Fall Back, Stay Safe, and Enjoy November in Naples

Michelle Avola-Brown
Executive Director Naples Pathways Coalition

Michelle Avola Brown

November is one of the most beautiful times of year in Southwest Florida. Cooler mornings, lower humidity, and sunny afternoons create ideal conditions for getting outside, whether you’re walking through your neighborhood, cycling with friends, or exploring one of our beautiful parks and trails.

But November also brings an important reminder about roadway safety. On Sunday, November 1, daylight saving time ends, and we turn our clocks back one hour. While we gain an extra hour of sleep, we also lose an hour of evening daylight. That means many of us will suddenly find ourselves walking, biking, or driving home in the dark.

As we adjust to the time change, a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.

Be seen, be alert, and share the road
For bicyclists, visibility is essential. If you ride in the early morning or evening, the sun will be hitting you differently. Make sure your bicycle has a working white front light and red rear light, and use them whenever you ride, regardless of the time of day, but especially from dusk to daylight! Wear bright or reflective clothing, and consider adding reflective accessories to your helmet, shoes, and bicycle. Remember that even if you can see an approaching vehicle, its driver may not see you.

Pedestrians should also take extra precautions. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing when walking after dark, use sidewalks whenever available, and cross at designated crosswalks or intersections, never mid-block, even if it would save you some steps. Before stepping into the street, look in every direction and make sure approaching drivers have stopped. Avoid distractions, including looking at your phone while crossing.

Drivers have an equally important responsibility. With sunset arriving earlier, your afternoon commute may now coincide with reduced visibility and increased pedestrian and bicycle activity. Slow down, especially near intersections, neighborhoods, schools, and shopping areas. Look carefully for people walking and biking before turning and always yield when required.

Most importantly, put your phone away. A moment of distraction can have devastating consequences, particularly when visibility is limited. Naples Pathways Coalition’s Hands-Free Florida initiative continues to advocate for stronger distracted driving legislation and education to help protect everyone who shares our roads.

Enjoy the best of Naples this November
With cooler weather arriving, November is the perfect time to rediscover the outdoor activities that make Naples special. Enjoy a morning walk or leisurely bike ride through the Gordon River Greenway, explore the scenic pathways at Baker Park, or gather the family for a stroll around Sugden Regional Park. These beautiful outdoor spaces offer opportunities to exercise, connect with nature, and spend quality time together.

For a change of scenery, explore the shops and restaurants along Fifth Avenue South or see the sights in Mercato, enjoy a walk on the beach, or plan an outdoor picnic and make the most of our cooler weather. Whatever your interests or fitness level, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy our beautiful community.

Bring bicycle & pedestrian safety to your community

Did you know you can invite Naples Pathways Coalition to your neighborhood, HOA, community group, school or homeschool group for an engaging walking and biking safety presentation? Learn practical tips for staying safe, increasing visibility, navigating intersections, and sharing the road. Contact Michelle@
NaplesPathways.org to schedule a presentation.

Stay visible, stay alert, and enjoy a safe and active November!

Kick Off Thanksgiving Week with Iron Joe!
One of NPC’s favorite traditions returns the Sunday before Thanksgiving, on November 22, when we host our 22nd Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk. What better way to kick off Thanksgiving week than a fun event with something for every age and fitness level!

Start the morning with breakfast and coffee before heading out on a scenic 62, 40, 20, 10, or 5-mile bike ride or a 2.5-mile walk. The 5-mile ride and walk take place inside the park on a winding pathway through the beautiful Eagle Lakes Park, making them ideal for families and those looking for a more relaxed experience.

Afterward, celebrate with lunch, drinks, music, exciting raffle prizes, a free photo booth, and more. Kids 12 and under can ride or walk free with a paid adult on eligible routes, older kids receive a discount, and even dogs are welcome, making this a wonderful opportunity to get the entire family moving.

Best of all, your participation supports Naples Pathways Coalition’s efforts to create safer, more walkable and bikeable communities throughout Southwest Florida.

Visit https://naplespathways.org/events for event information and registration link.

As we enter this season of gratitude, let’s appreciate the beautiful place we call home for all or part of the year and remember that roadway safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Whether you’re behind the wheel, riding on two wheels, or traveling on foot, a little extra awareness can make all the difference.