On a mild, sunny morning, over 100 people from across the county gathered for the 7th annual Bike Your City event on March 10, in Oldsmar, FL. Since 2017, Forward Pinellas, in its role as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), has hosted the annual Bike Your City (BYC) event in March to celebrate Florida Bicycle Month. The group bike ride highlights the beautiful cities in Pinellas County, draws attention to bicycle and pedestrian safety needs and trail etiquette, and encourages all persons to cycle. The event is open to anyone who loves bicycling.
A new city is featured each year. This year’s partner was the City of Oldsmar. Jarrod Buchman, City of Oldsmar Councilmember and Forward Pinellas Board Member, kicked off the event with a welcome speech. Then participants traveled a slow, guided 6.5 mile ride while Forward Pinellas staff ensured participants were kept safe and well hydrated. Participants raved about the opportunities they had to explore the city’s parks and trails in a way they had never done before.
“We were thrilled with the turnout for Bike Your City Oldsmar! While the Pinellas Trail gets most of the attention in the county, Forward Pinellas has worked with our local partners throughout Pinellas County to develop and fund community trails, such as the Oldsmar Trail network. We appreciate all of the partners that worked with us to make the event possible and thank the community for coming out to celebrate Florida Bicycle Month and see all that Oldsmar has to offer.” – Kyle Simpson, Active Transportation Planner