Bike and Brunch, come join the fun! by Michelle Avole-Brown

It’s that time of year again! March is Florida’s Bike Month, its purpose to celebrate cycling and encourage more people to give it a try. One could argue every month is Bicycle Month when you live in paradise like we do with great weather year round, flat roads, and improving infrastructure – thanks in part to our work with the City of Naples, Collier County Transportation, and the Collier MPO.

Since the pandemic, a lot more of us are riding our bikes. Biking is great exercise, socially distant recreation, and it makes running errands more enjoyable with the easiest parking. Many do not realize that by law, bikes are considered vehicles on the roadways. Cyclists must adhere to the Rules of the Road, like stopping at stop signs and red lights. Motorists must follow laws that protect vulnerable road users, especially when turning or passing a cyclist. For example, drivers must give at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist and yield to anyone on foot or bike in a crosswalk.

Naples Pathways Coalition’s mission is to create a safe, bikeable, and walkable Collier County, through education and advocacy. To raise funds to further our mission and provide a fun, safe activity for the community, we are hosting the 15th Annual Naples Bike Brunch on March 7th at Lowdermilk Beach Park. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with the family while enjoying the beauty of Naples, or you’re an endurance athlete looking to get in major miles with the benefit of on-road support, this event is for you! There is truly something for everyone.

You can choose from 100, 62, 40, 20, or 5-mile rides and either start from home and join one of our well-marked routes or bring your friends and ride at your own pace from Lowdermilk Beach Park. Convenient rest stops along the way with individually packaged snacks and drinks will keep you fueled and refreshed. We will also have teams driving throughout the routes helping cyclists with any minor mechanical issues that may come up on the road.

The 5-Mile Family Fun Ride is FREE for kids under 12 with a paid adult. For the longer distances, youth 17 and under receive a discount with a paid adult on the same distance ride. Moe’s Southwest Grill is the generous presenting sponsor providing a free meal for all registered participants. Buy some chances to win big in our 50/50 cash raffle too!

Naples Pathways Coalition has the world’s greatest volunteers who pull out the stops to make NPC events the world-class experience our participants have come to expect. If you’d like to help out, please email Michelle@NaplesPathways.org. Naples Pathways Coalition is grateful to all of our Bike Brunch sponsors: Big Momma’s Bicycles, The Bike Route, Blackwood’s Custom Bikes, Blue Zones Project, Cycle Shack, Island Bicycle Shop, Kelleher Law, London Bay Homes, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Naples Cyclery, NaplesVelo, Patrick Neale & Associates, Pedego Electric Bikes, Prestige Insurance, and Western Bike.

Event proceeds support the work of Naples Pathways Coalition to create a safe, bikeable, and walkable community and build our keystone project, the Paradise Coast Trail (PCT). The PCT will be a paved, 70+ mile trail exclusively for non-motorized enjoyment, separated from the road and distracted/aggressive drivers!

Visit NaplesPathways.org/PCTrail for more info. Because safety is our main priority, all participants must wear a helmet, no exceptions. Online registration is available through Sunday, March 7 at https://bikebrunch.raceroster.com. The event is going to be a blast –you don’t want to miss it! Michelle Avola-Brown is the Executive Director of Naples Pathways Coalition