Bike-Sharing Program Launches in Tampa, Fla.

A new bicycle sharing program will place stations throughout downtown Tampa, Fla., Ybor City and surrounding neighborhoods, the city announced Oct. 10. Project managers said they expect to install 30 bicycle sharing stations with 300 bicycles by fall 2013, and the city will continue expansion into Westshore and the University of Florida area through fall 2015.

"Biking is a great way to get around - it's easy, fun and good for the environment. It's also quickly becoming an integral part of how people commute around our urban core," Mayor Bob Buckhorn said. "A bike-share system would provide an affordable, healthy option for residents and visitors traveling around downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods."

The program is part of the mayor's overall goal to make the city more bike friendly, according to a press release. Tampa already has 32.5 center lane miles of trails, bicycle lanes and signed bicycle routes. The city issued a request for proposals and will accept proposals until Nov. 7.