[Accidental1]

[QUOTE=Gladys Turnip;2090477]

Originally Posted by kkimball

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Dear OP - I'm a walker, and my question concerns the walking paths in the south end of the The Villages (not the MMPs, but the narrower paths that only allow walkers and bikers, no golf carts; for example the Hogeye Sink Pathway).

I understand the need to share these paths, but they are very narrow. My question is, why do so many bike riders not say "On Your Left" as they zoom past, just off the shoulder of walkers? It's very dangerous.

I'd estimate that 50% of bike riders (the considerate ones) provide a nice, clear, robust "On Your Left" announcement as they approach a walker. When I hear that, I move over even further to my right to ensure that the biker has plenty of room. (I also always give a nice loud "thank you" to the biker for providing the warning.)

The other 50% of bike riders however, never say a word and just fly by, often only inches from a walker. As I said it's very dangerous for both the walker and the rider. It would seem to take very little effort for a biker to open their mouth and provide a quick safety warning.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

I’ll share my thoughts on this because I walk these paths frequently. I like bikers that use bells to alert walkers. Whether they use bells or say “on the left” it should be done well away from the walkers so as not to startle them. Actually, It makes sense to me to treat the walk/cycle paths like walking on a street and walk to the left facing oncoming wheeled traffic.