Tampa International Airport has been designated the first bicycle-friendly airport in the USA by the League of American Bicyclists.
The honor recognizes the airport’s support for cycling in the Tampa Bay region. Its efforts include the construction of a new bike and pedestrian path that will later connect with a regional trail network, as well as new covered bike parking and repair stations.
“We are tremendously honored to be named the first bike-friendly airport in the country,” said airport CEO Joe Lopano.
“We’re big believers in transportation options that offer an alternative to cars and improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs and promote wellness and sustainability. Cycling can achieve all of those goals – and that’s why it is so important to support it for the 10,000 people who work at the airport, as well as travelers.”
Tampa received the bronze Bicycle Friendly Business award from the League – an honor given to organizations contributing to building a more bike-friendly USA through engineering and education.
The airport is building a bicycle and pedestrian trail that will loop around its new SkyCenter development and cell phone waiting lot, eventually connecting with a wider regional trail network.
SkyCenter One, the airport’s new office building, will also have indoor bicycle commuter facilities and amenities that support employees who want to bike to work. Tampa is in the process of installing eight new bike racks and a bike repair fix-it station at the Rental Car Center/Transit curb. Cyclists who use Tampa’s North Employee Parking Lot near Hillsborough Avenue will also have improved and covered bike parking, and a bike repair station.
The fix-it repair stations were funded by the Westshore Alliance through a Florida Department of Transportation grant.
The airport also supports cycling in a variety of other ways, including: building bikes in support of Onbikes, a Tampa-based non-profit; providing bicycle-safety and bike path development updates at lunch-and-learn sessions for airport employees; and branding its own bike lights.
The emphasis on cycling ties into Tampa’s growing emphasis on sustainability.
This is just one way airports can be more environmentally friendly – learn more ways at the Environment & Sustainability stream at Passenger Terminal CONFERENCE 2020. Take a look at the full conference program here.
