Cyclists in Tampa say the death of Leroy Collins Jr. in July has spurred their concerns for the Mayor to address the safety issues of cyclists. Collins Jr., the son of former Florida Governor Leroy Collins, was killed by a motorist in South Tampa while he was riding a bike when a motorist made a left turn from a one-way street but did not see Collins in the crosswalk. The crash was ruled an accident and no charges were filed.
On August 15 cyclists in Tampa remembered Collins Jr. when they expanded a previously scheduled cycling event designed to encourage bike riding in the wake of the BP oil spill disaster into also recognizing bicycle safety.
In St. Petersburg, Mayor Bill Foster has alienated some members of the cycling community by having the police cite them for ignoring stop signs or riding two abreast. It's all about combating recent concerns about motorists and bike riders alike about public safety.
Although undoubtedly there is tension between some motorists and cyclists in Tampa, it has not become a major problem. In fact, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio addressed the issue last Friday by issuing a proclamation recognizing the importance of "Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety Awareness."
In it, the mayor praised cycling and cyclists, but also asserted safety concerns, writing:
The City of Tampa strongly urges all motorists to be on the alert for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially when making turns; all bicyclists and pedestrians to ride/walk safely and according to the law; and to do what they can to make themselves more visible to motorists such as wearing bright reflective clothing and using lights on bicycles at night;
The Mayor also acknowledged in the proclamation how bike lanes will be emphasized in the future design of Tampa, writing:
WHEREAS, the City of Tampa continues to seek ways to address the needs and safety of our bicyclists and
pedestrians as we plan our capital roadway improvement projects including bicycle provisions, sidewalks, crosswalks, and
pedestrian signals. A Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is also being initiated which will include identifying and prioritizing bicycle projects that will support multi-modal connectivity and ways to promote bicycle safety;
