Page 48 - August 2015 Life In Naples Magazine
P. 48
WHAT ISNAPLES
PATHWAYS COALITION?
by Jane Yeager Cheffy, President
W e are a not for profit corporation consisting were advocates on the Board of the Southwest Florida Land Preservation Trust,
of a local group of people who value a which successfully pushed for the new Gordon River Greenway! We created the
healthy lifestyle and outdoor activities – River of Grass Greenway concept that is now being promoted by the national
like walking, running and cycling! Naples has one of group, Rails to Trails Conservancy. Our ROGG committee obtained a grant
the best climates in the world! Sadly, however, Florida that paid for a Feasibility Study and Master Plan which provides information
is the deadliest state in the USA for pedestrians and needed by parties associated with the planning and design of the pathway.
cyclists. In 2010, Florida recorded 575 fatalities and
11,890 injuries to pedestrians, runners & cyclists. NPC ACHIEVES RESULTS!
Naples Pathways Coalition is a leader working to
change those statistics. We advocate for safer pathways We fought for and got:
and roadways for all to enjoy. We want safer sidewalks, • Enactment into law of a five-year pathways plan in the City which assures
bike lanes, bike paths, multi-use paths and greenways. proper pathways are included in future City projects.
We want our community to have a fully integrated and • The Four Corners pedestrian crosswalk improving downtown connectivity.
safe transportation network for pedestrians, cyclists and • “Sharrows” (shared lane road markings) on streets without bike lanes
other people-powered transportation. reminding motorists that cyclists have the right to use the full lane.
• “Three Feet to Pass, It’s the Law” bumper stickers. Collier County and the
City of Naples have agreed to place our bumper stickers on their vehicles.
• Widening of the narrow bridge over the Cocahatchee River on Vanderbilt
Drive.
• The sidewalk on Gulf Shore Boulevard in the City of Naples.
Working toward our goals is interesting and OUR 2015 ACTION PLAN IS AMBITIOUS!
educational if not downright challenging! To get our
point across to decision makers, we speak up for pathways Some of our initiatives:
and complete streets at various meetings of the Collier • Complete Streets. Working for implementation of a Complete Streets
County Commissioners, Naples City Council, the policy in Collier County and the City of Naples.
Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Planning • Education. Creating educational materials and classes for motorists, cyclists,
Commission and we meet regularly with the County and law enforcement to teach Florida’s bike/ped traffic laws. Creating a safety
and City staff members regarding current roadway and awareness campaign for service workers who ride their bikes to work.
sidewalk projects they are working on. • Road Debris. Calling on Collier County to clean up dangerous road debris
in the bike lanes.
Our Board Members and Executive Director serve • Ensure Cyclists’ Rights are Protected. Following up with law enforcement
on strategic committees such as the Pathways Advisory agencies when cars crash into cyclists or pedestrians to ensure cyclists’ and
Committee to the Collier County Metropolitan Planning pedestrians’ rights are protected and relevant laws are enforced to the fullest.
Organization which helps decide how millions of dollars • Calling on local bike clubs to incorporate safety instructions into each
are spent on pathway and roadway projects in Collier event, require a safety course for all new members, call out members who do not
County, the Naples Bicycle Advisory Committee working obey the laws, and actively promote safety on their social media sites.
to obtain “Bicycle Friendly” status for the City of Naples, • Supporting the Blue Zones initiative to further promote a healthier, safer
and the Blue Zones Community Policy Committee. We bikeable and walkable community.
PLEASE JOIN US! Let’s make Naples an outdoor friendly community! Your
tax-deductible donations are put to good use here in your own neighborhood!
Together our voices will be heard!
Join online or print a mail-in membership form at www.naplespathways.org.
Photo: Naples Pathways Coalition President Jane Cheffy (center) with donor Susan Sonnenschein,
and member Jack Calvani at an NPC fundraiser at the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club.
48 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2015
