Locals celebrate improved infrastructure this National Bicycle Month

Yahoo

23-05-2025

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Over the years, the cycling community has grown in the Panhandle. May is National Bicycle Month, and local bike shop owners are celebrating improved infrastructure in our area.
'You know, back in the 80s, our bike path was a white line on the side of the road. And we actually have some bike paths now up 77 and on Highway 20,' Steve's Bike Shop Owner Steve Burdeshaw said.
Steve's bike shop has been a staple in Panama City for 46 years, and so has Steve. The shop continues to meet all of the community's biking needs, which sometimes means changing with the times.
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The growing popularity of e-bikes allows for the inclusion of individuals with joint issues, and lets the elderly community participate as well.
'I think that is expanding now with the, with electric bikes and the pedal assist bikes that community is expanding because guys that are getting older who need a little help, they get the pedal assist and they're able to continue riding and continue doing their mountain trails and stuff because they get that little extra help,' Burdeshaw said.
Improved infrastructure plays a similar role, literally opening up paths that promote safe cycling for all.
Rails to Trails is the prime example of how cycling in this community has become more accessible in recent years. The availability of parking allows those who don't reside in cycling-friendly neighborhoods to easily partake in the activity. And the paved trails make it easy for all levels to enjoy a bike ride.
'The Rails to Trails, the only danger there is making sure you cross safely when you get to the crossroads. So that's nice, and they're doing more of those,' Burdeshaw said.
Burdeshaw says Panama City moving forward with the Beach Drive Project would be a big win for the biking community.
'Of course, if they do the Beach Drive Project, that's going to be really nice for casual cyclists that want to travel back and forth from downtown the Cove to the St. Andrews area,' Burdeshaw added.
Currently, signage on Beach Drive tells drivers they must share the road with cyclists. Burdeshaw says as long as phones exist, there's a risk for cyclists on that road.
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'I would not ride my bike on that road. No. Because somebody will be looking at their phone and run over you. That is the main fear, yes. I mean, people are running into each other, looking at their cell phone. So you're on a bike, yeah, you got no protection. And so the off-road bike paths, that's what we need because people are not going to quit looking at their cell phone,' Burdeshaw continued.
Burdeshaw also recommends Gayle's Trails in Panama City Beach for cyclists wanting to take a safe ride.
Remember to stay off your phones and be aware of cyclists this National Bicycle Month, and every month.
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