Quote:
Originally Posted by Topspinmo
Florida law states;
“Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian's direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.”
So, why some walkers walk 2 or more abreast when walking in diamond lanes, MMP, and streets? Clearly not walking with safety in mind when traffic coming.
Walkers are responsible for their own safety walking single file and on left side edge of road. Not strolling down two or more abreast when traffic coming with the I am special attitude.
I see some like challenge oncoming traffic by walking in diamond lanes right up to white line. IMO this dangerous when vehicles in both lanes and walkers meet at same time.
Now I sure some going to say MMP and diamond lanes are not roads as stated in regulation. But, I sure smart enough to realize the intent of regulation when vehicles and pedestrians are mingling on roads. Diamond lanes are extension of road and MMPs are roads.
ROADS;
“road is a thoroughfare for the conveyance of traffic that mostly has an improved surface for use by vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) and pedestrians ...”
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Yep, walkers should be responsible for making the situation as safe as possible. Unfortunately, while the walker will lose a battle in the street they may very well prevail in a battle in court (even if they shouldn't).
Are there diamond lanes where there are not sidewalks? It's certainly possible, I just can't think of an area right now. If there is a sidewalk then the walkers should be on it.
As for pushing their luck with the white line... Cars should stay on their side of the line so as long as a walker is not close enough to be hit by a mirror then theoretically, they should be fine. Reality is drivers don't stay on their own side of the white line whether than line marks an MMP or the shoulder of the road. I certainly wouldn't be walking side-by-side or right up to the white line if there was any other option.