Naples Velo Bicycle Club (NV) is a not-for-profit organization promoting cycling at all skill levels and dedicated to improving cycling safety and awareness in southwest Florida. NV promotes cycling activities, develops and conducts educational programs on cycling safety and skills, enhances cycling awareness and supports the enactment of cycling safety laws, amateur cycling racing, and other charitable organizations with a common mission.
NV has supported Naples Pathways Coalition financially for many years. This year, they are presenting sponsors of the 20th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk on December 1, 2024, and will be on hand with volunteers and ride leaders. We also share mutual board members that serve as a liaison between our organizations to ensure we work in coordination with each other in support of our shared goals and initiatives. They also promote our events to their 400+ membership. Many NV members are also NPC members.
“Naples Velo is passionate about the mission of NPC because it directly impacts the well-being and quality of life for everyone,” said Sundi Faith, NV and NPC board member. “Cycling is an eco-friendly, healthy and efficient mode of transportation but safety concerns often discourage people from riding.”
The State of Florida is ranked #1 in the nation for bicycle/vehicle fatal crashes. Each year, Collier and Lee Counties experience numerous cycling fatalities. Each year, the population of southwest Florida increases resulting in more motor vehicle traffic and more cyclists on the roads. The roads of Collier County are designed to move traffic at a high rate of speed. The accommodations for bicycles on the road are limited to narrow bike lanes. In addition, the bike lanes lack connectivity in numerous areas or are non-existent requiring cyclists to share the traffic lane with motor vehicles.
“Given the local traffic conditions, Naples Velo is focused on educating the motor vehicle drivers and the cyclists on how to co-exist on the roads of southwest Florida,” said Don Rupprecht, NV board member.
NV raises funds to support NPC through an annual safety fundraising effort through their Jean Heuschen Memorial Ride. Heuschen was a proponent of cycling for the health benefits he enjoyed and an advocate for cycling and cycling safety. He was a leader in the cycling community and served on the NPC board. Jean’s tradition was to always ride his age + 100 miles for his birthday. Jean’s goal was to complete 200 miles the year he tragically passed away while doing what he loved after striking a vehicle that was parked illegally in the bike lane. For years up until his death, he had many members of the cycling community join in on portions of the ride to help him complete his goal. Since he never got to complete his 200 mile ride, the community rode the 200 mile memorial ride in his honor. The ride financially supports educational programs that enlighten cyclists, pedestrians and motorists about rules, laws, proper behavior and attitude needed to make our roads and streets in southwest Florida safe for all users.
“By enhancing safety, we can encourage more people to cycle and promote a healthier lifestyle,” added Faith. “Creating a safer environment for cyclists fosters a more connected and inclusive community where everyone feels comfortable sharing the road.”
“I hope our donation improves cycling opportunities for cyclists such as new and wider bike lanes on Collier County roads and helps get us closer to the completion of the new, off-road Paradise Coast Trail bike and pedestrian path,” added Rupprecht.
Naples Pathways Coalition greatly values the ongoing, long-standing partnership and support of Naples Velo and looks forward to continuing to working together for a more walkable, bikeable Naples.
