Safety Tips for Children and Families
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 cyclist and pedestrian fatalities. For the last two decades, one non-profit has been working tirelessly to change that by championing safer streets for cyclists, walkers, runners, and families who want to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle outside the confines of a gym.
Naples Pathways Coalition has been dedicated to transforming Collier County into a haven for pedestrians and cyclists 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
Use Designated Crosswalks
Always cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections. Avoid crossing mid-block, especially on busy roads.
Be Visible
Wear bright, reflective clothing and accessories and carry a flashlight at night or in low-light conditions.
Stay Alert
Avoid distractions like texting or listening to loud music, especially when crossing streets.
Walk Left
Where sidewalks are unavailable, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
SAFETY TIPS FOR BIKING
Follow the Rules of the Road
Cyclists are considered vehicles in most jurisdictions. Obey traffic signals, signs, and lane markings.
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. Ride on the right with traffic.
Stay Visible
Equip your bike with front and rear lights and wear bright or reflective clothing day or night.
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.
Wear a Helmet
Properly fit helmets reduce the risk of head injuries and can save lives in case of crashes or falls. Helmets are required by law for children under 16 years of age.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO WALK, BIKE, AND RUN
Trails are the safest place to recreate. Even better to be 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, NPC 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, NPC introduced the vision for the Paradise Coast Trail, which will be a 100+ mile biking, walking, and running trail that will be 10-12 feet 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 NPC’s advocacy efforts, education programs, and the completion of the Paradise Coast Trail, visit NaplesPathways.org.
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