The City of Tampa is growing its bike network and becoming even more interconnected as the current Green Spine Cycle Track expands.
The next phases will bring the Green Spine north, up Nuccio Parkway and N. 15th Street to Cuscaden Park at East 21st Avenue.
The Green Spine is an east-west urban bicycle track that currently begins at Cass Street and North Rome Avenue and runs through the downtown core and on through Ybor City into East Tampa. Like the previous phases, the additions will include safe, two-way bike lanes with three-foot raised separators between bicyclists and drivers, from East 7th Ave. to E. 17th Avenue. From there, a 14-foot widened and improved shared-use sidewalk will carry pedestrians and cyclists to E. 21st The project also includes the addition of 67 on-street parallel parking spaces.
When construction of these two phases is completed in the summer of 2025, the total length of the Green Spine Cycle Track will be increased to about three miles offering safe connections through neighborhoods like North Hyde Park, Downtown and Ybor City, as well as access to the Tampa Riverwalk. The Green Spine will also intersect with the proposed West Riverwalk project at two locations. The West Riverwalk is a historic addition to West Tampa, currently in the design phase.
While the Green Spine gets its name emphasis on sustainability and green paint, there's also an economic component. In other cities, similar urban cycle tracks have been reported to increase real-estate values, residential development, and business growth.
Most importantly, the Green Spine will improve safety for both bicyclists and drivers alike. Narrower travel lanes encourage lower speeds, while raised traffic separators will provide protection for cyclists. Additionally, this promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces carbon emissions, and roadway congestion. As the City continues to grow, safer mobility options that benefit everyone become even more important.
"Building new, safer bicycle lanes ensures everyone has easy access to all that makes Tampa great," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "These additions to the Green Spine provide secure pathways to parks and essential services, promote a healthier lifestyle, and reduce harmful pollutants. We look forward to this significant improvement to the city's transportation network."
These latest two phases of the Green Spine Cycle track cost a combined total of $4.44 million dollars. They are being primarily federally funded by two FDOT Local Agency Program grants.
Later this year, construction is expected to begin on the Cass Street section, from N Howard Avenue to Rome Avenue.
During construction, drivers should expect delays and detours around the impacted areas. Road closure notices can be found on the City of Tampa's website: https://www.tampa.gov/road-closures.