There have been a few threads about this in the past few days. Seems everyone has differing opinions. I took the time to look up the Florida statutes regarding this to make certain I remain safe.
Here is what I found:
When a sidewalk or designated path is not available, a pedestrian (when feasible) must walk facing traffic keeping as far away as moving vehicles as possible.
A pedestrian must adhere to the same rules as motor vehicles. Obeying signs, stopping at traffic lights, and crossing intersections at posted crosswalks. No jaywallking.
I could not find any statutes that pertain to pedestrians on sidewalks or designated paths. This is probably why everyone does as they see fit.
I spoke to my neighbor this morning about this issue. She said she believes the disagreement comes based on where you lived before you came to the Villages. I believe she is correct. I can easily find as many people who agree with me as disagree. I was raised up north and from the time I was in Kindergarten, I was taught to walk on the far right. Everyone in my city, young to old, did it this way. Never any confusion, ever! Problems did not arise until I came to the Villages.
From this moment on, I am going to observe the walkers around me. If most are walking far right, I will follow suit, if most are walking far left, I will follow suit. I will always leave enough space around me to allow faster traffic to pass. I am willing to change. We live, we learn, we adapt.
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