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Letter to the editor

New path pleasant for the most part

The 2.6-mile Progress Energy Trail suits leisure lovers who live near it.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES, Times Correspondent
Published September 21, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times] Wayne Alfieri, 62, rides the Progress Energy Trail. The Clearwater man said he rides the 2.6-mile trail for exercise at least three times a week. "It's much better than riding in the street worrying about cars running over you," he said.

CLEARWATER - Just west of U.S. 19, tall towers cast lattice shadows on a new asphalt path, the first leg of the Progress Energy Trail.

Construction began in November and, except for a few minor details, the trail is ready to roll. This inaugural segment stretches 2.6 miles from Belleair Road to Bright House Networks Field.

My editor asked me to give it a try, so on Sunday, I loaded up my new ride, a Specialized hybrid bicycle, and my triathlete husband, Richard. We headed out, bikes strapped to the back of our SUV.

Born to be Wild played in my head.

On this sunny Sunday afternoon, we parked our car on Belleair Road, the southernmost spot where the trail begins. There were a few informal parking spots near the trail entrance and one handicapped slot.

The first person we saw was Sissy Patterson, 70, of Clearwater, who had just completed her trail ride.

"I do this almost every day to keep in shape," she said, wiping perspiration from her brow.

And how does she like it?

"I love it. It's flat. It's open. You don't feel like someone might be hiding in the bushes," Patterson said. "It would be very pleasant if it wasn't so hot."

So we set out, looking for adventure - and whatever comes our way.

We passed mobile homes and single-family homes, ponds and stretches of untamed grass. It smelled sweet; it reminded me of the country. We saw birds, butterflies and bees - even three white Christmas reindeer in one backyard lawn.

Like a true nature's child, we were born, born to be wild.

We had to cross several roads as we headed north: Nursery, Harn, a couple of small streets in subdivisions, Druid.

It was a lot of stop and go. Richard was disappointed he couldn't achieve a fast, sustained ride.

When we reached Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, things got a bit scary. We stared at the busy intersection and had to make a decision.

"You'll really need to ride the whole trail to get a feel for it," I remembered my editor saying.

But I never want to die.

We waited for the pedestrian signal to change to the image of a person walking. We ventured through and did the same at Drew Street.

As we neared Bright House field, we came to a sign that said "Trail Ends." But that's a bit misleading. Head north on the sidewalk and, in just a few hundred feet, you can pick up Clearwater's Ream Wilson Trail, where you can turn right and enjoy a scenic, rolling jaunt into Safety Harbor.

We did just that.

On the way back, midway through the intersection at Gulf-to-Bay, a truck driver on Old Coachman Road came up from behind, and seemingly oblivious to our presence, made a left turn directly in our path.

It was a good test of my new bike's brakes.

Later, we came upon Ken Bryant, 45, whose home abuts the Progress Energy Trail. He said he liked its accessibility but found it to be a mixed blessing.

"We use it for walking the dog, biking and Rollerblading," he said. "But people steal fruit off our trees and throw cigarette butts onto our property. They throw trash, too."

He said he tried to persuade the county and the power company to build a privacy fence for homes along the trail, but had no luck.

Within the next 10 years, the Progress Energy Trail should extend about 20 miles from the northern parts of St. Petersburg to East Lake, completing a loop around the county as it connects with the Pinellas Trail.

The project is funded by Penny for Pinellas sales tax revenue.

Next up is a segment from Bright House field to Enterprise Road. Federal funding will help pay for an overpass on U.S. 19 to Countryside Mall. No completion dates have been set.

Our conclusion? If you live in the area, the first segment of the Progress Energy Trail is a safer alternative than U.S. 19 for getting to St. Petersburg College's Clearwater campus, Bright House field or nearby shopping. It's ideal for casual bikers, bladers and families with children.

But it's not a logical destination for serious bikers or those who don't live close by. They are better off finding a trail with fewer road crossings.

FAST FACTS

Progress Energy Trail, Part I

- $3.5-million from Penny for Pinellas tax dollars.

- 2.6 miles long from Belleair Road to Bright House Networks Field.

- 5.5 miles long when the next extension to Enterprise Road is complete.

Pros: flat, smooth, convenient as a neighborhood trail.

Cons: Little shade, frequent road crossings, not challenging enough for serious cyclists.

[Last modified September 20, 2007, 21:34:56]