Best Places to Bike in Tampa

From urban routes to serene nature trails, Tampa is a bike-friendly city that has something for everyone. Government agencies, community partners and grassroots groups have made strides in the last couple of years to increase bike lanes and trails, and there are now more than 130 miles of bicycle lanes to enjoy with our year-round sunshine and easy-to-ride terrain.

As one of the top 50 best biking cities by Bicycling Magazine and the top community in the United States for bicycle-friendly businesses (BFBs) by the League of American Bicyclists, it’s time to get acquainted with great places to bike in Tampa whether you own a bike or want to rent one. Beyond biking being a fun way to explore the treasures of Tampa, it’s a great option for workers and residents to commute. With many groups and individuals rallied around the Vision Zero mission of safe, equitable, and healthy mobility for all, let’s get pedaling to enjoy all the biking routes in the city.

First up is the Selmon Greenway, a 1.7-mile, 15-foot wide multi-use trail that begins where Brorein Street meets the Riverwalk. You feel the energy of the heart of the city here. You can make your way to the north end and explore the buzz of restaurants, shops and new developments in Channelside before heading to the Ybor City Historic District where cultures mix and history abounds. You can decide to stay downtown and explore the mix of businesses and viewpoints from pocket parks and the Hillsborough River at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and many museums and people and boat watching. As you cycle to the south end, you’ll enjoy Armature Works’ bevy of food choices and shops in this historic area and make your way to the incredible Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Trail. 

The Selmon Greenway connects to other citywide trails such as the Riverwalk, Bayshore Boulevard / Bayshore Greenway, the McKay Bay Trail, and more. BFBs often have incentives for bicyclists and have bike parking and other bike-friendly amenities. Pocket parks, benches, and unique events also abound in these green spaces to activate our urban corridors even more. For those getting back to biking post-pandemic, look for the colorful, textured paving and signage that marks trails and bike parking areas. Notice the Florida-friendly landscaping that changes with the seasons, and wave hello to fellow bikers to enjoy your ride even more. Shade structures, lighting, and outdoor sculptures, and art make many of these bike paths even more enjoyable.

As a world-class city that encourages healthy outdoor activities, the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is honored to play a role in creating more green spaces, multi-modal transportation options, and safety for all. If you don’t have a bike, no problem. The Coast Bike Share Program has bikes throughout Tampa at many hubs that are available to rent for a day, month, or annually. There is so much to do throughout Tampa’s network of bicycle trails, so check out these further resources to plan for a great work or play day.   

Get There on the Selmon Greenway:

https://www.tampa-xway.com/get-there-on-the-selmon-greenway/

Foodie Finds Via the Selmon Greenway: https://www.tampa-xway.com/foodie-finds-via-the-selmon-greenway/