Quote:
Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby
So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.
HOWEVER
if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.
It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.
But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.
Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.
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I am a cyclist that uses the multimodal path exclusively. In the Villages, I think it is dangerous to use the street. Multimodal does not mean exclusively for golf carts. When there is a golf cart in front on me on a side street and I'm in a car, I slow down. When on the path, if there is enough room for a cart behind me to safely pass, I move over to allow it. Most people in carts are respectful of cyclists and observe the 3 foot rule. That being said, when cycling along split paths (e.g., 466, 466a, Buena Vista, etc.), there is only room for one vehicle, and that includes cyclists. Most carts stay a respectful distance behind, but a few will attempt to pass, and express displeasure when I refuse to let them pass. There have been two instances where a cart has hit my handlebar causing me to fall. I am in good shape and suffered only scratches, but for many people, it would cause serious injury. I have observed other cyclists suffer the same fate.
Also, when crossing the Lake Sumter bridge on Morse, there is a 10MPH limit for carts. I have yet to see a cart observe that limit. A few have been close. Some carts have passed me on the bridge. There is no way to pass and observe the 3 foot rule. I cycle around 10 MPH. Most of the time, if I'm halfway across the bridge, and I see a cart entering the bridge, it is right behind me several seconds later.
As far as using the street, I feel it is dangerous in the Villages unless you're in a group. A car traveling at least 30MPH has to slowdown significantly. All it takes is a small distraction to cause a fatal injury. People who live here have shorter reaction to braking, as well as shorted attention spans (not all, of course).
Just some thoughts to consider.