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Where Does Tampa Rank? Best Biking Cities In The Country

Author Jeff Gorra

Last week, in honor of World Bicycle Day, LawnStarter ranked the best cities to bike in the country. Their extensive research compared 200 major markets. And Tampa ended up towards the top of the best biking cities list.

With dedicated bike lanes, numerous paths, and parks, Tampa has many options for biking. LawnStarter’s methodology to compile this list took several elements into account, including ride quality, climate, community, and safety.

Tampa Ranks 26th

Finishing right behind their fellow Floridians in Miami, LawnStarters’s ranking for best biking cities had Tampa at 26. The Riverwalk is on the most popular areas in the city for biking.

The overall LawnStarter score for Tampa was a 45.94, which just edged out Houston, TX. Community rank was Tampa’s best performance category. San Francisco, CA was the best city for biking, and Jackson, MS ranked last.

Bike Clubs

Biking has allowed for many unique ways to explore Tampa. In addition, there are clubs that make the sport a way to further engage with the community. Clubs such as the Suncoast Cycling Club go on frequent rides. They explore both new and traditional paths throughout scenic areas of Southwest Florida.

BikeSport in Oldsmar, offers up-to-date information on Florida biking clubs in the surrounding counties.

Bike Events

If you are looking to partake in a biking challenge or fundraiser, Tampa is great for that, too. Bikes & Beers Tampa Bay was so popular last year that it is coming back again. A 2024 event is currently in the works for the Pan-Florida challenge as well. “The 2023 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride was a major success! Thank you to the 173 cyclists in Naples and Tampa that helped support cancer prevention research at Moffitt Cancer Center, patients, and hungry children throughout the state of Florida,” their site states.

Bike Share

Coast Bike Share, powered by HOPR is the city’s bike share program. They offer hundreds of dock-less bikes scattered around the city.  This is a member-based platform where you are encouraged to join on a daily, monthly or annual basis. If you want to test it before you join, a day pass is available for $1. You then pay 35 cents per minute.

Coast Bike Share describes Tampa being one of the best biking cities by saying it’s “the most healthy, affordable, convenient and fun form of transit in the Tampa Bay area. Kind to the environment, bike share will change the way you commute and explore.”

Top 10 Bike Riding Trails In Tampa Bay

With gas prices continuing to sky rocket, we’ve put together the 10 top bike riding trails in Tampa Bay for you.

To alleviate their wallets, many Floridians are taking up other means of transportation. In fact, the city of Tampa has spent a lot of resources to improve bike lanes and trails over the last few years. With gorgeous weather and spectacular views, these trails surely won’t disappoint you while you get in your exercise.

  • Bayshore Linear Park Trail

    This 10 foot- wide sidewalk starts on the north at the Columbus Statue Park at Platt Street and ends at Gandy Boulevard. A three mile on-road bike lane also exists along the north-bound lane of Bayshore Boulevard.

  • Tampa Riverwalk

    Still being expanded, the Tampa Riverwalk is a great 2.6 mile stretch of views to Tampa’s waterfront. The Riverwalk also connects to local parks, businesses and attractions like Amalie Arena and The Florida Aquarium.

     

  • Courtney Campbell Trail

    Completed in 2013, the 9.5 mile trail includes two bridges with breathtaking views. The newest part of the trail is a 4-mile extension that completes the crossing of the bay and extends west into Clearwater.

    There’s even beach bars waiting for you at the end!

  • Upper Tampa Bay Trail

    If you need more shade during your ride, the Upper Tampa Bay trail will be perfect for you. Surrounded by plenty of trees and greenery, the 7.5 mile trail can be found on Montague Street, just off Memorial Highway in Tampa. From there it takes you north all the way to Lutz. With six entry points, there are plenty of ways to switch up your route. 

  • Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

    Running from south Tarpon Springs all the way to St. Petersburg, this massive 38.2 mile trail has so much to offer.

     

  • North Bay Trail

    Picking up where the Pinellas trail left off, the North Bay trail starts at First Avenue & Bayshore Drive in St. Petersburg, ends at 81st Avenue.

  • Davis Island

    Explore lavish houses and lush landscapes on this 3.5 one-way trail.

  • Flatwoods Loop Trail

    This hidden Tampa gem runs 11 miles off Bruce B Downs Blvd. Generally an easy route that takes an average 3 hours to complete, and with it being so secluded there’s a good chance you won’t be weaving in between people while on your ride.

  • Al Lopez Park Trail

    A bit of a shorter route but just as fun. This 1.1 loop trail is located off N Himes Ave.

  • Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail

    If you steer your bike north from the western end of the Courtney Campbell Trail and onto Bayshore Boulevard, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the Ream Wilson trail. This trail puts you right in the middle of Safety Harbor and Clearwater which means there will be plenty of bars, restaurants and other local attractions to stop and admire.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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