Quote:
Originally Posted by ltcdfancher
It was District 12 that decided to spend several thousands of dollars to install raised pavement markers on MMP in that district, right? Then the Project Wide Advisory Council (?) objected. The Council’s justification was that the markers might be a tripping hazard for walkers or contribute to a biking accident. If either of those were a valid Project Wide concern, then why do we have raised pavement markers anywhere in The Villages? Put these markers in the middle of every path. Walk on the left edge facing traffic; bicyclists keep within your lane (on the right). No one stumbles. No falls from bicycles. No need for super-bright lights to see which way the path weaves up ahead.
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No. Many of the districts discussed the raised pavement markers (RPMs) and then brought their ideas to the PWAC meeting. The PWAC discussed the matter but was mostly ambivalent. CDD5 brought it up again and pushed for an action. The PWAC was reminded of a 2015 study which recommended against the markers. The PWAC asked for an updated study. That was April.
In late April or early May, CDD5 installed RPMs on at least some of the MMPs within their boundaries. At the most recent PWAC meeting, the updated study was presented which again recommended against RPMs. CDD12 had previously been in favor of the PWAC moving forward on RPMs but changed their position in light of the study. The PWAC decided against installing RPMs. CDD5 was called out for making their MMPs non-uniform.
One paragraph in the study read that if the main recommendation against RPMs was disregarded and MMPs were installed anyway then they should be spaced at ten feet apart. It has been reported that CDD5 has decided to spend additional funds to meet the ten-foot recommendation.
The study did recommend markers on curves and in constricted areas and that is what we have today. These markers alert drivers that they are approaching a hazard (turn, lane separator, hill) giving them time to react and enhance safety for carts. These markers pose no additional risk to cyclist or pedestrians since cyclists would not cross the center lane on a curve or a hill and cart drivers have been alerted to pay closer attention.