Tampa completes 3.5-mile Green Spine Cycle Track for safer biking

Tampa has finished the Green Spine Cycle Track, a 3.5-mile protected bike lane running east-west from North Hyde Park through downtown Tampa, Ybor City, and into East Tampa, according to WUSF.

The final section, spanning over a third of a mile along W. Cass Street between N. Howard and N. Rome avenues, was completed in September after construction began last October, WUSF reported.

The two-way cycle track features three-foot raised concrete dividers separating cyclists from road traffic, with narrower travel lanes to calm vehicle speeds and improve safety for all users, WUSF said.

The City’s Eco-Counter at N. Boulevard and Cass Street recorded over 60,000 cyclists using the Green Spine in 2026 so far, highlighting the route's popularity, WUSF added.

City officials noted that the project, which cost $8 million with nearly 80% funded by grants, has revitalized the area with new businesses and increased daily use by residents biking and scootering to work, school, and recreation, WUSF reported.

Local business Urban Jungalow on Cass Street attributed increased foot traffic to the bike lane, citing its health-focused clientele and the installation of bike racks to support cyclists and pedestrians, WUSF said.

The Green Spine Cycle Track is part of Tampa’s broader efforts to build a connected transportation network that benefits all residents, including the West Riverwalk extension and roadway safety improvements, according to city statements reported by WUSF.