’Tis the Season for FUN & SAFE BIKING

by MICHELLE AVOLA-BROWN, Executive Director / Naples Pathways Coalition

Have you started your holiday shopping? Any tough to buy for folks on your list? As you ponder the perfect gift for your loved ones, you may want to consider cycling safety items or clothing, a gift registration to a fun event, or make a donation toward the Paradise Coast Trail in honor of a friend or family member who enjoys walking, running, or biking.

BICYCLE TUNE-UP — It’s not just our cars that need regular service to keep them running well with no safety issues. We are very fortunate to have several expert bike shops in Naples that can refresh a bike with lots of miles on it and make it almost like new. I can honestly recommend all of our local bike shops, so why not stop in and get a gift certificate for a tune-up?

HELMET — Every cyclist should wear a helmet, not just kids. It is truly the only protection we have on a bike, safeguarding the command center of our entire body. Even if it’s just a short ride around the neighborhood, loss of focus, a distracted driver, or a dog running out in front of you can cause a crash. Wearing a helmet when your head hits a curb, the pavement, or a vehicle could save your life and prevent a devastating brain injury. When purchasing a helmet, don’t go cheap. Buy one that is at least $40 to ensure all of the materials meet safety standards and provide better protection. And once a helmet has made impact in a crash, it does not provide adequate protection and needs replacing. They also break down from heat and humidity so replace them at least every five years.

FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS — These lights help cyclists be visible to motorists and other cyclists, and help the rider see better. By law, every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. Lights increase visibility during the day too.

BRIGHT OR REFLECTIVE CLOTHING — Drivers only have a few seconds to register whether or not they should avoid an object in their path. To be seen, wearing bright or reflective clothing while riding during the day or night is a must. Neon yellow, orange, pink and white are popular choices for increasing visibility to motorists and other cyclists. Bright socks and reflective shoes are especially noticeable because our eyes tend to focus on things that move.

REGISTRATION FOR A FUN CYCLING EVENT — The 17th Annual TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch is coming up on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Lowdermilk Park. The morning starts with breakfast and coffee,
then a choice of ride distances for all fitness levels, lunch, beer and soft drinks at the finish, plus raffles, music, and more! To purchase a gift registration, contact Michelle@NaplesPathways.org.

PARADISE COAST TRAIL — You can make a donation in honor of a walker, runner, or cyclist in your life. The Paradise Coast Trail will be a 70+ mile paved trail, separated from the road, connecting Naples to Bonita Springs, Ave Maria, Collier Seminole State Park, and other areas within and beyond Collier County. Visit www.NaplesPathways.org/PCTrail to learn more about the trail.

Email Michelle@NaplesPathways.org for a donation certificate to give to your loved one.

I hope these suggestions have been helpful. Since the holidays can add some extra stress, take time to walk, bike, relax and do something good for yourself too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND MAY THE COMING YEAR BRING JOY, PEACE, AND GOOD HEALTH!

Naples Pathways Coalition is a 501C3 non-profit advocacy group dedicated to improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Event proceeds help support our mission and develop the Paradise Coast Trail. For more information, to volunteer, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, please email Michelle@NaplesPathways.org or call 239.777.7718.