Cycle the City: What to Know Before You Go

TAMPA, FL – Forty years ago, Mayor Bill Poe wanted to commemorate the country’s bicentennial with a signature project in downtown Tampa. His idea was to build a pedestrian path along the city’s waterways.

This weekend will mark the culmination of Poe’s dream when the final segment of the Tampa Riverwalk officially opens. The Riverwalk is now one contiguous trail from the corner of Channelside Drive and Beneficial Drive behind the Tampa Bay History Center, along the Garrison Channel and up the Hillsborough River to the North Boulevard overpass.

Several events will surround the finishing of the project. Here’s what area residents need to know before they go to Cycle the City and the unveiling of the Cass Street Cycle Track:

Date and Time

The events will take place on Saturday, June 11.

First Ride

The highlight of the final segment is a protected two-way bike track on the new two-way Cass Street. This bike track is the first of its kind in the state of Florida. The First Ride on the bike track will gather at Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1201 N. Orange St., at 9:30 a.m. and begin at 10 a.m.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the Laurel Street Bridge, 900 E. Scott St., next to Encore! According to City of Tampa officials, the Laurel Street Bridge address does not come up correctly on Google Maps.

Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Bob Buckhorn and other dignitaries and Tampa residents will be on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony at approximately 10:30 a.m. for the Dolye Carlton Segment at the Laurel Street Bridge. There will also be food carts and music.

Scavenger Hunt

The first-ever Tampa Riverwalk Scavenger Hunt will begin after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Scavenger hunt materials will be available on the south side of the Laurel Street Bridge. The first 100 people to enter will receive a free T-shirt. Any team that completes the hunt will be entered for a chance to win a Riverwalk “staycation” for two.

Full Schedule

9 a.m.: Gather in Perry Harvey Sr. Park

10 a.m.: First Ride along the new Cass Street Cycle Track departs from Perry Harvey Sr. Park

10:15 a.m.: First Ride arrives on the Tampa Riverwalk

10:30 a.m.: Tampa Riverwalk Doyle Carton Segment Ribbon Cutting

10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Riverwalk Scavenger Hunt

For more information, visit www.tampagov.net.

Image via Shutterstock

Sign up for the Tampa Patch newsletter and alerts!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, too!