Gate Keepers....safe entry

[BigGuy]

This is an on going problem that needs to be addressed again.
Went through resident gate when a truck in visitor lane stepped on it and nearly clipped me.
Why aren't the gate attendants holding the visitor lane up until the all resident lane traffic has gone through. Whoever is in that lane should not be a resident and have to wait until all residents waiting to go through pass safely.
This will also stop residents going in visitor lane trying to beat the resident line.
It's very frustrating being third one in line and having commercial truck or a resident car come along in visitor lane and go ahead everyone.
The attendants are very polite and friendly but need make it a little safer at these entry gates.

[red tail]

This is an on going problem that needs to be addressed again.
Went through resident gate when a truck in visitor lane stepped on it and nearly clipped me.
Why aren't the gate attendants holding the visitor lane up until the all resident lane traffic has gone through. Whoever is in that lane should not be a resident and have to wait until all residents waiting to go through pass safely.
This will also stop residents going in visitor lane trying to beat the resident line.
It's very frustrating being third one in line and having commercial truck or a resident car come along in visitor lane and go ahead everyone.
The attendants are very polite and friendly but need make it a little safer at these entry gates.

these are public roads...residents don't get first choice.

[Miles42]

Well that solves that.

[Bogie Shooter]

This is an on going problem that needs to be addressed again.
Went through resident gate when a truck in visitor lane stepped on it and nearly clipped me.
Why aren't the gate attendants holding the visitor lane up until the all resident lane traffic has gone through. Whoever is in that lane should not be a resident and have to wait until all residents waiting to go through pass safely.
This will also stop residents going in visitor lane trying to beat the resident line.
It's very frustrating being third one in line and having commercial truck or a resident car come along in visitor lane and go ahead everyone.
The attendants are very polite and friendly but need make it a little safer at these entry gates.

If you are really concerned, calling Community Watch will get more action than posting on here......................
Contact Us


Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

[dewilson58]

I only got two pickles on my cheeseburger

[dirtbanker]

these are public roads...residents don't get first choice.
Yeah! I prefer to use the visitor lane, and when the gate attendant holds out the stop sign; I laugh and yell as I go by "That is not a legal stop sign for this public road"!:jester:

[Phanatic Luvr]

Have you seen it printed anywhere that residents get to go first? And if so, where? Like the other poster posted, all of our roads are public roadways. I would think, each would take turns and the gate keepers can control the staggering of vehicles.

[Shimpy]

Yeah! I prefer to use the visitor lane, and when the gate attendant holds out the stop sign; I laugh and yell as I go by "That is not a legal stop sign for this public road"!:jester:

SO.....Then you run thru the closed gate?

[BobnBev]

I only got two pickles on my cheeseburger

Lucky you, I got 2 pickles and NO cheeseburger.:rant-rave::swear::shrug:

[OpusX1]

This is an on going problem that needs to be addressed again.
Went through resident gate when a truck in visitor lane stepped on it and nearly clipped me.
Why aren't the gate attendants holding the visitor lane up until the all resident lane traffic has gone through. Whoever is in that lane should not be a resident and have to wait until all residents waiting to go through pass safely.
This will also stop residents going in visitor lane trying to beat the resident line.
It's very frustrating being third one in line and having commercial truck or a resident car come along in visitor lane and go ahead everyone.
The attendants are very polite and friendly but need make it a little safer at these entry gates.


Wow:confused:

[Bogie Shooter]

So much whining over two pickles.:swear:

[dewilson58]

Lucky you, I got 2 pickles and NO cheeseburger.:rant-rave::swear::shrug:

But you got served faster than I.

:swear:

[dirtbanker]

SO.....Then you run thru the closed gate?

Nah, not that crazy...

I was joking, but most of the times I roll up they don't have the gate down (probable due to a few cars waiting in line already, to get in) the gate keeper has a little hand stop sign that he waves at you while giving you a stern look, once you stop he waves you thru...NO, he does not care who you are, or how many crowbars you (or your passengers) are holding...

[pooh]

Well, if you hold up the visitors lane, how soon do you think traffic will be backed up in the roundabouts and then no one moves?

There are times when I use the visitors gate....saves some wear and tear on the driver's side window motor.

