Sweeping the Gandy Bridge

Now, no one is going to argue that it's the safest or most sensible option, but it is possible to ride over the Gandy vehicle bridge. Since the Friendship Bridge closed last week, this has been the only option for cyclists.

The shoulder of the Gandy Bridge, however, is hardly cycling-friendly. It's usually covered in debris and glass.

The good news: Cheryl Stacks, the St. Petersburg Bike/Ped coordinator let me know that the Florida DOT has agreed to double the number of sweepings of the bridge from once a month to twice monthly until the future of the Friendship Bridge is resolved.

It's not a perfect solution, but it will help.

Comments

[Chip Haynes]

And by "sweeping", we DO hope they mean "sweep the debris UP", and not just "Sweep the debris over to the right hand side and leave it". Those of you that ride these bridges on a regular basis, please do report back here (or somewhere) and let everyone know whether or not these bridges are, in fact, getting swept correctly. I'd say there's a better than average chance that the person running the street sweeper does not ride a bike.

I'm just saying.

[Schorschi]

Yeah, those bridges, and those shoulders. I used to ride the Bayside Bridge daily on my commute from Countryside to North St. Pete up until a year and a half ago. You really have to watch where you're going. Quite the slalom ride out there. With tire liners the number of flats is kept in check though.

[u]

More flat prevention techniques:

In addition to tire liners, use Kevlar-belted tires.

Also, when you start getting too many flats, check to see if your tires are too worn out. When the tires get too much rubber worn off, they start getting more flats.

Make sure your tires are pumped up sufficiently. Check at least once a week.

[peggy mccallum]

Just a comment from a Canadian.....I own a property not far from the bridge and have been walking/jogging the bridge for 3 years. I bought a new bike this year, but sadly only got to do the bridge once before it was closed. I pray that the repair is done quickly so I can get back to the best part of my day ( well almost the best part). Thanks...Peg