St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour

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St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour

"One of the most enlightening events of my life" Bikers can pedal back in time to learn the local Black history while standing on the land.

By Josette Green

Select date and time

Saturday, April 20 · 9am - 1pm EDT

Location

Wellness Center

2198 15th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712

About this event

Please register at the website BlackHistoryBikeTour.com. Eventbrite registration is not needed. If you do register by EB, you must send an email to BlackHistoryBT@gmail.com so your reservation is totally confirmed. An EB registration without an email is an incomplete registration and a space is not saved.

Please join the St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour Facebook Group to get the latest on the tour and for notification of last minute openings.

This FREE tour combines the pleasure of biking, sharing a common experience with others and learning the fascinating history of St. Petersburg's African American residents guided by local Historian Josette Green. In a 5 mile loop, the tour will visit the sites where Black history was made since the beginning of the city. Stand on the land, see the sites and learn about the segregation and experience that has continued through the years. Josette reveals the history aided by her research, photos, stories from those with lived experiences and knowledge of the area. If available, the bike tour is followed by a talk by Mr. B who shares his lived experiences. Most consider his revealing talk the highlight of the experience. The tour is sure to expand one's understanding of race equity in this city and evoke continued conversation.

Where does the group meet? We meet in the parking lot of the Wellness Center at 2198 15th Ave. S. in St. Petersburg.

What time should I arrive? The tour will start at 9:00 am and participants are encouraged to arrive early enough to have time to get the bike and self in position for the start time. Most arrive by 8:45 am. Bikers are greeted by a volunteer to sign in and collect the paper waiver (emailed the week prior.)

What is the schedule? The bike tour travels a 5 mile loop and is completed at approximately noon. The talk follows (if an available speaker) with the group breaking up around 1:00 PM. It is a 4 hour immersive experience. Without a speaker we are done at noon.

I’m not a regular bike rider. Can I come? Yes! There is a vehicle option for everyone. For those that bike regularly and own a bike, a manual bike works. Experience shows that this tour is too strenuous to use a manual bike for those that don’t regularly bike or have not for a long time. In that case, please use an eBike or eTrike (an electric cart with 2 seats). Below are recommended rental companies that deliver on site and provide helmets.

eBike: Bay E Bikes, 727-209-7230

manual bike: St. Pete Biking Tours, 727-200-4051

What should I bring? Your form of transport, a helmet (a must!) and the signed Release of Liability. Also bring water and sun protection. Please no earbuds, headphones, music or alcohol while biking.

How much does it cost? Josette provides this tour as a volunteer to our community and it is free. Donations are accepted and greatly appreciated. Suggested donation $20-40 per person.

What about bathroom access? There is an available bathroom at the starting point and when we return.

What if I need to cancel or change dates? Please be in touch to respect Josette's volunteer time and the limited space on the tour.

Reminders:

  • A helmet is required to do the tour.
  • A signed Waiver of Liability is required. (sent 1 week prior)
  • The tour is for local residents 13 and older. Parent present for those 13-17.

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