Our roadways are extremely dangerous for those trying to navigate by foot or bicycle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of bicyclists killed in traffic crashes has been steadily trending upwards since 2010. Not surprisingly, the vulnerable commuter cyclist population, who often ride their bikes long distances (early in the morning and late at night) after working labor-intensive jobs, has the highest occurrence of crashes and fatalities. Naples Pathways Coalition is working to end these senseless tragedies in partnership with generous donors like the Auto Club Group (ACG) Foundation.
ACG Foundation works on behalf of its members and the communities they serve to create lasting solutions, inspire learning and provide research and funding in the areas of traffic safety, driver education and financial literacy. ACG and the AAA network have been supporters of our work for the last several years through support of our fundraising rides and our distracted driving campaign. This year, they have more than doubled that support by investing in the safety of at-risk cyclists who commute to work through a $10,000 grant for our Lights for Bikes program.
Through the program, NPC installs water-resistant bike lights and provides helmets, safety vests and anti-theft bike locks for commuter cyclists who work at area restaurants, hotels, and other industries. Many of these commuters in Southwest Florida come from other countries with very different traffic patterns and laws so on-site bi-lingual safety instruction is also provided.
As part of our partnership with ACG, they are extending the giving through their Join to Give promotion which benefits NPC and AAA members who love to ride! Here is how it works: if you sign up to be AAA member, tell the agent you are supporting Naples Pathways Coalition, and they will donation $20 back to NPC. As a AAA member, cyclists with a flat or inoperable bike, can get a ride from AAA or they can help fix your flat by airing you up. Now that’s what we call a win-win-win!
AAA will also once again be on hand during the Iron Joe Turkey Ride on December 1st. They will be available along all routes to help air up tires or bring riders and their bikes with mechanical issues back to the park. Thank you AAA and ACG Foundation for your generous support of our supporters, our mission and at-risk cyclists in our community.
