BIKING IN TAMPA BAY

With year-round sunshine, more than 100 miles of bike lanes, and flat-to-gently sloping terrain, Tampa Bay is a natural place for pedal-ushing. Don't have your own bike? Don't worry. The Epicurean Hotel and Le Méridien Tampa both offer free bikes to their guests. Or, swing by Tampa Riverwalk Rentals right on the riverwalk, and you’ll be out on your bike in no time. Just make sure to bring sunblock and water for your ride!

WHERE TO GO

Saddle up and put your mettle to the pedal to explore Tampa Bay by bike. Here's how:

Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk runs for 2.6 miles (4 km) along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel, linking downtown’s favorite attractions like gems on a string. Take your time and hop from The Florida Aquarium to Tampa Bay History Center to the downtown waterfront to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to Water Works Park and Ulele restaurant.

Beware: Bikes are limited to 5 mph on the Riverwalk, which can be crowded with pedestrians at certain times of day. So take it slow.

Bayshore Boulevard

Downtown's original waterfront pedestrian course, at more than 4.5 miles long, Bayshore ranks as the world's longest unbroken sidewalk. The curving path starts at Platt Street (the bridge links Bayshore with the Tampa Riverwalk) and runs to Gandy Boulevard, passing some of Tampa Bay's most dramatic scenery and most impressive real estate along the way. Keep one eye out for dolphins, diving pelicans and maybe the occasional manatee just over the balustrade.

The path is very popular with walkers, joggers and other cyclists, so be courteous. You'll also find striped bike lanes on both sides of the road itself.

Bayshore provides easy access to tiny South Tampa neighborhoods such as Hyde Park (between Dakota and Howard avenues), home to leafy streets and high-end shopping at Hyde Park Village, as well as Palma Ceia (at Bay to Bay). The boulevard’s median is an unofficial open-air art gallery inviting passers-by to stop and ponder the creations.

Selmon Greenway

Connecting to the Tampa Riverwalk at Brorein Avenue, this bike path twists and turns across downtown in the shadow of the elevated Selmon Expressway. The ultimate goal: historic Ybor City. Some of the bike network makes use of existing streets, sidewalks and parking lots to wend its way through town. It's a little more complicated than the Riverwalk or Bayshore but keep an eye on the signs and you'll do fine. Twin rewards are waiting at the end of the path: a view of An American Journey, a sprawling mural depicting the immigrant history of Ybor City, and Coppertail Brewing Co., among Tampa Bay's best craft breweries.

Miles of bike lanes

Over the past few years, city leaders have expanded opportunities for cyclists in downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, largely by adding striped bike lanes wherever possible (Palm Avenue from Tampa Riverwalk to Ybor City). Additionally, every street repaving includes the addition of new bike lanes (Cass Street downtown, Platt Street in Hyde Park) or wider sidewalks that like bikes and walkers co-exist (21st and 22nd streets in Ybor City).

Off the beaten bike path

Alafia River State Park is a fantastic spot for off-road biking, boasting over 20 miles of challenging single-track trails. The rugged terrain, a result of its history as a phosphate mining site, includes everything from steep drops to high-speed banked turns and intimidating ridge-top trails. Remember, helmets are required for all riders to ensure safety on these thrilling routes.

Get out of town

A few miles from downtown's bright lights and paved bike paths, you'll find plenty of great cycling in Tampa Bay's wilderness parks and green spaces. A few to consider:

Flatwoods Park Trail: Located in the suburbs north of the University of South Florida, the sprawling park is popular with weekend riders looking for a few hours of fun and exercise. The seven-mile loop has a two-mile connection to the most popular entrance off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (bring $2 to pay for parking). A gravel-topped levee connects Flatwoods with other parks farther south.
Courtney Campbell Trail: This trail runs parallel to the Courtney Campbell Causeway, which links Tampa Bay with Clearwater. The 10.5-mile ride spends most of its time over the water, providing great views of the bay, boats and wildlife that make this region special. On the Tampa Bay end, you can connect with several smaller parks.
Upper Tampa Bay Trail: A converted railroad bed, this trail winds through suburban Citrus Park and rural landscape filled with grazing cows, with plenty of access to water and bathrooms. Recent extensions have linked this trail with the 42-mile Suncoast Trail in the suburban community of Lutz.
Suncoast Trail: Opened in 2001, this trail parallels the Suncoast Parkway, a tollroad that connects with the Veterans Expressway in suburban Northdale and runs north across Pasco and Hernando counties nearly to Homosassa. The trail takes you from the suburbs through some of the most remote country in the area. Be warned: Water, restrooms and shade are limited. Also, the trail does not loop, so you'll have to ride back or arrange a pick-up at the end. This is for the serious cyclist.