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Falling Back

Again, soon!

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director,
Naples Pathways Coalition
s the leaves begin to turn and the air In 2022, the United States Senate passed the Sunshine Protection
cools well, in other parts of the country Act which would have permanently activated daylight saving time,
A at least, millions of us just set our clocks but it did not become law, because it was not approved by the
back an hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) U.S. House of Representatives.
ended. This transition can significantly affect our Where do you stand on the time change debate? Let’s look
daily lives, sparking a lively debate about its merits at some pros and cons.
and drawbacks. It also made me wonder about its
Pros of Fall Time Change
history. I had heard that the farming community
Extra Hour of Sleep: Many welcome this small luxury, especially as
initially pushed the change, but that isn’t correct. Over the years, most
the days grow shorter and darker. This additional hour can improve
farmers have either been opposed or feel it doesn’t matter at all.
mood and energy levels.
DST was first introduced to save energy and better use daylight
Increased Daylight in the Morning: Improved visibility enhances
hours. The idea was first implemented in Germany in 1916 during
safety, which can be particularly advantageous for early risers and those
World War I, and the United States followed suit in 1918. There was
who commute to work or school by bike or foot.
inconsistent usage of DST for almost 50 years until the passing of
Promotes Outdoor Activities: Having more light in the morning
the Universal Time Act. In 1967, clocks would be advanced one hour,
can promote physical activity, like morning walks or outdoor hobbies,
beginning at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in April and turned back one
contributing to better physical and mental health.
hour at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in October. States were allowed to
Cons of Fall Time Change
exempt themselves from DST as long as the entire state did so.
Disruption of Sleep Patterns: The abrupt shift can lead to
There was a year round, hotly debated experiment of daylight savings
confusion, especially for children and those with strict routines, and
beginning January 6, 1974, and ending April 27, 1975. Those in favor
can affect productivity and focus.
pointed to increased daylight hours in the summer evening: more time
Impact on Mood and Mental Health: The sudden decrease in
for recreation, reduced lighting and heating demands, reduced crime,
evening light can contribute to feelings of sadness and lethargy as
and reduced automobile accidents. The opposition was concerned
people adapt to darker evenings.
about children leaving for school in the dark and morning traffic
Reduced Visibility for the Evening Commute: With the earlier
accidents. After several morning crashes involving schoolchildren in
sunset, it’s harder to see kids walking home from after school activities,
Florida, including eight children who were killed, Governor Askew
bicycle commuters, and vehicle drivers who forget to turn on their
asked for the year round law to be repealed.
lights. Drivers must be extra cautious, and people walking or biking
From 1975 through 1986, DST was observed from late April
should wear lights and reflectors.
through late October; in 1987, it was moved up to the first Sunday
Whether you love the time change or not, this season also brings
in April. Since 2007, clocks “spring forward” on the second Sunday of
th
something we can all look forward to: the 20 Annual Iron Joe
March and “fall back” on the first Sunday of November.
st
Turkey Ride & Walk on December 1 at Eagle Lakes Park.
In 2015, more than 45 states began introducing bills to end
It’s one of the best Sunday-After-Thanksgiving traditions.
DST or make it permanent. So far, 28 states have passed laws or
Join us for coffee and a light breakfast, then head out for a 62, 40, 20,
resolutions trying to make daylight saving time year round: Alabama,
10, or 5 mile bike ride or a 2.5 mile walk, with well stocked rest stops
Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa,
along the routes. When everyone returns, stay for a fun after-party
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,
with lunch, beer and soft drinks, music, raffles, an expo, and more. To
Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
sign up or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/IJTR2024.
Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington
Event proceeds help fund Naples Pathways’ mission to create a
and Wyoming. The states working on legislation to make standard
safe, bikeable and walkable community. Our two keystone projects
time permanent are Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York,
are building the Paradise Coast Trail and ending distracted driving
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and
through our Hands-Free Florida campaign and coalition.
Vermont, according to Forbes.
For more information, please visit www.NaplesPathways.org and www.HandsFreeFlorida.org
If you have any specific questions, email me at Michelle@NaplesPathways.org
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