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Quick Ways to Move More Starting Today
• Walk or bike for short trips when possible
• Invite a friend for an evening walk to boost accountability and connection
• Choose routes with pathways or lower-stress streets
• Stay alert and distraction-free whether walking, biking, or driving
Marching Toward a Healthier Naples—

One Step, One Pedal Stroke at a Time

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director,
Naples Pathways Coalition
time for cozying up to a fire and snuggling Equally important are partnerships that address safety from every
A angle. Naples Pathways continues to expand education and advocacy
under blankets in much of the country, in
efforts around distracted driving, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and shared
Florida, February is a season of renewal and
energy. As more winter visitors arrive and residents responsibility on the road. By pairing infrastructure improvements with
spend more time outdoors enjoying our heavenly public awareness and behavior change, the organization ensures that
weather, Heart Health Month offers a timely reminder progress on paper translates into real-world safety.
that good health isn’t built in a gym alone. It’s built None of this work happens without community investment. Donor
into the rhythms of daily life. In Naples, those rhythms support fuels the planning, education, advocacy, and collaboration that
increasingly include neighborhood walks, scenic bike make safer streets possible. Every contribution - large or small - helps
rides, and choosing movement as a natural part of how we live. move projects forward, strengthens partnerships, and amplifies a collective
A healthier Naples is not just about individual choices; it’s about the voice for safer, healthier transportation choices.
kind of community we’re building together. One where walking to dinner That generosity and momentum are on full display at the 20th Annual
feels inviting, biking to the park feels safe, and people of all ages can move Bike Brunch & Walk on March 1 at Cambier Park. More than a beloved
confidently through their neighborhoods. That future doesn’t happen by Naples tradition, the Bike Brunch & Walk is a celebration of impact
accident. It happens because people invest in it, one step, one pedal stroke, and a kickoff for the active season ahead. Walkers, cyclists, families, and
and one act of generosity at a time. friends come together for a morning of movement, music, great food, and
The benefits of walking and biking are well documented. Regular community spirit, while supporting the mission to make Naples safer and
movement reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers stress, improves mental more connected.
health, and supports longevity. But the impact goes far beyond physical For longtime supporters, the event is a chance to see the results of
health. Communities designed for walking and biking are more social and their investment and celebrate how far the community has come. For
resilient. Streets become places to connect with neighbors, support local first-time participants, it’s an easy and joyful way to get involved. And for
businesses, and enjoy the outdoors. They are not just conduits for traffic. everyone, it’s a reminder that meaningful change can be both purposeful
Naples is uniquely positioned to lead this movement-forward future. and fun. Kids under 12 ride or walk free with a paid adult. For more
Our climate, natural beauty, and active culture make walking and biking a information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/BIKEBRUNCH.
natural fit. Yet, as our region grows, ensuring these activities remain safe, As Naples looks toward the future, the path forward is clear.
comfortable, and accessible requires thoughtful planning, sustained advocacy, A healthier community isn’t created overnight, and it isn’t built by
and community support. infrastructure alone. It’s built by people through everyday choices to
That commitment is championed locally by Naples Pathways Coalition, walk more, bike more, slow down, look out for one another, and invest in
a nonprofit that for more than 20 years has worked to make walking and shared spaces.
biking safer throughout Collier County. Naples Pathways brings together This February, as we focus on heart health and fresh starts, there’s no
residents, planners, public agencies, health organizations, law enforcement, better time to embrace that vision. When you support Naples Pathways
and local leaders around a shared goal: creating streets and pathways that by donating, advocating, or participating or volunteering in our events,
protect lives and support healthy movement for everyone. you’re helping march Naples toward a healthier, more connected future,
Looking ahead, Naples Pathways is focused on initiatives that will shape one step and one pedal stroke at a time. Learn more and become part of
the community for decades. Central to that work is advancing a connected the movement at https://naplespathways.org.
network of off-road, multi-use pathways, including the Paradise Coast Trail. We invite you to get involved in our advocacy work by joining Naples
This visionary system is designed to link neighborhoods, schools, parks, Pathways Coalition or donating to support our mission to create a safe,
and key destinations, creating safe places to walk, run, and bike separated walkable and bikeable Collier County.
from traffic. These connections don’t just support recreation; they enable Visit https://naplespathways.org/get-involved
daily movement, provide an alternate transportation network to reduce
congestion, and enhance quality of life across the region.

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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