Cycling for Kids’ Lungs: Tampa Community Raises Nearly $120K at Gulf Coast Bike Trek

This morning, more than 125 cyclists from across the Tampa Bay area took part in the American Lung Association’s 3rd annual Gulf Coast Bike Trek, which kicked off from John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park in Dunedin. The participants have raised nearly $120,000, and counting, to support the American Lung Association’s efforts to save lives through research, education and advocacy. 

The Trek raises awareness for pediatric lung health. Here in Tampa, nearly 40,000 children have been diagnosed with asthma—and many more are exposed to poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and tobacco use. The Lung Association has resources and tools for parents and children on a variety of lung health-related topics at Lung.org.

“For the third year, the Tampa community has made every mile count by joining our Gulf Coast Bike Trek to raise awareness for pediatric lung health,” said Steven Riddle, executive director at the Lung Association in Florida. “Thank you to our participants, sponsors and partners who are helping fund our important work advocating for clean air in schools, homes and neighborhoods, protecting kids from the dangers of tobacco use and funding pediatric lung disease research. Every dollar makes a difference. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”

Cyclists of all experience levels, from beginners to experienced riders, took to three scenic Pinellas Trail rides through Dunedin and Tarpon Springs: the 10-mile Alpha-1 Foundation Family Ride, a 40-mile ride and the 62-mile Metric Century ride. Dunedin Vice Mayor Jeff Gow and Commissioners Tom Dugard, Steven Sandbergen and Robert Walker addressed riders during the opening ceremonies.

Thank you our Gulf Coast Bike Trek sponsors, including Signature Sponsor Raymond James, LEAD, Alpha-1 Foundation, Emerald Engineering Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.

For more information about the event and to support the American Lung Association mission to save lives, visit GulfCoastBikeTrek.org.