TAMPA, Fla. — A proposed Tampa ordinance centered around bikes would’ve lowered speed limits, banned wheelies and more, but it was voted down at the last city council meeting.
What You Need To Know
Tampa’s proposed bike ordinance included speed limits and banning wheelies, but was voted down
Concerns were raised about racial targeting and other issues during public comment
The council plans to revisit the issue in 2026
The goal was to make it safer for people walking on paths like the Tampa Riverwalk for visitors like Cat and Nick Virca, who worry about bikers along the path.
“(Nick) was almost hit today by somebody riding without their hands and very quickly,” Cat said. “So for us, it’s not just the bikers and the e-bikers. It’s also the scooters and the bladers.”
The ordinance drew strong reactions during public comment, including concerns about police targeting people of color.
Yvette Lewis, president of the local NAACP branch, said during public comment that the ordinance worried her.
“My concern is with this: if it starts here on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, how do I know or how can I trust y’all that it won’t continue over into my neighborhood?” she asked.
Paula Flores with Walk Bike Tampa raised additional concerns during public comment.
She told the city council the ordinance would affect all city trails, including long-distance bike paths.
“While these changes appear focused on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, their impacts would extend far beyond those locations without effectively reducing conflicts where congestion actually occurs,” she said.
City council members plan to revisit a potential ordinance in 2026, as police said they continue to get complaints from those who walk at places like the Riverwalk.
Other concerns people shared included how this could push some bicyclists off safe trails and onto busy roads.
Some city council members also felt the language of the proposal was too vague for officers to enforce.