SWFBUD Prompts Expressway Authority To Consider Allowing Bicyclists on Sunday Mornings

This afternoon I addressed the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority board and asked the board members to consider allowing bicyclists on the top deck of the Selmon Expressway for limited times on Sunday mornings.

I explained to the board at its 3 p.m. meeting that Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties have closed the Friendship Trail, so bicyclists lost a vital resource. I also told the board it would be great public relations for the Expressway Authority. And besides, it's been done before -- I joined more than 200 bicyclists on the top deck for a bicycle fundraiser for Amanda Lee that was organized by Rochard Gonzmart in September 2006.

In response, the board voted to have its staff look at the idea. Board member Thomas Scott, who chairs the Tampa city council, made the motion and it was approved unanimously. So, the staff will take a look at the concept.

In the meantime, please send emails to the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority asking them to allow bicycling on the upper deck during LIMITED TIMES on Sunday mornings when there is little use.

Here's what it's like to bike on the top deck of the Expressway.


SWFBUD thanks Karen Kress, transportation director of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, who came to the Expressway Authority board meeting and added her support. And SWFBUD also thanks Tampa Councilman Thomas Scott for making the motion that allowed for the study.