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March Is Florida Bike Month—

and Naples Is Riding into the Future

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director,
Naples Pathways Coalition
arch is Florida Bike Month, a statewide as welcoming as it is meaningful. Participants choose a scenic bike ride
celebration of cycling as recreation, or walk, then gather for a relaxed, festive brunch that reflects NPC’s
Mtransportation, and a cornerstone of healthy signature approach, community over competition, joy over speed, and
living. In Naples, where sunshine and scenic routes connection over finish times.
invite us outdoors year-round, cycling is woven into The Bike Brunch & Walk is more than an event; it’s a reflection
daily life. But enjoying that freedom safely doesn’t of NPC’s vision for Naples. It brings people together across ages and
happen by accident—it’s the result of thoughtful abilities, introduces new riders to safe cycling, and demonstrates how
planning, community advocacy, and a shared active transportation can be both accessible and joyful. Many supporters
commitment to streets and pathways designed for people. That’s where first discover NPC through this event, while longtime participants return
Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC) comes in. year after year to celebrate progress and invest in what comes next.
NPC works year-round to make Naples safer, healthier, and more Looking ahead, NPC is helping shape the future of cycling and
connected for everyone who bikes, walks, runs, or moves through our walking in Southwest Florida through transformational projects like the
community. From recreational riders cruising neighborhood streets to avid Paradise Coast Trail. This planned 100-mile multi-use trail will create a
cyclists logging serious training miles, NPC supports cyclists of all kinds safe, continuous corridor across Collier County, linking neighborhoods,
through education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives that put parks, schools, and destinations throughout Naples, Bonita Springs,
safety and accessibility first. Marco Island, Ave Maria, Immokalee, Everglades City, and beyond.
Safety is at the heart of NPC’s work and where its impact is felt most When complete, the trail will offer recreational riders long, car-free miles;
directly. The organization leads hands-on efforts such as bike-light and provide commuters with safer, more reliable options; give walkers and
reflective vest giveaways for commuter cyclists, free helmets and safety runners inviting routes beyond looping gated communities; and create
education for children and families, and public awareness campaigns that new opportunities for families to explore the outdoors together.
encourage drivers and cyclists alike to share the road responsibly. NPC also The Paradise Coast Trail represents more than infrastructure. It
advocates for policies that reduce distracted driving and promote safer street represents a shift toward a more people-centered Collier County. Trails
design, improvements that protect everyone, whether they’re traveling on like this improve public health, support local businesses, enhance tourism,
two wheels or four. These efforts help ensure that a weekend ride, a training and preserve the natural beauty that defines our region. NPC has played a
loop, or a quick trip to the store can be enjoyed with greater peace of mind. critical role in advancing this vision by building partnerships, advocating
One of the most urgent safety issues facing Florida today is distracted for funding, and ensuring community voices remain front and center.
driving. Legislation that would ban holding a phone while driving is As Florida Bike Month unfolds, NPC invites the community to
currently being debated in Tallahassee. On behalf of NPC members and celebrate by riding more, supporting safer streets, and getting involved.
the Hands-Free Florida Coalition, I have traveled several times to testify Whether you’re pedaling for fitness, fun, or connection, every ride helps
in committees in support of this life-saving law that is already in place in move Naples toward a healthier, more vibrant future.
34 states and more than 30 countries worldwide. Interacting with a phone Because when walking, running, and cycling are safer and more
while driving is not a harmless habit; it is dangerous and reckless behavior accessible, everyone moves forward, together. To learn more, get involved,
that causes death and serious injury every day on Florida roads. Especially or donate to support our life-saving work, visit NaplesPathways.org.
for the lives of vulnerable road users who walk, run, or bike, ending We invite you to get involved in our advocacy work by joining Naples
distracted driving is not optional. It is essential. Pathways Coalition or donating to support our mission to create a safe,
March also brings one of Naples’ most cherished active-living traditions: walkable and bikeable Collier County.
the 20th Annual Bike Brunch & Walk, held this year on March 1 at Visit https://naplespathways.org/get-involved
Cambier Park. For two decades, this beloved event has brought together
cyclists, walkers, runners, families, and supporters for a celebration that’s

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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