Winning Bicycle Essay Could Change Your Life

When you're used to always tooling around town on two feet, transportation on two wheels can be liberating.

That's the idea behind Tampa BayCycle's 2008 "Words for Wheels" contest, which asks local adults to describe in 250 words or less how owning a bike would be life changing. St. Petersburg resident Lee Oppliger, one of two 2007 winners, emphasized how a bike would increase her mobility and stave off arthritis.

"I learned to ride a bicycle at 10 years old in Malaysia," she wrote. "I was too poor to own a bike then. Now that I am a senior citizen, I still don't own a bicycle. I walk everywhere, which is time-consuming. ... It would allow me to have fun, adventure, conserve time, venture farther afield from home, and enjoy the Pinellas bike trail."

Tampa BayCycle, a consortium of local bicycle enthusiasts, business and transportation groups will award a new bicycle, helmet, light and lock to the winner who best highlights the health, environmental, economic or recreational benefits of two-wheeled transportation. The contest is open to adults in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando counties.

As a single mother of two teens, Lesli Burke of Lutz wanted a bike to get around after her car died. She entered last year's essay contest, saying it was an opportunity to change her overall outlook on health and her environment.

"People think of bicycles as luxury items. For me, a bicycle is essential," she wrote in her winning essay. "It will get me to work, to get groceries and reduce car dependence, save money (gas, insurance, gym membership fees, etc). It's time to simplify my life."

Submissions must be received by April 20. Winners will be announced May 1 as part of National Bike Month. Details about the contest and other bicycle-related activities are available at www.TampaBayCycle.com or by calling (813) 974-9799.

Mary Shedden