The gates are there to help control the flow of traffic and let golf carts cross in relative safety. Yes, there are some who "gun it" when going through the visitors side. It's up to us to stay safe and let those who feel they need to get out there first, go so no one is hurt. Some are just less mature than others. We'll be delayed by only one car...;)

[Deseylou]

Treat it like a 2 way stop
Take turns, be nice
Debbie

[marlinguy]

Whats the name of the guy on 1st base? No Who's on 1st. Ok, who's on 1st? That's Right. Who's on 1st? Yes.,,,yada yada,,,:a20::a20:

[Polar Bear]

...all of our roads are public roadway...take turns and the gate keepers can control the staggering of vehicles.

Yep.

[big guy]

Let's see, it's pouring rain. Should I (1) drive up to the resident gate, roll the window down and flash my card key while getting soaked or should I (2) drive up to the visitor gate, stay dry, save the motor on my window, and save a little on gas by not standing in line. No contest! The last time I looked there was nothing that said "visitors only, absolutely no residents".

[Barefoot]

This is an on going problem that needs to be addressed again.
Why aren't the gate attendants holding the visitor lane up until the all resident lane traffic has gone through. Whoever is in that lane should not be a resident and have to wait until all residents waiting to go through pass safely.


I don't agree this is a problem that needs to be addressed again. :ohdear:
These are public roads.
Take turns.

[Barefoot]

I only got two pickles on my cheeseburger

I think you've started a new TOTV saying. :bigbow:
Like "Boy Howdy", it works in a lot of different situations. :girlneener:

[tommy steam]

I think the gate keepers do a good job.

[Bonanza]

I don't agree this is a problem that needs to be addressed again. :ohdear:
These are public roads.
Take turns.

You hit the nail on the head, Bare . . . Our roads are public.

Get rid of the gates.
Get rid of the Keystone Cops.
Make the entrances filter into one lane.

There are many bonuses to doing these things:

We will be saving well over $1,000,000 a year in salaries,
maintenance of the gates and houses, electric, water, etc.

Bottom line -- the gates are a joke. We are not a private community and they're a waste!

[DonH57]

Ha Ha. I got three pickle slices on my cheeseburger.

[Bogie Shooter]

Things are fine the way they are.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

In spite of all the supercilious answers …..

I understand the op's question and frequently experience vehicles coming up (sometimes unexpected) on my left after starting through the residents gate. Often there are backups at the visitor's gate and visiter lane vehicles will "hit the gas" in an effort to get going, not realizing another vehicle may be merging from the right lane. There are NO signs indicating merging lanes when entering some gates that become single lane. So, why do the gate attendants open the visitor's gate when the other gate has a vehicle already started to pass through? When you enter TV using the residents gate and there is a vehicle(s) in the visitor lane, how soon should you expect that vehicle to clear the gate and be next to you?

As a result, when entering gates, we have become sensitive to the potential situation but that doesn't change the bigger safety issue.

Doesn't that seem like a reasonable and valid question?

This IS NOT a "residents have priority" issue. And we know these are PUBLIC roads. And this thread has nothing to do with FOOD. And it is not a PUT DOWN to gate attendants. And we know we can SEND an email to…..

However, since many of the TOTV contributors pride themselves on their earned knowledge about TV, some of us start here to first ask our questions.

Is that so wrong?

I would also like to ask (and paraphrase intent of) the OP's question again….anyone know why the gate attendants are not trained to open the visitor gate (the only one they easily control) in such a way that two vehicles are not simultaneously (and for those in the right lane unexpected of a vehicle coming up from the left side) being forced into a single traffic lane?

Don

[Bogie Shooter]

In spite of all the supercilious answers …..

I understand the op's question and frequently experience vehicles coming up (sometimes unexpected) on my left after starting through the residents gate. Often there are backups at the visitor's gate and visiter lane vehicles will "hit the gas" in an effort to get going, not realizing another vehicle may be merging from the right lane. There are NO signs indicating merging lanes when entering some gates that become single lane. So, why do the gate attendants open the visitor's gate when the other gate has a vehicle already started to pass through? When you enter TV using the residents gate and there is a vehicle(s) in the visitor lane, how soon should you expect that vehicle to clear the gate and be next to you?

As a result, when entering gates, we have become sensitive to the potential situation but that doesn't change the bigger safety issue.

Doesn't that seem like a reasonable and valid question?

This IS NOT a "residents have priority" issue. And we know these are PUBLIC roads. And this thread has nothing to do with FOOD. And it is not a PUT DOWN to gate attendants. And we know we can SEND an email to…..

However, since many of the TOTV contributors pride themselves on their earned knowledge about TV, some of us start here to first ask our questions.

Is that so wrong?

