Cyclists in Naples received free safety gear Tuesday afternoon at a bike safety event aimed at reducing accidents and raising awareness over the dangers of the road.
The Naples Pathways Coalition , 5th Ave South Improvement District , Naples Police Department , and AAA hosted the event at Cambier Park, offering helmets, bike lights, reflective vests, and safety instruction at no cost to the community.
"It's really sad that Florida has the awful distinction of having the most pedestrian and cyclist fatalities of any other state, and oftentimes it's commuter cyclists who are hit and injured or killed most frequently," said Michelle Avola-Brown, executive director of the Naples Pathways Coalition.
Organizers also advocated for hands-free cell phone use legislation, emphasizing the importance of road safety. The event came just days after a 14-year-old boy was killed in a crash while riding an e-bike.
[related id='4b2c30b7-d689-4eee-b1b1-8b87c1eb7f37' align='center'][/related]
"You got to be able to see them. Those reflectors help because when you see those kids out there at night, no lights, oh man," said Jay Kohlhagen, a cyclist who received gear at the event.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) tells Gulf Coast News that in 2024 (the most recent data available) 5 cyclists and 11 pedestrians were killed. Over 40 sets of gear were provided, free of charge, with other giveaways planned in April at 3rd Street South and Celebration Park.