Tampa is making significant strides in enhancing its urban cycling infrastructure with the development of the Green Spine Bike Lane, a 3.4-mile urban bike trail set to extend through Ybor City. This ambitious project aims to promote safer and more enjoyable cycling experiences for residents and visitors alike. This is in keeping with Tampa’s planned Riverwalk extension.
The news was first shared by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, and later covered by 83 Degrees Media. The Green Spine Bike Lane currently offers a guided bike path that stretches from Water Street to the entrance of Ybor City at Historic 7th Avenue. A notable feature of this segment is a fully protected two-lane bike path, ensuring cyclists can ride with confidence and safety.
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Making Tampa a more bike-friendly city
The latest phase of the project focuses on extending the Green Spine separated cycle track along Nuccio Parkway and E. 12th Avenue, from 7th Avenue to 13th Avenue. This extension will incorporate the signature separated bicycle lanes characteristic of the Green Spine, continuing along Nuccio Parkway and 15th Street up to 17th Avenue. Upon reaching the intersection of 15th Street and 17th Avenue, the cycle track will transition into a wide, paved shared-use path alongside Cuscaden Park, providing a seamless and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
In addition to the new developments, the downtown segment of the trail has already seen substantial progress. The stretch from east of the Cass Street Bridge to Nebraska Avenue was constructed as part of the Tyler Street and Cass Street Two-Way conversion project. Moreover, a quarter-mile segment between N. Boulevard and Ashley Drive, which includes the Cass Street Bridge, was completed by the City of Tampa’s Mobility Department in January 2023 as part of the City’s “Quick Build” Program. This initiative has played a crucial role in accelerating the development of essential infrastructure projects to enhance urban mobility.
Protected and painted paths popping up across the city
As Tampa continues to invest in and expand its cycling infrastructure, the Green Spine Bike Lane represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable transportation and creating a more bike-friendly city.
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The project was conceptualized as part of the InVision Tampa Center City Plan to provide pedestrian and bicycle access between N. Hyde Park, Downtown, and Ybor City. It will provide a safe and accessible bicycle connection to the Tampa Riverwalk and a safe connection between neighborhoods.
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