I would also like to ask (and paraphrase intent of) the OP's question again….anyone know why the gate attendants are not trained to open the visitor gate (the only one they easily control) in such a way that two vehicles are not simultaneously (and for those in the right lane unexpected of a vehicle coming up from the left side) being forced into a single traffic lane?

Don

And I ask who better to answer that question than the folks running Community Watch?
How would any poster on TOTV have the real answer?

[graciegirl]

The cheeseburgers here always have exactly the right amount of pickles for me. I like the way they are served. And I am really a fan of the servers.

[pooh]

You hit the nail on the head, Bare . . . Our roads are public.

Get rid of the gates.
Get rid of the Keystone Cops.
Make the entrances filter into one lane.

There are many bonuses to doing these things:

We will be saving well over $1,000,000 a year in salaries,
maintenance of the gates and houses, electric, water, etc.

Bottom line -- the gates are a joke. We are not a private community and they're a waste!




Getting rid of the gates might just also "get rid" of some of those pesky Villagers riding around in golf carts. The gates slow down the cars entering various villages....gives the cart drivers a chance to cross the road.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

And I ask who better to answer that question than the folks running Community Watch?
How would any poster on TOTV have the real answer?


I understand your suggestion to contact community watch.

However, past lack of "real answers" has not diminished TOTV as a good source for starting to look for possible explanations has it?

We ask questions here just like we would in a social setting face to face.

This thread just seemed to go "over the top" with it's dismissal of a valid question that happen to also be on my mind.

I am hoping that there may be some insight/experience into this question in TOTV land and would hate to see it get squashed.

Thanks for your suggestion. :thumbup:

Don

[DougB]

Ha Ha. I got three pickle slices on my cheeseburger.

Your pickle burger had cheese?

[Barefoot]

In spite of all the supercilious answers ….. Snipped .....
anyone know why the gate attendants are not trained to open the visitor gate in such a way that two vehicles are not simultaneously being forced into a single traffic lane?

I'm sorry you find the responses supercilious.
Since the roads are public, why should residents receive preferential treatment?
Taking turns seems to be a workable concept.

[BigGuy]

This was a safety issue never preferential treatment. A suggestion was made since there are two designated lanes. Before you know it we're talking pickles.
Maybe I'm old school....."be polite and wait your turn".

[MikeV]

In spite of all the supercilious answers …..

I understand the op's question and frequently experience vehicles coming up (sometimes unexpected) on my left after starting through the residents gate. Often there are backups at the visitor's gate and visiter lane vehicles will "hit the gas" in an effort to get going, not realizing another vehicle may be merging from the right lane. There are NO signs indicating merging lanes when entering some gates that become single lane. So, why do the gate attendants open the visitor's gate when the other gate has a vehicle already started to pass through? When you enter TV using the residents gate and there is a vehicle(s) in the visitor lane, how soon should you expect that vehicle to clear the gate and be next to you?

As a result, when entering gates, we have become sensitive to the potential situation but that doesn't change the bigger safety issue.

Doesn't that seem like a reasonable and valid question?

This IS NOT a "residents have priority" issue. And we know these are PUBLIC roads. And this thread has nothing to do with FOOD. And it is not a PUT DOWN to gate attendants. And we know we can SEND an email to…..

However, since many of the TOTV contributors pride themselves on their earned knowledge about TV, some of us start here to first ask our questions.

Is that so wrong?

I would also like to ask (and paraphrase intent of) the OP's question again….anyone know why the gate attendants are not trained to open the visitor gate (the only one they easily control) in such a way that two vehicles are not simultaneously (and for those in the right lane unexpected of a vehicle coming up from the left side) being forced into a single traffic lane?

Don


I was gonna say all that. :bowdown:

[kittygilchrist]

This is an on going problem that needs to be addressed again.
Went through resident gate when a truck in visitor lane stepped on it and nearly clipped me.
Why aren't the gate attendants holding the visitor lane up until the all resident lane traffic has gone through. Whoever is in that lane should not be a resident and have to wait until all residents waiting to go through pass safely.
This will also stop residents going in visitor lane trying to beat the resident line.
It's very frustrating being third one in line and having commercial truck or a resident car come along in visitor lane and go ahead everyone.
The attendants are very polite and friendly but need make it a little safer at these entry gates.


After stopping at the gate, both lanes are merging. When merging, the lane that is straighter and on the left usually has the right-of-way. That would be the visitor gate.

I prefer going through the visitor gate for several reasons. It is faster even when no one is waiting in line, especially faster when residents are waiting in line, and much safer when exiting a traffic circle because it is the inside lane away from incoming traffic.

