The city of Temple Terrace held its fourth annual “Bike with the Mayor” day in celebration of Florida Bike Month on March 17 2017. At 7:30 a.m. cyclists, friends, neighbors, colleagues and volunteers enjoyed coffee, doughnuts, and bagels while chatting with other cyclists before the ride. Bike repairs, helmet fittings, bike lights, commemorative green t-shirts (a nod to St. Patrick’s Day), and safety tips were also provided to attending riders.

Before the ride, Julie Bond, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay Program Director, and Charles Stephenson, Temple Terrace City Manager, welcomed attendees and the audience applauded the city’s efforts to improve the biking conditions in Tampa. FDOT’s Director of Transportation Operations Brian McKishnie also spoke: “We are making improvements to safety; we are making a dent, but there is more work to be done. And I want to thank you all for being here today in spite of the cold weather. You’re doing your part as citizens today to help us improve. I’m looking forward to pedaling away with you and warming up.”

Mayor Kim Leinbach spoke last to kick off the event at 8:00 a.m., just before the wave of green-shirted cyclists took to the city streets for a leisurely 3.9 mile ride. “Temple Terrace is a multi-modal city, and we are very supportive of safe bicycling. This is just one example of what we can do when we all work together,” the mayor said. After some quick safety tips and stretching, Mayor Leinbach led the riders to the street. The group got moving quickly, ready to get their morning exercise, have some fun, and warm up.