Officials issued a proclamation earlier this week declaring March 2016 as Florida Bicycle Month in the City of Oldsmar.
While Oldsmar may be best known for its commercial and manufacturing sectors, many officials and residents are quick to point out the vast array of parkland and trails the city has to offer.
In fact, with more than 11 miles of trail connecting all 10 of the city’s parks, some have made the argument that Oldsmar is one of the most nature-friendly communities in the Tampa Bay area.
“Oldsmar is very proud of our environmental area,” Mayor Doug Bevis said during a dedication ceremony for three nature facilities in October. “I believe half of the city is dedicated to either parks or conservation area, and I don’t think a lot of cities can say that.”
On the heels of a workshop last month that saw three separate groups call for more bike access in the downtown district, officials declared March 2016 as Florida Bicycle Month in the City of Oldsmar during the City Council meeting this week.
“Bicycling plays an important role in the lives of millions of Florida’s residents and visitors by providing means to travel to work, school and parks, and is a popular form of recreation and exercise, helping to promote eco tourism,” Council member Linda Norris read, in Mayor Bevis’ stead, from a proclamation on Tuesday night.
“The Florida Department of Transportation and many local governments throughout the state have adopted goals and policies to…encourage the use of bicycles as a safe mode of transportation on Florida’s roadways.”
“Now, therefore, I, Doug Bevis, Mayor of the City of Oldsmar, Florida, do hereby proclaim March 2016 as Florida Bicycle Month in the City of Oldsmar.”
Accepting to proclamation for Norris was Becky Afonso, executive director of the Florida Bicycle Association and candidate for Norris’ soon-to-be-vacated Seat 4.
After the two hugged, Afonso spoke about the value of nature being so close and accessible in Oldsmar.
“Oldsmar has embraced bicycling, not only through the very visible BMX Supercross racetrack at Canal Park, but by creating a linear park linking all of our city park’s, the Oldsmar Trail,” Afonso said.
“I encourage the resident of Oldsmar to celebrate March, Florida Bicycle Month, by taking a bicycle ride, instead of a car trip, if the distance is two miles or less,” she continued. “Chances are, you can use the Oldsmar trail.”
“Bicycling is a fun, and healthy, transportation alternative, and if you start small you’ll learn to do it more and more, and actually enjoy it more and more.”
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