Naples Pathway Coalition to Provide Bike Lights and More to Local Workers

The Naples Pathways Coalition is partnering with the Naples Police Department and the Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District to provide bicycle lights and other safety equipment to workers along the Avenue. The initiative is intended to improve safety for the workers’ commutes to and from Fifth Avenue South, especially in the dark early morning and late night hours they often travel.

The installation will take place on Wednesday, March 19, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Cambier Park. Organizers hope to secure additional funding in order to host several more safety equipment events later this year, preferably before the next peak season.

“While working as a community policing officer on 5th Ave., South I observed one of the restaurant workers get on his bike and use the light from his cell phone to light his way home. He didn’t have proper lighting on his bike. After doing some research Naples PD partnered with Michelle and NPC and we came up with this program to provide them with helmets, bike lights, and bike locks,” said Rey Reyes, TIF Officer for the Naples Police Department. “We feel that the program has reduced bicycle theft, as well as bicycle accidents because now they have the proper equipment.”

In addition to installing bicycle lights, the group will distribute reflective safety vests, properly fit helmets, safety information and bicycle locks for those who need them. Those items are being provided to at-risk cyclists by the Naples Pathways Coalition, a local non-profit organization that works to create safe, bikeable, walkable communities in Collier County. The bike lights and reflective vests have been donated through a generous grant from The Auto Club Group.

“This initiative builds upon our longstanding tradition of working closely with the local government and law enforcement agencies in advocating for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on our roads,” said Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director for Naples Pathways Coalition. “We look forward to other successful partnerships going forward.”

* Any business with employees who commute by bike and need lights and safety gear are encouraged to email Michelle@NaplesPathways.org to schedule a giveaway event at their location.

About Naples Pathways Coalition: Naples Pathways Coalition, Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization established in 2005. Its mission is to create safe, bikeable and walkable communities in Collier County. It is funded through membership, private donations, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, and grants. If you would like more information about Naples Pathways Coalition, please call 239-777-7718 or email Michelle@NaplesPathways.org.