Tampa City Council Moves to Regulate Bike Behavior on Trails

Tampa’s City Council is taking steps to address concerns regarding dangerous cycling and e-bike behavior on its popular biking and walking trails. A new proposed ordinance aims to enhance safety for all users by introducing specific restrictions for riders.

Addressing Safety Concerns on Tampa’s Trails

The impetus for this ordinance comes from numerous complaints and firsthand observations of unsafe practices on city trails, including the scenic Tampa Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard. Tampa police officers have reported constant public feedback on dangerous actions by cyclists.

City Councilman Guido Maniscalco recounted seeing groups of “30-40 people, very close together, going through areas” on the Riverwalk, especially on busy evenings. These accounts highlight a growing concern for pedestrian and rider safety alike.

Specific Behaviors Targeted by the Ordinance

The proposed ordinance focuses on two key areas of concern:

• Riding More Than Two Abreast: The new rule would prohibit cyclists and e-bike riders from riding with more than two people side-by-side on city trails.
• Dangerous Stunts: Performing wheelies or other hazardous stunts would also be outlawed, making such actions ticketable offenses.

Remembering the Past: “Biking While Black” Concerns

The discussion around enforcing bike behavior in Tampa brings to mind a sensitive historical context. Community activist Robin Lockett voiced concerns about a potential return to the “biking while Black” policy, where the U.S. Justice Department found the Tampa Police Department unfairly cited Black cyclists. Lockett emphasized that the Black community often faced mistreatment without realizing anything was amiss.

Several council members acknowledged these historical issues and expressed a clear desire to ensure that enforcement of any new ordinance does not lead to similar discriminatory practices on the city’s trails.

What’s Next for the Proposed Ordinance?

The Tampa City Council has already passed the ordinance on its first reading. For it to become law and be enforced, it must successfully pass a second reading. This crucial next step will be preceded by a public hearing, providing an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and concerns about the proposed regulations.

Proposed Bike Ordinance at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa’s Bike Ordinance

• What areas will this ordinance cover?
  The ordinance would apply to specific city biking and walking trails, including prominent locations like the Tampa Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard.
• What specific actions are being targeted?
  The ordinance aims to prohibit riding with more than two people side-by-side and performing dangerous stunts such as wheelies.
• Why is the City Council proposing these new rules?
  The proposal stems from numerous public complaints and direct observations by police and council members regarding dangerous cycling behavior affecting overall safety on trails.
• Are there any concerns about the enforcement of this ordinance?
  Yes, community activist Robin Lockett and several council members have raised concerns about avoiding discriminatory enforcement, referencing past issues like the “biking while Black” policy.
• What is the next step for this ordinance?
  The ordinance has passed its first reading and requires a second reading to be fully enacted, which will follow a public hearing.

As Tampa moves to formalize these new rules, residents and cyclists are encouraged to stay informed and consider participating in the upcoming public hearing to ensure their perspectives are heard on the future of bike safety in the city.

Tampa Targets Dangerous Biking on City Trails