- Swiftbud
- Alan Snel addresses his audience
With kegs of beer flowing, an assortment of pizzas placed side by side on a table next to a tray of sandwiches, coffee from Buddy Brew and a DJ providing a party vibe, approximately two dozen local bicycling aficionados gathered Tuesday night at Velo Champ in Tampa's Seminole Heights district for the official announcement that the annual Bicycle Bash Festival will take place for the first time in Tampa this fall, at Fort Brooke Cotanchobee Park on November 4.
The announcement was made by Alan Snel, head of Swiftbud (the South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers), a local bicycling advocacy group. "We want to show people that bicycling is the gateway to a great way of life, to effective transportation, health and wellness issues as well," he said in extolling the virtues of the yearly event, which was held last year in Flatwoods Park in Hillsborough County.
Jean Duncan, the city of Tampa's transportation director said that though it may not be evident, Tampa has invested in 32 miles of bike infrastructure over the past six years – not all in bike lanes, but for "some provision for bicycle traffic."
This article appears in Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2012.