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COMING IN MARCH:

The 18 Annual TD Bank
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NAPLES BIKE BRUNCH & WALK

Month

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, Naples Pathways Coalition

t's almost that time of year again! When we say there is something for everyone, we mean it!
March is Florida's Bike Month, and You can choose from 62, 30, 20, 10, or 5 mile bike rides or get
Iits purpose is to celebrate cycling and your heart pumping by walking our 3 mile route through the
encourage more people to hit the road on two heart of Naples. Snacks and drinks will be conveniently located
wheels. However, any month is Bicycle Month at rest stops along the way to keep you fueled and refreshed. We
when you live in paradise as we do with fantastic will also have teams driving the routes to assist cyclists with any
weather year-round, flat roads, and improving minor mechanical issues that may occur. Enjoy a hearty lunch from
infrastructure – thanks in part to our work with the City of Naples, Jason's Deli at the finish while celebrating your accomplishment!
Collier County, the Collier MPO, and FDOT. Tickets for lunch are available for any friends and family who
aren’t riding or walking but want to join you for the after-party at
Cambier Park. In addition to food, there will be beer, music,
raffles, an expo, and more!
The 5 Mile Family Fun Ride is FREE for kids 12 and younger
with a paid adult. For the longer distances, youth 17 and under
receive a discount with a paid adult on the same distance ride.
Because safety is our main priority, all participants must wear
a helmet, with no exceptions. Further information and online
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registration are available through Sunday, March 3 at
Biking has continued rising in popularity since the pandemic. bit.ly/BIKEBRUNCH2024
It’s terrific exercise, provides a fun way to experience your Naples Pathways Coalition has the world's best volunteers who
community, and makes running errands more enjoyable with pull out the stops to make NPC events the world-class experience
easy parking. However, drivers must understand that bicycles are our participants have come to expect. If you'd like to help, sign up at
legally considered vehicles and respect their right to share the Runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/FL/Naples/NaplesBikeBrunch
road. As such, cyclists must adhere to the “Rules of the Road,” It’s a lot of fun, plus you get free food!
like stopping at stop signs and red lights. Motorists must follow Event proceeds support the mission of Naples Pathways
laws that protect vulnerable road users, especially when turning or Coalition to create a safe, bikeable, and walkable community and
passing a cyclist. For example, drivers must give at least three feet fund our keystone projects, the Paradise Coast Trail and Hands-
of space when passing a cyclist, yield to anyone on foot or bike in Free Florida. The Paradise Coast Trail will be a paved, 70+ mile
a crosswalk, and never cut off a cyclist by making a right turn in separated trail for walking, running, and biking, separated from the
front of them. road and distracted/aggressive drivers. It will connect Naples to
To celebrate Bike Month and provide some fun fitness for the Bonita Springs, Ave Maria, Collier-Seminole State Park, Marco
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community, Naples Pathways Coalition is hosting the 18 Annual Island, and beyond. Visit www.NaplesPathways.org/PCTrail for
TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch & Walk on March 3 at Cambier more information. Hands-Free Florida is a statewide coalition and
Park. Whether you're looking for something active to do with the campaign to end distracted driving, one of, if not THE biggest
family while enjoying the beauty of Naples, or you're an athlete threat on our roads, especially to people who walk, run, or bike.
ready to put in some miles with fellow cycling enthusiasts with the Please visit www.HandsFreeFlorida.org for more information and
benefit of on-road support, this event is for you! Regardless of your to sign the petition to expand the requirement for hands-free cell
fitness level, signing up for the Bike Brunch & Walk is excellent phone use behind the wheel.
motivation to air up your tires, lace up your shoes, and build your
There will be something for everything at the TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch & Walk.
stamina.
It's going to be a blast – we'll see you there!
Sign up here: bit.ly/BIKEBRUNCH2024

Life in Naples | February 2024 31