Why Safer Streets Are Smarter Streets by Michelle Avola-Brown

The Surprising Benefits of Active Transportation in Collier County

Michelle Avola-Brown ED Naples Pathways Coalition

When we talk about improving our community, we often focus on schools, healthcare, and economic growth. But one of the smartest investments we could make in Collier County isn’t in a classroom or clinic, but on our streets! Creating safer streets for people who walk, run, and bike isn’t just about preventing crashes. It’s a powerful way to improve mental health, boost academic performance, raise property values, and enhance our overall quality of life. In a place as beautiful as Naples, where outdoor living is part of our identity, building infrastructure that supports active transportation is more than a safety measure. It’s a smart, community-wide investment in our future.

Research consistently shows that physical activity is closely linked to better mental health. Regular walking and biking reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function. When our streets are safe and inviting, people are more likely to choose active transportation for their daily routines, whether it’s a brisk morning walk, a bike ride to the farmer’s market, or an after-dinner stroll with the family.

For older adults, these small acts of movement are key to maintaining independence and reducing the risk of chronic disease. They also provide an essential outlet for stress relief and emotional regulation for every generation. By building streets that prioritize people, not just cars, we’re investing in a healthier, happier Collier County.

It’s not just adults who benefit from safer, more walkable communities, kids do too. Studies show that students who walk or bike to school are more alert, perform better academically, and have improved concentration throughout the day. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients. This improved circulation before school and during a midday break enhances focus, attention, and memory. Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins, natural mood boosters that combat anxiety and depression, common obstacles to effective studying.

Unfortunately, in many parts of our county, the lack of safe pathways, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes means that these simple, healthy habits aren’t feasible for many families.

When we build infrastructure that allows children to get to school safely under their own power, we’re giving them the tools to succeed, not just in class, but in life. Walking to school with friends provides important socialization, creating a stronger sense of community around our schools. We’re also easing the traffic burden on parents. How many hours do parents spend inching along in drop-off and pick-up lines that snake blocks away from the school?

Safer streets are also good for property values. Nationwide, homes located in walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods consistently sell faster and at higher prices. Here in Southwest Florida, where many residents prioritize an active lifestyle and connection to nature, the demand for safe, scenic routes for walking and biking is growing rapidly.

The Paradise Coast Trail, which will be a 100-mile multi-use path connecting Naples to surrounding communities, is a perfect example. Once complete, this trail will not only provide a safe, car-free route for recreation and commuting, but also act as an economic driver, enhancing the appeal of neighborhoods it touches and attracting visitors seeking wellness-focused travel. Because of Naples Pathways’ vision for the trail and our advocacy and fundraising, we are just a handful of years away from construction!

Investing in safer streets also brings less obvious, but equally powerful benefits. Communities with strong walking and biking infrastructure experience less traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and improved air quality. They also tend to have stronger social bonds, as people interact more when they’re out from behind the wheel. In a post-pandemic world, the importance of connection, both to each other and to the outdoors, has never been clearer. People want to live in places where they can move safely and freely, where kids can play outside without fear, and where seniors can age in place with dignity and ease. These aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities for a resilient, thriving community.

At Naples Pathways Coalition, we believe that everyone deserves safe access to our streets, whether they’re walking their dog, jogging with a neighbor, biking to work, or pushing a stroller. Through projects like the Paradise Coast Trail and advocacy for Hands-Free Florida, we’re working to make Collier County a leader in smart, safe transportation.

But we can’t do it alone. It takes community support, full and parttime residents, businesses, and community leaders, who understand that building safer streets is not just a matter of transportation policy, but a bold step toward a healthier, stronger, and smarter Naples.

For more information, please visit www.NaplesPathways.org and www.HandsFreeFlorida.org
If you have any specific questions, email me at Michelle@NaplesPathways.org