Page 28 - November2026LifeInNaples

Fall Back, Stay Safe,

and Enjoy November in Naples

Michelle Avola-Brown
Executive Director Kick Off Thanksgiving Week with Iron Joe!
Naples Pathways Coalition One of NPC's favorite traditions returns the Sunday before

ovember is one of the most Thanksgiving, on November 22, when we host our 22nd Annual Iron
beautiful times of year in Southwest Joe Turkey Ride & Walk. What better way to kick off Thanksgiving
NFlorida. Cooler mornings, lower week than a fun event with something for every age and fitness level!
humidity, and sunny afternoons create ideal Start the morning with breakfast and coffee before heading out on a scenic 62, 40, 20,
10, or 5-mile bike ride or a 2.5-mile walk. The 5-mile ride and walk take place inside the park
conditions for getting outside, whether
on a winding pathway through the beautiful Eagle Lakes Park, making them ideal for families
you're walking through your neighborhood,
and those looking for a more relaxed experience.
cycling with friends, or exploring one of our
Afterward, celebrate with lunch, drinks, music, exciting raffle prizes, a free photo booth,
beautiful parks and trails.
and more. Kids 12 and under can ride or walk free with a paid adult on eligible routes, older
But November also brings an important
kids receive a discount, and even dogs are welcome, making this a wonderful opportunity to
reminder about roadway safety. On Sunday,
get the entire family moving.
November 1, daylight saving time ends, and
Best of all, your participation supports Naples Pathways Coalition's efforts to create
we turn our clocks back one hour. While we
safer, more walkable and bikeable communities throughout Southwest Florida.
gain an extra hour of sleep, we also lose an
Visit https://naplespathways.org/events for event information and registration link.
hour of evening daylight. That means many
As we enter this season of gratitude, let's appreciate the beautiful place we call home
of us will suddenly find ourselves walking,
for all or part of the year and remember that roadway safety is everyone's responsibility.
biking, or driving home in the dark.
Whether you're behind the wheel, riding on two wheels, or traveling on foot, a little extra
As we adjust to the time change, a few awareness can make all the difference.
simple precautions can help keep everyone
safe.
responsibility. With sunset arriving Park. These beautiful outdoor spaces offer
Be seen, be alert, and share the road earlier, your afternoon commute may opportunities to exercise, connect with
For bicyclists, visibility is essential. If you now coincide with reduced visibility and nature, and spend quality time together.
ride in the early morning or evening, the sun increased pedestrian and bicycle activity. For a change of scenery, explore the
will be hitting you differently. Make sure Slow down, especially near intersections, shops and restaurants along Fifth Avenue
your bicycle has a working white front light neighborhoods, schools, and shopping South or see the sights in Mercato, enjoy a
and red rear light, and use them whenever areas. Look carefully for people walking walk on the beach, or plan an outdoor picnic
you ride, regardless of the time of day, but and biking before turning, and always yield and make the most of our cooler weather.
especially from dusk to daylight! Wear when required. Whatever your interests or fitness level,
bright or reflective clothing, and consider Most importantly, put your phone there's no shortage of ways to enjoy our
adding reflective accessories to your helmet, away. A moment of distraction can have beautiful community.
shoes, and bicycle. Remember that even if devastating consequences, particularly
you can see an approaching vehicle, its driver when visibility is limited. Naples Pathways Bring bicycle & pedestrian safety
may not see you. Coalition's Hands-Free Florida initiative to your community
Pedestrians should also take extra continues to advocate for stronger distracted Did you know you can invite Naples
precautions. Wear light-colored or reflective driving legislation and education to help Pathways Coalition to your neighborhood,
clothing when walking after dark, use protect everyone who shares our roads. HOA, community group, school or
sidewalks whenever available, and cross at homeschool group for an engaging walking
designated crosswalks or intersections, never Enjoy the best of Naples this November and biking safety presentation? Learn
mid-block, even if it would save you some With cooler weather arriving, November practical tips for staying safe, increasing
steps. Before stepping into the street, look in is the perfect time to rediscover the outdoor visibility, navigating intersections, and
every direction and make sure approaching activities that make Naples special. Enjoy a sharing the road. Contact Michelle@
drivers have stopped. Avoid distractions, morning walk or leisurely bike ride through NaplesPathways.org to schedule a
including looking at your phone while the Gordon River Greenway, explore the presentation.
crossing. scenic pathways at Baker Park, or gather the Stay visible, stay alert, and enjoy a safe
Drivers have an equally important family for a stroll around Sugden Regional and active November!

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