Environmental and cycling enthusiasts have garnered $5 million in grants to study the feasibility of a destination biking path paved across the state. Under the leadership of a group called the Naples Pathways Coalition, the pathway would be paved parallel to US 41—also known as the Tamiami Trail.

Maureen Bonness, director of the Naples Pathways Coalition, says the pathway, if created, will be a “destination trail” that will draw cycling enthusiasts from all over the world.

She says that the trail will also take the environment into account. She says it will likely be elevated in some parts to allow for water flow just like the bridges that are currently being built on US 41 in Miami-Dade County.

“The pathway provides a way to actually see those wetlands that are being restored,” she says. “You are not going to be able to see it well going 50 miles an hour on a bridge. But if you can stop and walk, or cycle, you can look over the bridge look down at the water -- see the alligators, or birds.”

This multi-use pathway is in the study phase right now. The group has received about $5 million from state and federal grants to assess whether the plan is feasible.

Boness says in addition to finding funding, another challenge will be making it environmentally friendly. Because the Everglades are a national park, there are extra regulations for building anything there. She also says that the group has to get permission from neighboring communities before a path can be built.