle Ride of Seminole Heights on Aug. 2. The ride starts and ends at Ella's restaurant at 5119 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa.

SWFBUD also met representatives of state Senators Jotner and Norman today as well.

SWFBUD supports legislations that would ban texting while driving and also a vulnerable users law that would increase the criminal penalties for motorists who kill and injure vulneranle road users such as bicyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users.

Florida's New Bike/Ped Ad Campaign: "You vs. Vehicle: You lose every time." (This is not a joke) -- SWFBUD Gets Involved

2011-03-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

Government is very well-intentioned about trying to improve safety for bicyclists. Sometimes, they can be misguided though.

The Florida Department of Transportation and the University of Florida picked a Tampa firm called Dunn&Co to create a bike and pedestrian safety ad campaign. Dunn&Co called it, "You vs. Vehicle: You lose every time."

Here's the press release

I have not seen a shred of the print ad or content behind this "You vs. Vehicle" ad campaign, so I'm going on the campaign's mere title. But the very title made my head hurt. As usual, nothing about taking steps to change the motorists' behavior; in fact, just the opposite -- the title message empowers motorists that they're king of the road and that if you're a bicyclist the best thing you can do is just watch out and stay clear.

As I'm programmed to do (I am a former newspaper reporter, after all), I got on the phone today and called Troy Dunn, the firm owner, because I wanted to share my thoughts and hear the ad creator's response. I told Troy I haven't seen the ads or content but I had concerns about the title and its message. I said the real issue is that we have to educate problem motorists and bicyclists about using the roads together.

He disagreed and said there is no way to change aggressive, dangerous or reckless motorist behavior so the best thing for bicyclists and peds to do is be on full alert and be cautious to avoid being hit. Yes, bicyclists need to be smart and alert and visible -- but any safety campaign has to include addressing motorists.

So then I wrote the following letter to the Florida Bicycle Association today:

Hi folks,

I look forward to seeing you at the FBA summit in Tally tomorrow. I'll be traveling with Jim Shirk, a fellow Hillsborough County BPAC member, from Tampa and look forward to chatting with our local state legislators. At least two have agreed to meet us.

I'm writing to bring a new ad campaign about bicycle and pedestrian safety in Florida to your attention. I understand the University of Florida and the Florida DOT hired a Tampa ad firm called Dunn and Co. for this campaign.

Dunn's winning campaign is called "You vs. Vehicle: You lose every time."

Here's the press release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/03/prweb5184344.htm

You probably have heard about it by now.

I have not seen any of the campaign's print material or content, but its title concerns me greatly. As the director of SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers), I called the ad firm here in Tampa today and expressed my concerns to the firm owner, Troy Dunn.

I'm concerned that the title misses the point that bicyclists are co-users of the public roadway and that both bicyclists and motorists have to be educated and informed about how we interact on the road. Mr. Dunn informed me that it is impossible to change aggressive, reckless and irresponsible motorist behavior that imperils the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. So the best thing bicyclists could do, Mr. Dunn told me, is simply be on the alert and be cautious for cars that obviously are much bigger. Mr. Dunn informed me that the "share the road" mantra is stale and lacks punch. That might be so, but a "You Vs. Vehicle: You lose every time" campaign title seems to me that it emboldens motorists to feel they own the road and bicyclists don't have a place.

I hope you also see the flaw in the ad campaign title and immediately advise the DOT that a "You vs. Vehicle" title and message is not appropriate.

A recent League of American Bicyclists letter in response to the proposed Hillsborough County bike safety action plan also touched on the matter about how dangerous motorist behavior was left out of the equation in regard to bicycle safety. Tim, you might recall the FBA signed that LAB letter. (I believe it was Dan Moser who signed it).

I plan to bring this up to the DOT tomorrow and hope you will address this as well.

Best,

Alan Snel
FBA member
Director of SWFBUD
www.swfbud.blogspot.com
Co-founder, Seminole Heights Bicycle Club
Hillsborough County BPAC member
www.alansnel.blogspot.com

I heard back from Tim Bustos, the FBA's new executive director, and he informed me the FBA will be addressing this matter with the FDOT.

I also sent my letter to the SWFBUD bike shops. Rick Fidanzato, owner of ABC Bicycles and the Trek Bicycle Store of St. Pete, responded this way: "Thank you for catching this! This is terrible. We must understand that cars are driven by PEOPLE! It is a very negative ad campaign and will destroy any headway bicyclists have made. You are correct when you say that motorists will be empowered by this slogan. It is a very negative and auto-centric slogan. We must change all behavior, but there are significantly more people driving cars than bicycles in this area. With gas prices soaring, obesity rates still increasing, and no sign of any significant public transportation plan, bicycles will become more prevalent on the road. We still must "share the road". Without this mantra, bicycle riders will surely "lose every time".

Thank you again for your attention to these matters. Good luck this week at the conference. I am looking forward to your thoughts when you get back."

And then, there's my good bicycle advocate pal Joe Mizereck of Tallahassee, who created the "3 Feet Please" yellow bike jersey. Joe wrote to me in response to the ad campaign title, "My gut reaction is this is absolutely absurd. I hope I am missing something, but I am very concerned about the intent and theme…very concerned."

