March Is Florida Bike Month— and Naples Is Riding into the Future

March is Florida Bike Month, a statewide celebration of cycling as recreation, transportation, and a cornerstone of healthy living. In Naples, where sunshine and scenic routes invite us outdoors year-round, cycling is woven into daily life. But enjoying that freedom safely doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of thoughtful planning, community advocacy, and a shared commitment to streets and pathways designed for people. That’s where Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC) comes in.

NPC works year-round to make Naples safer, healthier, and more connected for everyone who bikes, walks, runs, or moves through our community. From recreational riders cruising neighborhood streets to avid cyclists logging serious training miles, NPC supports cyclists of all kinds through education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives that put safety and accessibility first.

Safety is at the heart of NPC’s work and where its impact is felt most directly. The organization leads hands-on efforts such as bike-light and reflective vest giveaways for commuter cyclists, free helmets and safety education for children and families, and public awareness campaigns that encourage drivers and cyclists alike to share the road responsibly. NPC also advocates for policies that reduce distracted driving and promote safer street design, improvements that protect everyone, whether they’re traveling on two wheels or four. These efforts help ensure that a weekend ride, a training loop, or a quick trip to the store can be enjoyed with greater peace of mind.

One of the most urgent safety issues facing Florida today is distracted driving. Legislation that would ban holding a phone while driving is currently being debated in Tallahassee. On behalf of NPC members and the Hands-Free Florida Coalition, I have traveled several times to testify in committees in support of this life-saving law that is already in place in 34 states and more than 30 countries worldwide. Interacting with a phone while driving is not a harmless habit; it is dangerous and reckless behavior that causes death and serious injury every day on Florida roads. Especially for the lives of vulnerable road users who walk, run, or bike, ending distracted driving is not optional. It is essential.

March also brings one of Naples’ most cherished active-living traditions: the 20th Annual Bike Brunch & Walk, held this year on March 1 at Cambier Park. For two decades, this beloved event has brought together cyclists, walkers, runners, families, and supporters for a celebration that’ or walk, then gather for a relaxed, festive brunch that reflects NPC’s signature approach, community over competition, joy over speed, and connection over finish times.

The Bike Brunch & Walk is more than an event; it’s a reflection of NPC’s vision for Naples. It brings people together across ages and abilities, introduces new riders to safe cycling, and demonstrates how active transportation can be both accessible and joyful. Many supporters first discover NPC through this event, while longtime participants return year after year to celebrate progress and invest in what comes next.

Looking ahead, NPC is helping shape the future of cycling and walking in Southwest Florida through transformational projects like the Paradise Coast Trail. This planned 100-mile multi-use trail will create a safe, continuous corridor across Collier County, linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, and destinations throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Ave Maria, Immokalee, Everglades City, and beyond. When complete, the trail will offer recreational riders long, car-free miles; provide commuters with safer, more reliable options; give walkers and runners inviting routes beyond looping gated communities; and create new opportunities for families to explore the outdoors together.

The Paradise Coast Trail represents more than infrastructure. It represents a shift toward a more people-centered Collier County. Trails like this improve public health, support local businesses, enhance tourism, and preserve the natural beauty that defines our region. NPC has played a critical role in advancing this vision by building partnerships, advocating for funding, and ensuring community voices remain front and center.

As Florida Bike Month unfolds, NPC invites the community to celebrate by riding more, supporting safer streets, and getting involved. Whether you’re pedaling for fitness, fun, or connection, every ride helps move Naples toward a healthier, more vibrant future.

Because when walking, running, and cycling are safer and more accessible, everyone moves forward, together.

Author and Featured Photo: Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, Naples Pathways Coalition

To learn more, get involved, or donate to support our life-saving work, visit NaplesPathways.org.

We invite you to get involved in our advocacy work by joining Naples Pathways Coalition or donating to support our mission to create a safe, walkable and bikeable Collier County. Visit https://naplespathways.org/get-involved

For more information, please visit www.NaplesPathways.org and www.HandsFreeFlorida.org

If you have any specific questions, email me at Michelle@NaplesPathways.org