Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
The City of Tampa is expanding its Green Spine Cycle Track, further developing the city's bike network. The new phases will extend the track north along Nuccio Parkway and N. 15th Street to Cuscaden Park at East 21st Avenue.
Currently, the Green Spine is an east-west bicycle track that starts at Cass Street and North Rome Avenue, passing through downtown Tampa and Ybor City into East Tampa. The upcoming expansions will include two-way bike lanes with three-foot raised separators from East 7th Ave. to E. 17th Avenue. Beyond this point, a widened shared-use sidewalk will lead cyclists and pedestrians to E. 21st Avenue. The project also adds 67 on-street parallel parking spaces.
Once construction concludes in summer 2025, the Green Spine Cycle Track will span about three miles, connecting neighborhoods like North Hyde Park, Downtown, and Ybor City while providing access to the Tampa Riverwalk. It will intersect with the proposed West Riverwalk project at two points.
Besides sustainability, there's an economic aspect to this development. Similar projects in other cities have boosted real estate values and business growth.
The Green Spine aims to enhance safety for cyclists and drivers by promoting lower speeds with narrower lanes and offering protection through raised separators. It supports healthier lifestyles by reducing carbon emissions and congestion.
"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."
The two latest phases of the cycle track cost $4.44 million, primarily funded by FDOT Local Agency Program grants.
Construction on the Cass Street section from N Howard Avenue to Rome Avenue is expected later this year.
Drivers should anticipate delays during construction, with road closure updates available on the City of Tampa's website: https://www.tampa.gov/road-closures.
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