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Pushing Pedal Power

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2008

TAMPA - Organizers of this month's Tampa BayCycle hope to raise awareness about cyclists and get others hooked on the mode of transportation.

The New North Transportation Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership are hosting the second annual event, which encourages people to hop on their bicycles when heading to work, the library, church or store during May, which is National Bike Month.

Last year, more than 900 people participated. Karen Kress, the partnership's transportation and planning director, expects this year's event to draw more cyclists, particularly with gas prices at an all-time high and environmentalism becoming trendy.

"I think people are more aware of the connection between air quality and car exhaust," Kress said. "People are rethinking their driving habits.

"About 15 percent of all car trips are less than one mile," she said of the national average.

With today's Commuter Challenge kickoff, bicyclists can log their miles through May for a chance to win prizes. For those who want to give it a shot on one day, there's National Bike to Work Day on Friday.
YMCAs are offering participants free use of locker rooms and showers during May.

Tampa BayCycle organizers used photo and essay contests to reach a broader audience.

Thirteen photos are on display through May 17 in the exhibit "Visions of Cycling" at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 200 N. Tampa St.

The Words for Wheels essay contest encouraged people to submit 100-word statements about how winning a bike would change their lives.

Marie Reynaud of Town 'N Country and Deborah Vines of Dunedin each won a bicycle, light, helmet and lock courtesy of Chain Wheel Drive in Clearwater.

TAKE A RIDE

Tampa BayCycle events during May, National Bike Month, include:

•From today through Friday, log your miles at www

.tampabaycycle.com to become eligible for prizes such as bike lights and wireless cyclometers.

•On Friday, participate in National Bike to Work Day. A group will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Starbucks, 502 E. Hillsborough Ave. in Seminole Heights, for a 15-minute casual ride to downtown, ending near CC's Bagel & Deli on Franklin Street.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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