So, my hunch is that Troy at Dunn&Co. might be hearing from a few more people about "You vs. Vehicle: You lose every time"

SWFBUD Works With Rep. Cruz And Thanks Her For Sponsoring Bicycle Safety Bill

2011-03-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD is proud to hear this morning that a friend of SWFBUD -- state Rep. Janet Cruz, D-58, -- is sponsoring a bicycle safety bill.

SWFBUD has worked with Rep. Cruz in the past year to further the cause of bicycling in the Tampa area. Cruz has voiced her support for a paved bicycle trail along the Bypass Canal in the Tampa area and also appeared at a memorial bike ride last Oct. 1 to memorialize the loss of bicyclist lives on the roads of Tampa Bay.

SWFBUD gave a SWFBUDDY award to Rep. Cruz at last year's Bicycle Bash and appreciates her dedication and commitment to advancing bicycling and making bicycling safer in the Tampa area.

SWFBUD Helps With Ghost Bike To Remember Robert Niedbalec

2011-03-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

SWFBUD was proud to help install a ghost bike in the memory of Robert Niedbalec, a 52-year-old veterinarian who was killed Feb. 13 while biking in a bike lane on Fletcher Avenue near the Hillsborough River. A speeding motorist lost control of her car and struck and killed Robert, who lived in Temple Terrace.

In March, SWFBUD worked with Dan, who painted an old bicycle white for the ghost bike installation two weeks ago.

SWFBUD Talks To Plant High School Students About Bicycling

2011-03-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

This week, I enjoyed visiting Nereia Cormier's six AP social studies class at Plant High School and talking about the value of bicycling on behalf of SWFBUD.

SWFBUD Bike Shop Owners Attend National Bike Summit

2011-03-07T04:24:00.001-08:00

Good luck to SWFBUD bike shop owners David Luppino of Just Ride Bicycles, Brian Eckman of Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium and Randy Myhre of Oliver's Cycle Sports who are all attending the National Bike Summiot this week in Washington, DC.

The National Bike Summit draws hundreds of bicycle activists, bike shop owners, advocates, bike planners and bike industry reps to network, attend advocacy seminars and lobby their local congressmen to support bicycle legislation.

I don't give credit enough to the SWFBUD bike shop owners like David, Brian, Randy and the rest of the SWFBUD stores who go beyond the retail scene to advocate and support bicycling here in the Tampa Bay area.

When you shop at a SWFBUD store, you support advocacy because those stores' owners pay me monhtly to do what I do -- lean on local government leaders and workers to include bicycling in local plans, to put on events like the Bicycle Bash and to increase the profile of bicycling in the Tampa Bay market.

Your other SWFBUD stores are Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater and Palm Harbor, ABC Bicycles and the Trek Bicycle Store of St. Petersburg, Bicycle Outfitters in Seminole, Street Fit 360 in south Tampa, University Bicycle Center in north Tampa, the Trek Bicycle Store in Clearwater and south Tampa, and The Ironman Store in new Tampa.

Please shop in these SWFBUD bike shops and thank them for supporting bicycle advocacy.

* * *

Good to hear that my bicycle friend Ed Hillsman is OK after a motorist crossed two lanes in front of him to turn into a side street while Ed was biking east in a bike lane on Fletcher Avenue last week. Ed ended up broad-siding the car because the motorist drove so quickly across the two lanes of Fletcher in an attempt to turn into 52nd Street near the USF campus.

Ed, who bikes to and from his job at the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), was slightly hurt when his left leg went into the end point of his handlebar. But otherwise, Ed seemed OK when we chatted Saturday at the USF Amazing Race bike scavenger hunt.

Everyone, be careful and alert for motorists who don't see you. Make yourself as visible as possible and anticipate motorists making turns in front of you. Ed was looking for breaks in the traffic that allow cars to make turns in front of him, but this driver went so fast and the break was not even seen.

* * *

Gas is hitting $3.50 per gallon and I'm sure it will hit $4 soon. So, expect the bicycle commuting stories to crop up. They did the last time gas hit $4 per gallon.

* * *

Enjoy a free Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game tonight if you ride your bicycle to the Ice Palace/Forum. Game starts at 7 PM for the match between the Lightning and the Washington Capitals. It's part of Bicycle Month in Florida and catch www.tampabaycycle.com for more March bike activities.

SWFBUD Today Remembers Bicyclist Robert Niedbalec, Killed By A Speeding Motorist In Tampa Area 2 Weeks Ago

2011-02-27T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today, I paid my tributes to the memory of Robert Niedbalec, a 52-year-old vet killed by speeding motorist whuke cycling in a bike lane on Fletcher Avenue on Feb. 13.

Today was a rememberance ceremony for Robert as we took a short bike ride, showed the ghost bike and wrote messages in a memory book.

HCSO Bicycle Messages On Portable Signs Return

2011-02-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

Nice to see the bicycle messages returned recently to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office portable signs in Fletcher Avenue near I-75. SWFBUD suggested the HCSO start the sign messages on its portable sign boards last year.