Greenways And Trails FAQ

Are bikes allowed in parks?

Because of the sensitive ecosystems, bicycles and mountain bikes are restricted to designated paths, roadways, and bike trails in parks and greenways managed by the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department.

With regard to trails managed by Hillsborough County or privately owned properties, you should seek permission from the property owner or manager.

Gas powered bikes, pocket-bikes, mini-bikes, go-karts and motorcycles are not allowed on park trails or paths. Electric wheelchairs, electric bicycles and Segways are allowed on City trails. Speed limits on trails is 15 miles per hour.

Where are bike trails?

Popular places to bike include trails at the following locations:

Is there a bike trail map available?

You can visit the Plan Hillsborough website where they offer an Interactive Bicycle Suitability Map.

Where can I rent a bike?

The City does not offer bike rentals at any of our parks.

Where are the best places to rollerblade?

Rollerblading is a popular fitness activity in Tampa. Some of the City's best places to rollerblade include Bayshore Boulevard Linear Park; MacDill Trail at Gadsden Park; Rowlett Park Trail; Hillsborough River Greenway at Rivercrest Park; and Blake Trail at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Go to Existing Trails for maps.

Where can I rent a canoe or kayak?

The City currently offers kayak and paddleboard rentals at the Tampa River Center, but there are several other rental businesses in the City of Tampa.

Canoe Bayou, 14521 N. Florida Avenue, 265-4888
Mad Paddlers Kayak and Surf Shop, 8802 Rocky Creek Drive, 243-5737
Nessmuk's Trading Post, 9335 E. Fowler Avenue, 986-0997
Oak Haven River Retreat, 12143 Riverhills Drive, 988-4580
Savich and Lee Wholesale, 6902 Causeway Blvd., 620-3006

What is the Tampa Greenways and Trails Citizens Advisory Committee?

The GTCAC was established to provide citizen comments and views on greenways and trails planning process and to serve in an advisory capacity to City Council and City Administration on matters related to greenways and trails. Responsibilities of the GTCAC include: Review and comment on proposed goals and policies for the greenways and trails planning process. Review and comment on development and subsequent text and map amendments to the Tampa Greenways and Trails Master Plan. Formal review to be conducted every two years at a minimum. Review and comment on specific trail projects and trail corridor studies. Participate in public education and outreach activities. Be a voice for community ideas and concerns. Prioritize greenways and trails projects for local funding. Seek out opportunities for funding greenways and trails, and trail improvements. Guide development of new trail concepts. Carry out other tasks as requested by City Council.

What is the Tampa Riverwalk?

The Tampa Riverwalk is a very important part of the City of Tampa's Ross J. Ferlita Greenways and Trails System. The Riverwalk is part of the Hillsborough River Greenway and forms the spine of the system.

What are the trail hours?

Trails within Tampa City Park are typically open from dawn until dusk, unless otherwise posted.

How long are the trails?

There are approximately 60 miles of public trails in the City limits. Adopted plans call for a city-wide system of about 125 miles. Conceptual plans call for a city-wide system of over 200 miles. Existing mileage by greenway geographic area is:

Bayshore Greenway - 5.02 miles
Hillsborough River Greenway - 14.17 miles
McKay Bay Greenway - 3.11 miles
New Tampa Greenway - 19.21 miles
South Tampa Greenway - 5.6 miles
West Tampa Greenway - 12.16 miles

How do I make a Trail Maintenance Request?

To report a trail maintenance issue, please contact the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at (813) 274-8615 or email the Greenways and Trails Program.

How can I get a trail in my neighborhood?

Potential greenway and trail projects may include off-road multi-purpose paths, on-road bike lanes, pedestrian/bicycle bridge connections, bicycle routes, and/or sidewalks. The development of greenways and trails is a lengthy planning process. If your neighborhood would like to work with the City in creating trails, bicycle routes, and greenways in your neighborhood, please fill out the Neighborhood Application and Project Detail Request forms. The City Greenways and Trails Coordinator is available to meet with your group and work with you to fill out the details and study proposed routes. Project information needed includes: proposed route; amount of land to be acquired; route length; facility type/width; proposed surface treatment; proposed special amenities/furnishing/fixtures; current property ownership; need for easement; proposed funding source (and amount of any proposed neighborhood match); existing path obstructions (utilities, fencing, vegetation, landscaping, structures); environmental factors (wetland); et cetera. Projects often need to be phased due to funding availability.

Is there a speed limit on the trails?

All City trails have a 15 mph speed limit.

What is the Share the Road- Save a Life Campaign?

This program encourages both bicyclists and motorists to share the road with each other, not because it is an option, but because it is the law. In Florida, bicycles are legal vehicles that use the same roadways and have the same rights as motorized vehicles.

Motorists:

Allow plenty of room when passing a bicyclist. There should be at least 3 feet between the bike and other vehicle.
Don't drive or park in Bike Lanes.
Limit use of your horn and be patient.
Anticipate road hazards for bicyclists. Allow bicycle to maneuver around hazards.

Cyclists:

Ride predictably and responsibly.
Ride with traffic (right side of road).
Follow the same laws as motorists.

For a "Share the Road" bumper sticker, contact the Greenways and Trails Coordinator.

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Message the Greenways and Trails Program