BIKES FOR HIRE: Bicycle enthusiasts at Cyclovia were able to try out the new Coast Bike Share bicycles that will soon be available around town to rent. Credit: CHIP WEINER

Last Sunday, my friend Kat Flynn was hit by a car on her way from Ybor Heights to Cyclovia Tampa Bay, a bike safety awareness-spreading and recreation event that closed off roads in eastern downtown Tampa.

Luckily she wasn't seriously injured, but talk about sending the important point home that "safety doesn't happen by accident." The now annual event aims to help solve problems that my friend encountered in the future by educating bikers and drivers on safe protocols for sharing the road. The introduction of Bike Share offers new hope; it has proven worldwide to make cities safer, with increased numbers of cyclists on the road.

The event brought hundreds of bicyclists all ages to downtown Tampa for a variety of activities and educational opportunities.

For more of Chip Weiner's photos from the event, click here.