Bay area bicyclists will eventually have 70 miles of consecutive territory to cover, thanks to the Duke Energy Trail in Pinellas County.

A new 1.2 mile portion is currently being constructed. When complete, the trail will make a perfect loop – connecting the East Lake and Tarpon Springs sections of the Pinellas Trail with the Weedon Island Trail on the southern end.

  • Segement of Duke Energy Trail scheduled to open spring 2017
  • Eventually, the loop will be 70-uninterrupted-miles

According to officials, the goal is to keep pedestrians away from busy roads so that they can run, bike or walk in safety. 

Longtime Pinellas County resident Christopher Lipscomb said he’s hoping the completion of the trail will encourage fitness for local and seasonal residents.

“The health aspect of it,” started Lipscomb. “Getting around, and getting out walking, it’s what I’m doing right now. I parked the truck over there and now I’m just walking around.”

The newest segment will run from Sunset Point Road, to the trail overpass near Enterprise Road and U.S. Highway 19 in Clearwater.

This portion of the project, which is being funded by the ‘Penny for Pinellas’ one percent sales tax, should be complete in the spring of 2017.