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The Hidden Health Benefits

of Simply Walking More—and

How Naples Pathways Coalition Is Making

Every Step Safer

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, But Health Depends on Safety: Why NPC’s Work Matters
Naples Pathways Coalition While Naples is rich in natural beauty, many of our streets were designed
decades ago for cars, not people. Sidewalk gaps, speeding traffic, and limited
anuary is a season of fresh starts, and with it comes
crosswalks remain real obstacles and safety risks for walkers.
the annual promise to move more, stress less, and live
Naples Pathways Coalition is tackling these challenges head-on and
Jhealthier. While gyms fill up and fitness trackers
leading the charge to get the Paradise Coast Trail on the ground as soon as
buzz with reminders, the most powerful health booster
possible.
often goes unnoticed: walking. Simple, accessible, and
Creating Safer Streets Through Advocacy
completely free, walking can transform your physical
Naples Pathways champions Complete Streets principles: road designs
and mental well-being. And here in Naples, with
that slow traffic, calm dangerous areas, and prioritize everyone using the
sunshine in January and one of the most beautiful natural
road, not just people in vehicles. Through partnerships with Collier County,
environments in Florida, you’re already halfway there.
the City of Naples, FDOT, and local law enforcement, NPC pushes for
But walking doesn’t just depend on motivation, it depends on safe, inviting
improvements such as:
places to walk. That’s where the Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC) comes in.
Additional crosswalks
For more than two decades, NPC has been the leading voice ensuring that our
More multi-use pathways
community’s streets, trails, and neighborhoods support active, healthy living for
Lower speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas
people of all ages. As more residents and visitors make walking part of their
Better lighting
2026 routine, NPC is working hard behind the scenes to make every step safer.
Safer school zones
Walking: Naples’ Most Underrated Health Advantage
Traffic-calming features that reduce speeding
Walking is so familiar that it’s easy to overlook how powerful it is. Yet study
Advocating for hands-free cell phone use while driving
after study shows that even modest, consistent walking offers wide-ranging
Every improvement makes walking safer for residents, kids, seniors, and
benefits:
seasonal visitors.
Better heart health - Just 21 minutes of walking a day can cut the risk of
Transforming the Community with the Paradise Coast Trail
heart disease by up to 30%. A walk 60-90 minutes after a meal helps lower
One of NPC’s most ambitious projects, the Paradise Coast Trail will be
blood sugar levels.
a game changer. When complete, this 100-mile separated trail system will
Improved mobility and balance -Essential as we age, especially in a
link neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas, offering safe, scenic
community where nearly 40% of residents are older adults.
walking and biking routes away from traffic.
Stronger bones and muscles -Walking helps maintain bone density and
For families, retirees, and anyone choosing to walk more for health, the
reduces fall risk.
trail will open new possibilities:
Sharper brain function -Walking increases blood flow to the brain and
A safe place for children to walk or bike
supports memory and cognitive health.
Longer recreational loops for fitness
Lower stress and anxiety -A few minutes outdoors reduces cortisol and
Car-free routes for errands and short trips
boosts mood.
Peaceful nature-immersed walks for mental well-being
Naples’ mild winter climate gives us an advantage many communities envy.
Start Small. Stay Consistent. Walk Into a Healthier 2026.
Instead of retreating indoors during January cold snaps, we can enjoy morning
If you want a healthier, calmer, more connected new year, walking is the
strolls around the neighborhood, sweeping coastal views on the beach, or shaded
easiest place to start. Try a 15 minute morning loop through your community,
pathways along the Gordon River Greenway. The health benefits multiply when
explore the Gordon River Greenway, or take the long way around the block
walking becomes a daily ritual, and Naples offers the perfect backdrop.
after dinner. Invite a friend or neighbor - it’s more fun, and accountability
The Mental Health Magic of Moving Outside
helps.
Beyond the physical perks, walking outdoors is one of the most effective
And as you walk, know that Naples Pathways Coalition is working every
natural stress-relievers. The simple act of moving through a peaceful
day to create safer streets, smarter infrastructure, and a community where
environment - palm-lined neighborhoods, mangroves along the Greenway, or
walking is protected.
quiet residential loops - helps your brain reset and recharge.
We invite you to get involved in our advocacy work by joining Naples
Naples residents frequently say that a short morning or sunset walk makes
Pathways Coalition or donating to support our mission to create a safe, walkable
a noticeable difference in mood, focus, and sleep. In a world full of digital noise,
and bikeable Collier County.
this kind of active, screen-free time is valuable and free to anyone willing to take
Visit https://naplespathways.org/get-involved
the first step.
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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