COMING IN MARCH Dynamic Duo: Bike Brunch & Bike Month

Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director,
Naples Pathways Coalition

It’s almost that time of year again! March is Florida’s Bike Month, and its purpose is to celebrate cycling and encourage more people to try it. Any month is Bicycle Month when you live in paradise as we do with fantastic 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.

Biking has continued rising in popularity since the pandemic. Biking is great exercise, provides a fun way to experience your surroundings, and makes running errands more enjoyable with easy parking. Drivers must understand that bikes are legally considered vehicles on the roadways. As such, 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 is hosting the 17th Annual Naples Bike Brunch & Walk on March 5th at Cambier Park to celebrate Bike Month and provide some fun for the community. 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 something for everyone, and it’s an excellent motivation to start building up your mileage. To sign up and see all event details, visit https://bikebrunch.raceroster.com.

In honor of Naples’ and Collier County’s 100th anniversary in 2023, we are bringing back the 100-mile ride. You can choose from 100, 62, 30, 20, 10 or 5 mile rides. Snacks and drinks at conveniently located rest stops along the way will keep you fueled and refreshed. We will also have teams driving the routes to assist cyclists with any minor mechanical issues that may occur.

The 5 Mile Family Fun Ride is FREE for kids aged 12 and younger with a paid adult. For the longer distances, youth 17 and under receive a discount with a paid adult on the same distance ride. Jason’s Deli will provide a hearty lunch for all registered participants. Lunch tickets are also available for any friends and family who want to join you for the afterparty at Cambier Park. In addition to food, there will be beer, music, raffles, an expo, and more!

Naples Pathways Coalition has the world’s best 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.

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 radande distracted/aggressive drivers! Because safety is our main priority, all participants must wear a helmet, no exceptions. Visit www.NaplesPathways.org/PCTrail for more info.

Naples Pathways Coalition is grateful to all of our Bike Brunch sponsors: TD Bank, London Bay, Naples Airport Authority, Jason’s Deli, Blue Zones Project, Naples Velo, AAA, Performance Optimal Health, Allegra, Big Momma’s Bicycles, The Bike Route, Cycle Shack, ElliptiGo, Fit & Fuel Café, Gulf Coast Runners, Island Bike Shop, Naples Bicycle Tours, Naples Cyclery, PBS Contractors, Trek, Vein Care Specialists, Western Bike.

Online registration is available through Sunday, March 5th, at https://bit.ly/BIKEBRUNCH2023. There will be something for everything at the TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch & Walk.