City of Tampa May Consider Making the Riverwalk Bike-Free: Balancing Pedestrians and Cyclists

In an effort to strike a balance between pedestrians and cyclists, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has expressed her desire to explore the possibility of making the Riverwalk bike-free. The Tampa Riverwalk, a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike, sees a bustling mix of people walking, jogging, and cycling along its scenic route by the Hillsborough River.

Current Status and Concerns

The Tampa Riverwalk currently imposes a 5 mph speed limit for cyclists and includes signs reminding them to yield to pedestrians. However, concerns have arisen about the potential chaotic interactions between cyclists and walkers along the pathway.

Encouraging Biking Citywide

Mayor Castor’s overarching goal is to promote biking and reduce car usage throughout the city. While advocating for fewer cars, she also emphasizes the importance of cyclists adhering to slower speeds and showing respect to others sharing the Riverwalk.

Darryl Hepburn, a regular cyclist on the Riverwalk, acknowledges the beauty of the route but admits that it can sometimes feel chaotic. He suggests implementing clear rules and regulations that cyclists and pedestrians can respect to maintain a harmonious environment.

Cyclists and Pedestrians Coexistence

Local cyclist Darryl Hepburn, who enjoys the Riverwalk’s scenic views, believes that clear rules and mutual respect between bikers and pedestrians can foster a harmonious coexistence.

Addressing Safety Concerns

To address safety concerns and provide better transportation options, the city’s interim chief transportation planner, Alex Henry, discusses the ongoing work to expand the bike network and potentially offer more direct routes for cyclists.

Exploring Alternatives

While some pedestrians support the idea of a bike-free Riverwalk, others like Hepburn cherish the therapeutic experience of cycling along the pathway. A potential solution could involve creating designated bike lanes alongside the Riverwalk while ensuring safety for all users.

Balancing Safety and Convenience

Local bike enthusiast Eli Parker-Cruz understands both perspectives and points out that banning bikes from the Riverwalk might lead to cyclists sharing roads with cars, potentially posing safety risks.

Future Plans and Upgrades

Before making any decisions, Mayor Castor asserts that the city plans to add more bike lanes on surrounding streets. Additionally, the possibility of introducing protected bike lanes, physically separated from vehicular traffic, is being explored to enhance cyclist safety.