By Michelle Avola-Brown, Naples Pathways Coalition
It’s almost that time of year again! March is Florida’s Bike Month, and its purpose is to celebrate cycling and encourage more people to hit the road on two wheels. However, any month is Bicycle Month when you live in paradise as we do with fantastic weather year-round, flat roads, and improving infrastructure – thanks in part to our work with the City of Naples, Collier County, the Collier MPO, and FDOT.
Biking has continued rising in popularity since the pandemic. It’s terrific exercise, provides a fun way to experience your community, and makes running errands more enjoyable with easy parking. However, drivers must understand that bicycles are legally considered vehicles and respect their right to share the road. As such, cyclists must adhere to the “Rules of the Road,” like stopping at stop signs and red lights. Motorists must follow laws that protect vulnerable road users, especially when turning or passing a cyclist. For example, drivers must give at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist, yield to anyone on foot or bike in a crosswalk, and never cut off a cyclist by making a right turn in front of them.
To celebrate Bike Month and provide some fun fitness for the community, Naples Pathways Coalition is hosting the 18th Annual TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch & Walk on March 3rd at Cambier Park. Whether you’re looking for something active to do with the family while enjoying the beauty of Naples, or you’re an athlete ready to put in some miles with fellow cycling enthusiasts with the benefit of on-road support, this event is for you! Regardless of your fitness level, signing up for the Bike Brunch & Walk is excellent motivation to air up your tires, lace up your shoes, and build your stamina.
When we say there is something for everyone, we mean it! You can choose from 62, 30, 20, 10, or 5-mile bike rides or get your heart pumping by walking our 3-mile route through the heart of Naples. Snacks and drinks will be conveniently located at rest stops along the way to keep you fueled and refreshed. We will also have teams driving the routes to assist cyclists with any minor mechanical issues that may occur. Enjoy a hearty lunch from Jason’s Deli at the finish while celebrating your accomplishment! 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 registration are available through Sunday, March 3rd at bit.ly/BIKEBRUNCH2024.
Naples Pathways Coalition has the world’s best volunteers who pull out the stops to make NPC events the world-class experience our participants have come to expect. If you’d like to help, sign up at runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/FL/Naples/NaplesBikeBrunch. It’s a lot of fun, plus you get free food!
Event proceeds support the mission of Naples Pathways Coalition to create a safe, bikeable, and walkable community and fund our keystone projects, the Paradise Coast Trail and Hands-Free Florida. The Paradise Coast Trail will be a paved, 70+ mile separated trail for walking, running, and biking, separated from the road and distracted/aggressive drivers. It will connect Naples to Bonita Springs, Ave Maria, Collier Seminole Start Park, Marco Island, and beyond. Visit www.NaplesPathways.org/PCTrail for more information. Hands-Free Florida is a statewide coalition and campaign to end distracted driving, one of, if not THE biggest threat on our road, especially to people who walk, run, or bike. Please visit www.HandsFreeFlorida.org for more information and to sign the petition to expand the requirement for hands-free cell phone use behind the wheel.
There will be something for everything at the TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch & Walk. It’s going to be a blast – we’ll see you there! Sign up here: bit.ly/BIKEBRUNCH2024.
