Quote:
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.
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I'm already considerate. I'm a cyclist. Once again (I feel like I'm repeating myself, again)...
There was no risk of violating a three-foot rule, at the time I saw that I could pass this guy. HE sped up, to prevent me from safely passing him. Up until he sped up, it was 100% safe for me to pass him, on a wide, sprawling multimodal path with grassy embankments on both sides, and no split in the middle. As soon as I went to pass him - since he was only going 9mph in a 20mph zone - he sped up to 12, and that meant it would take me longer to pass him if I wanted to maintain a safe and legal speed. As soon as I got back over to the right after realizing he would not allow me to pass him, he slowed down. He did this on purpose.