It was nice to participate in a HART video explaining the great connection between bicycles and buses.
Tampa's city TV station -- CTTV -- aired it as part of "Spotlight Tampa" this month, says bicyclist/CTTV cameraman Brian Sullivan.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Plight of the Tampa Bicycle Commuter
I'm a Facebook friend of USF graduate assistant Sven Williams, who conveyed his recent experience of being told to ride his bicycle on a sidewalk:
"dear driver on Yukon, nearing 40th: you will forgive me if I don't respond politely to your fat ass braying at me to get on the sidewalk. I'm sure you were on the way to doing something important with your life, but it takes like 30 seconds to safely pass me. (and folks wonder why I cheer a little when gas prices spike)"
* * *
About four comments followed on Facebook after Sven's post and then Sven wrote more:
"Ironically, it only really happens to me in poorer parts of town, where bikes are more transportation than recreation. I think it's in part because I'm an annoyance in their already-shitty lives, and I'm a convenient target to take it out o...n, because I can't really do much in retaliation beyond memorizing license plates and delivering one-finger salutes.
There's this really super-strong car culture in Tampa, partly because the city really grew after the 40s, right around the time when the streetcars were dismantled here and cars really took off in America. Not owning a car in Tampa relegates you to second-class citizenship and denies you full use of public space. Try going to grad school, working, and attempting to have a social life without a car here. Impossible, since it takes you an hour to get anywhere worth getting to, and you risk your life every time!
I'm done fighting and pretending like my transportation situation is a matter of principle. I'm looking for a motorcycle; know anyone selling one?"
* * *
Bike commuting in Tampa is no easy task when a high number of motorists do not respect your right to use the public right-of-way. Add to that a lack of bike lanes and paved trails and the bicyclist faces a challenge, indeed. The local DOT's new bike safety message even blames bicyclists for getting hit.
But don't give up. Don't let all these forces make you give up your bicycle. It's a beautiful thing, bicycling, and makes your life fuller.
"dear driver on Yukon, nearing 40th: you will forgive me if I don't respond politely to your fat ass braying at me to get on the sidewalk. I'm sure you were on the way to doing something important with your life, but it takes like 30 seconds to safely pass me. (and folks wonder why I cheer a little when gas prices spike)"
* * *
About four comments followed on Facebook after Sven's post and then Sven wrote more:
"Ironically, it only really happens to me in poorer parts of town, where bikes are more transportation than recreation. I think it's in part because I'm an annoyance in their already-shitty lives, and I'm a convenient target to take it out o...n, because I can't really do much in retaliation beyond memorizing license plates and delivering one-finger salutes.
There's this really super-strong car culture in Tampa, partly because the city really grew after the 40s, right around the time when the streetcars were dismantled here and cars really took off in America. Not owning a car in Tampa relegates you to second-class citizenship and denies you full use of public space. Try going to grad school, working, and attempting to have a social life without a car here. Impossible, since it takes you an hour to get anywhere worth getting to, and you risk your life every time!
I'm done fighting and pretending like my transportation situation is a matter of principle. I'm looking for a motorcycle; know anyone selling one?"
* * *
Bike commuting in Tampa is no easy task when a high number of motorists do not respect your right to use the public right-of-way. Add to that a lack of bike lanes and paved trails and the bicyclist faces a challenge, indeed. The local DOT's new bike safety message even blames bicyclists for getting hit.
But don't give up. Don't let all these forces make you give up your bicycle. It's a beautiful thing, bicycling, and makes your life fuller.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Walk Yields Bicyclist Scenes
Take a walk and it's inevitable that something will grab your attention. Like this superb use of garbage cans to protect prized plants from the frosty temperatures we have endured the past few overnights in Tampa, Fla.
Nice parking by someone with a big ol' red SUV in the assistant principal parking space by Seminole Heights Elementary School.
At Sligh and North Blvd, there's a hard-core bike commuter with big pannier bags.
The serene Hillsborough River.
There's Jordan Miller, owner of Velo Champ bike shop, cycling on Central Avenue.
Nice parking by someone with a big ol' red SUV in the assistant principal parking space by Seminole Heights Elementary School.
At Sligh and North Blvd, there's a hard-core bike commuter with big pannier bags.
The serene Hillsborough River.
There's Jordan Miller, owner of Velo Champ bike shop, cycling on Central Avenue.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
18-Wheeler Kills Bicyclist In Frostproof, Fla.
The new year didn't stop the bicyclist deaths in Florida. An 18-wheeler killed a bicyclist on US 27 in Frostproof on Monday. Police said the bicyclist was struck by the 18-wheeler while riding on the shoulder.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Some New Bikes Lanes Around Tampa Bay
Bike lane alert. A new bike lane is always a nice surprise in Tampa Bay.
Here are a few new ones I've noticed. Here's Florida Avenue from Fletcher Avenue to Bearrs Ave. in Tampa.
Have you seen Bayshore in Tampa? There's a new striped bike lane on Bayshore from downtown to Rome Ave., then a Share the Road sign after Rome.
In Pinellas County, I rode in a new bike lane for a short stretch of 49th Street south of 118th Avenue as part of my Bridges Ride.
Here are a few new ones I've noticed. Here's Florida Avenue from Fletcher Avenue to Bearrs Ave. in Tampa.
Have you seen Bayshore in Tampa? There's a new striped bike lane on Bayshore from downtown to Rome Ave., then a Share the Road sign after Rome.
In Pinellas County, I rode in a new bike lane for a short stretch of 49th Street south of 118th Avenue as part of my Bridges Ride.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
They're Back -- Roseate Spoonbills Hanging Out Off U-Path Trail
At mile 40 of the 50-mile Bridges ride, I saw my usual pals in a watery area off the U-Path trail behind the Hyatt Hotel near the airport.
Close-up of the roseate spoonbills.
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