New Tampa B.B. Downs
 

Anybody commute down B.B.Downs? I am considering commuting from the northern New Tampa area down to USF. Would appreciate any feedback about their experiences and suggestions.

Well, It certainly would be a harrowing commute in my opinion. I think that it might be safer to get on the I-75 Southbound ramp and pedal your a$$ off until Busch Blvd! Make a stop at Mel's Hot Dog and get a Chicago Dog while your at it. Good Luck.

I'm very new to biking, but 37 yrs in Tampa.
Dated a Police Officer and she told me that is one of the worst area's for bicycle traffic incedents.
Only due to the amount of cyclist and congestion in that area.
S. Dale Mabry at rush hours would seem as bad by comparison, if more people rode there.
SpokeApe

Head for the Rail Trails! Can't ever go wrong there.

I live off of Bruce B. Downs Slightly north from the I-75 Overpass. I go to USF riding my bike about 4 to 6 times a week (grad student here, no days off!)

If I go really early (6:30am or earlier) I take Bruce B Downs all the way to Fletcher and then make a left and ride into the Health Sciences entry.

If I go after 7:00am I ride all the way down using the bike path VERY CAREFULLY with cars entering Bruce B. Downs since they only look to their left (incoming traffic) even though this bike trail is for both ways. instead of going all the way to Fletcher I make a left at the gas station and reach Fletcher way sooner.

There is some glass on mile 2 after the I-75 overpass going to USF. There is a lot of sand near a construction site. Besides that, it's a nice ride. Keep an eye on 2 red shoulder hawks that may fly right next to you for about 30 seconds or more (happened to me 3 times). They are really cool.

If you would like to team up one of these days let me know. I ride slow (most of the time I ride a 16" folder averaging 15-16mph, regular bike I average 17-18, with some sprints on Bruce B. Downs up to 23, but not faster than that).

I also ride often at the Flatwood reserves. If you see a black fold-up bike with small wheels, that's me.

Good luck on your commute, just watch out those glasses after you pass I-75 and make sure you don't forget it on your way back.

14R.

thanks for everybody's input