Safety Tips for Children and Families 

As seen in Neapolitan Family magazine

Naples is celebrated for its pristine beaches and abundance of outdoor activities, but it falls short when protecting cyclists and pedestrians. The streets have become perilous for children and families who walk, bike, and run. Distracted driving, speeding, and decreased awareness have resulted in numerous preventable crashes, fatalities, and injuries. Due to a lack of safe paths, inadequate laws protecting cyclists and generally poor understanding of how best to safely share the roads, Florida tops the charts for the most pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. With Collier County’s population continuing to explode, the problem is only growing, but there is hope and a plan.  

Naples Pathways Coalition has been dedicated to transforming Collier County into a haven for pedestrians and cyclists for two decades. It has been instrumental in shaping Naples’ pathway landscape by influencing funding allocations for sidewalks and bike lanes, introducing the vision for a cross-county trail system, participating in key greenway projects and raising awareness of critical safety laws. 

Walking or biking with your children is a great opportunity to teach them lifelong traffic safety skills. It’s important to know your child’s abilities and remember their limitations. Children under 10 years of age are developmentally limited when it comes to judging speed and distance accurately. While enjoying outdoor recreation with your children teach, practice and remind them of these tips:

Safety Tips for Walking and Running 

1. Use Designated Crosswalks
   Always cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections. Avoid crossing mid-block, especially on busy roads.
2. Be Visible
   Wear bright, reflective clothing at night or in low-light conditions. Carry a flashlight or use reflective accessories to catch a driver’s attention.
3. Stay Alert
   Avoid distractions like texting or listening to music too loudly, especially when crossing streets.
4. Walk on the Right Path
   Where sidewalks are unavailable, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

Safety Tips for Biking

1. Follow the Rules of the Road
   Cyclists are considered vehicles in most jurisdictions. Obey traffic signals, signs, and lane markings.
2. Use Bike Lanes
   Ride in designated bike lanes whenever possible. If they’re unavailable, stick to the right half of the right lane and ride with traffic flow.
3. Stay Visible
   Equip your bike with front and rear lights, and wear bright or reflective clothing day or night.
4. Signal Your Intentions
   Use hand signals to communicate with drivers and other road users when turning or stopping. Whenever possible, make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
5. Wear a Helmet
   Properly fit helmets reduce the risk of head injuries and can save lives in case of accidents. Helmets are required by law for children under 16 years of age.

Trails; The Safest Place to Walk, Bike and Run

Trails are the safest place to recreate surrounded by the natural beauty of Southwest Florida while within proximity to neighborhoods, businesses and schools, without the safety concerns of motor vehicles. The popularity of multi-use trails has exploded across the nation attracting people of all ages. Greenways provide Neapolitans and visitors with healthy lifestyle options while allowing an outdoor escape from our hectic lives. 

Because of increasing danger on our roads, Naples Pathways recognized the urgent need for a safe, multi-use pathway system in Collier County to provide greater safety for people who walk, bike, and run modeled after the beloved Gordon River Greenway. In 2018, they introduced the vision for the Paradise Coast Trail, a 100+ mile biking, walking, and running trail that will be 10-12 foot wide, paved and separated from the road. When complete it will redefine Collier County’s quality of life sparking healthier lifestyles, and ensuring safety for children and families who walk, run, or bike.

To learn more about how to support Naples Pathways Coalition’s advocacy efforts, education programs and the completion of the Paradise Coast Trail, click here.