The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy continues adding bicycle trails to its Hall of Fame. The latest is the Pinellas Trail, which runs 34 miles from Tarpon Springs to South St. Petersburg in Florida.
A bike path in sunny Florida is certainly something to dream about for someone who lives in the Pacific Northwest. But according to the conservancy, this trail has more going for it than the weather.
The trail passes through parks populated by waterfowl and trees heavy with Spanish moss. It parallels the Gulf Coast and crosses several tidal waterways. It also has offshoots that jut into neighborhoods and towns along the route, making it convenient to visitors and residents alike.
Do I need to say that it's flat?
No wonder the trail hosts some 90,000 users a month.
The idea of a trail started in 1983, when a man who's son was killed while riding his bicycle formed a committee to find a safe place for people to enjoy their bikes. They hit upon the idea of using the abandoned CSX Railroad right-of-way, and the first 5-mile section opened seven years later.
And the trail continues to grow. A 3.1-mile extension that leads to Tropicana Field and other downtown attractions is scheduled to open in early 2008.
More information about the trail in available at:
Rails-to-TrailsConservancy — Pinellas Trail
Pinellas Trail Guide (county website)
Pinellas Trails Inc. (non-profit)
Leighsah sends along a great link from the state government for other Florida bike paths.
The Pinellas Trail joins the Great Allegheny Passage (Maryland and Pennsylvania) and the Katy Trail (Missouri) in the Hall of Fame.
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