Quote:
Originally Posted by golfing eagles
I do have a legitimate question for you. Pedestrians are supposed to walk opposite traffic on roadways, as well as MMPs. What is the rule for mobility devices? Going on a cart path, such as Morse north of 466 opposite carts and bicycles would probably present a safety issue for all, yet there are no sidewalks. In that case do you proceed with traffic? I'm sure someone will post to stay out of that area, but that defeats the whole purpose, not to mention that they don't get to dictate where and when you can go somewhere. Thoughts?
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Interesting question. I don't know that it has ever been addressed in the law. As you correctly state, bicycles are supposed to travel with the traffic, on the edge of the roadway, and pedestrians are supposed to walk facing traffic on the edge of the roadway.
The logic for pedestrians is that they might observe a developing safety issue, such as a car that is weaving down the road, and leap aside. This is impractical for mobility scooters which do not have the agility to move aside quickly and safely.
As a practical matter, I have driven a golf cart on Morse Blvd. many times and have never encountered a pedestrian, so the possibility of an encounter with a pedestrian there is extremely low. I would not take a mobility scooter on Morse, since there are alternative routes between Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing, but if I absolutely had to do so, I would use the right side of the golf cart lane, moving with traffic.
I would also keep to the right on MMPs due to concern that an oncoming golf cart driver might be confused by seeing a "vehicle" approaching which was driving on the left side of the roadway.
Now, let me express my appreciation on behalf of your many patients for facilitating obtaining devices that improve their quality of life. I find a mobility scooter far superior to a wheelchair. Interestingly, if a patient buys his own scooter (as opposed to getting it through Medicare) and has a doctor's prescription to get it, then the Florida state sales tax on the purchase is waived.