Our History
In 2002, several community members organized an advocacy group for bicyclists in Collier County while an ad hoc group of concerned citizens formed to advocate for a sidewalk plan in Naples. Realizing that they had interests in common, the two groups began meeting together.
As the combined group grew and became more visible in the community, they applied for 501(c)(3) status to raise funds and have official standing in the community as Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC). In 2005, NPC officially incorporated.
A community debate over creating sidewalks prompted the City of Naples to hire consultants Kimley-Horn to do a bicycle/pedestrian study. With extensive NPC and community involvement, the City of Naples Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan was developed, adopted, and a funding stream secured. NPC continued its advocacy work expanding its scope to include Collier County and working with the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization to create its Comprehensive Pathways Plan.
Celebrating Major Milestones
NPC has become the voice for vulnerable bike/ped road users, pushing for the safety and infrastructure needed to safely walk, run, and bike in Collier County.
Some notable successes:
- Continuously working with the City of Naples to implement Complete Streets Policy, which incorporates all road users when road design and road improvements are made.
- Adoption of the complete streets project on Central Avenue to incorporate well marked, safe bike lanes from the Gordon River Greenway to Gulfshore Blvd.
- Instrumental in Collier County’s development of the Comprehensive Pathways Plan with over 500 miles of safe new sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenways.
- Collaborated with city and county planners on the placement of safe bike lanes throughout our community.
- Developed educational classes and printed safety information literature to help motorists become aware of safe practices involving cyclists and pedestrians.
- Developed educational classes and printed material for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists to improve the safety of those who walk, run, or bike for transportation, exercise, and recreation.
- Partnered with Naples Police Department and Collier County Sherriff’s Office to educate officers on laws that pertain to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Mobilized NPC supporters to demand that Florida legislators change our texting laws to make texting while driving a primary offense.
- Partnered with Safe Routes to School to educate thousands of children on safe walking and biking practices.
- Created and distributed maps that show sidewalks, bike lanes, and pathways for the safest routes to bicycle and walk throughout Collier County. These maps are available at all Naples bike shops, city and county parks, and other tourism outlets.
- Provided and installed more than 2,000 bike lights and reflective yellow vests for at-risk, low income, commuter cyclists.
- Provided and correctly fit more than 2,000 helmets for adults and children in need.
- Hosted “Bike Valets” to allow cyclists to ride their bikes to community events while we safely store their bikes, helping to alleviate parking congestion and reduce the number of automobiles driven to these venues.
- Successfully lobbied for the creation of the Paradise Coast Trail (PCT), a 70+ mile, world-class multi-use paved trail system exclusively for walkers, runners, and cyclists connecting Naples’ Gordon River Greenway to Ave Maria, Immokalee, Bonita Springs, and eventually to Marco Island.
- Successfully requested and received a proclamation in support of the Paradise Coast Trail from the Collier County Board of Commissioners. The project is now part of the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Master Transportation Plan.
- Successfully petitioned the Florida State Senate for $250,000 in state funding to help get the Paradise Coast Trail fast-tracked, reducing the time to completion by over five years. This funding was signed into the State Budget for the 2020/2021 fiscal year.
- Completed the Paradise Coast Trail Feasibility Study for the entire 70 mile corridor ahead of schedule.
- Expanded the original planned 70 mile corridor to over 100 miles in Collier County as the Paradise Coast Trail is now planned to connect Naples to Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Collier Seminole State Park, Everglades City, Ave Maria, and Immokalee.
- The Paradise Coast Trail has been completely adopted into the SUN Trail network, meaning state funds will pay for the studies and construction of the trail.
- The Paradise Coast Trail will be part of two regional trails, the 420-mile Gulf Coast Trail and the 220-mile Collier to Polk Trail.
The Work Continues: What’s Next?
- Continue to work with the City of Naples, Collier County, and Florida Department of Transportation to fast track the building of the Paradise Coast Trail.
- Continue to educate motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists on safe practices to improve the safety of all road users.
- Continue to provide helmets, bike lights, and reflective vests to commuter cyclists and others in need.
- Grow our group of supporters to have a stronger voice that will yield greater influence regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety.
- Continue to engage families in bicycle and pedestrian safety events as the funding for Safe Routes to School education in schools is declining.
- Strengthen our organization and membership to ensure continued and lasting sustainability.
- Cut distracted driving by at least 50% and reduce fatalities with hands-free cell phone use when driving through advocacy and legislation
To support our continued efforts, become a member or donate today.
