Tampa could soon fine bicyclists on Riverwalk, Bayshore
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The Tampa Riverwalk. Photo: Courtesy of the City of Tampa
On your left! Tampa could soon fine bicyclists who speed, pop wheelies or ride in large groups on the Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard.
Why it matters: Reckless biking has led to hundreds of complaints about dangerous conditions on the city's most popular trails. But without an ordinance in place, the police say their hands are tied.
Driving the news: Tampa City Council spent an hour last week debating an ordinance that would allow officers to issue fines to bicyclists who exceed 10 miles per hour or perform stunts on the city's trails.
- The ordinance moved forward, but not before council members softened it, placing a stronger emphasis on public outreach and lowering the proposed fines.
- As it stands, Tampa Police would issue a warning for a first offense, then fines of $25 for a second, $50 for a third and $75 for a fourth.
Between the lines: Looming over the discussion was the Tampa Police Department's bicycle ticketing program, which faced accusations of racial profiling in 2015.
- That year, the Tampa Bay Times revealed that TPD had issued citations disproportionately to black residents, who make up about a quarter of the city's population but were issued 79% of such fines.
The big picture: Most of the changes made to the new ordinance last week centered on preventing another problematic ticketing effort and on protecting children from being criminalized for ordinary bike use.
- Council member Luis Viera also suggested that staff present quarterly or annual reports to prevent discrimination.
What's next: The next public hearing to discuss the proposed ordinance is scheduled for Dec. 18.
🗣️ Sound off: Should Tampa fine bicyclists? Vote below!