[toeser]

Originally Posted by Abob954

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.

When biking, I have quit moving over on split areas of paths. I have had too many people pass me so close I could have shaken hands with the passenger. Some cart drivers are real jerks when they cannot get by until the split ends, but so be it. I'm not going to die because someone can't wait 10 more seconds.