It would be a mistake for me to go through a gate assuming that I should be first, regardless of which gate I have entered. The status of my being a resident means nothing as to traffic law and visitors should expect equal status, which is their right.

[graciegirl]

Be very careful. Watch all around you. If you are entering at the same time, pause long enough so the other car can go ahead of you and the one behind you can honk.

[Bogie Shooter]

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[Steve9930]

Be aware, be polite, exercise caution, Just normal rules that enhance the flow of traffic. The driver of the vehicle is the ultimate person responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle. Remember while driving you can be dead right. We are all retired there is no rush.

[dewilson58]

Be aware, be polite, exercise caution, Just normal rules that enhance the flow of traffic. The driver of the vehicle is the ultimate person responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle. Remember while driving you can be dead right. We are all retired there is no rush.

No Rush, unless you are late for Happy Hour.
(Still haven't figured out when Happy Hour starts)

:beer3:

[DougB]

I'm sorry you find the responses supercilious.
Since the roads are public, why should residents receive preferential treatment?
Taking turns seems to be a workable concept.

Maybe he meant supersillious?

[Steve9930]

No Rush, unless you are late for Happy Hour.
(Still haven't figured out when Happy Hour starts)

:beer3:
When you get there and they take your drink order!

[DougB]

No Rush, unless you are late for Happy Hour.
(Still haven't figured out when Happy Hour starts)

:beer3:

What time you wake up?

[Barefoot]

Why aren't the gate attendants holding the visitor lane up until the all resident lane traffic has gone through. Whoever is in that lane should not be a resident and have to wait until all residents waiting to go through pass safely.


This was a safety issue never preferential treatment. A suggestion was made since there are two designated lanes. Before you know it we're talking pickles.


Sorry, your first post still looks to me like you are suggesting preferential treatment for residents.

And I think people that get pickles on their cheeseburgers are lucky, because I got horse radish.

[chuckinca]

...

[Bonny]

:popcorn: While some of you are getting your cheeseburgers all fixed, I would like some extra butter on my popcorn. :girlneener:

[billlaur]

Here is some cheese for your whine.:jester:

[begdeb]

The gate attendants do the best they can to control the traffic. The stop sign is to slow you down so they are able to stagger the traffic thru the gates. Its the idiots piggy backing and running the gates that cause the trouble. Why is everyone is such a big hurry anyway. And No I am not a gate attendant.

[rubicon]

The OP's description describes a very impatient driver with apparently little appreciation that his/her act creates safety issues for others.

Barefoot's position is spot on. consider what would happen at Morse/466 without a gate. there are far too many drivers that believe their travel reason trump all others. Envision what happens on an interstate when a lane is blocked. you get total gridlock because far too many people try to cut off others rather than creating an alternating pattern which goes a long way to eliminating the gridlock.

The gates are not the problem People are the problem and without them there will be some serious accidents created by impatient drivers

[rn1tv]

I am not impatient going through the gates and I find the gatekeepers on both ends of Morse Blvd. to be the best. My concern and, yes, complaint is the gatekeeper (great example is Sunset Point) who opens the visitors gate immediately after you scan your card and both vehicles have entry; not to mention the golf carts crossing. This is so dangerous but has happened to me at this gate and other gates. Have gone to resident only entrances to avoid this. Not sure what the solution is.

[bluedog103]

The cheeseburgers here always have exactly the right amount of pickles for me. I like the way they are served. And I am really a fan of the servers.
I heard you work for the restaurant owner!:jester::jester:

[DougB]

I like the gates and I think the gate keepers do a great job.

[dewilson58]

I like the gates and I think the gate keepers do a great job.

I agree!!!

Pickles for everyone.

[alanmcdonald]

As a new Villager in Pinellas I failed to realize that when the resident gate goes up there is a good chance someone is coming through the visitor gate. Got cut off by an SUV but fortunately stopped before we collided.

I now remember to look to the left before proceeding through the resident gates and have warned my wife to do the same.

I don't believe that the resident gates should have preference or priority, but the visitors should have some responsibility to look to the right to see if anyone is coming through the resident gate too. I have never seen that happen.

[kittygilchrist]

As a new Villager in Pinellas I failed to realize that when the resident gate goes up there is a good chance someone is coming through the visitor gate. Got cut off by an SUV but fortunately stopped before we collided.

I now remember to look to the left before proceeding through the resident gates and have warned my wife to do the same.

I don't believe that the resident gates should have preference or priority, but the visitors should have some responsibility to look to the right to see if anyone is coming through the resident gate too. I have never seen that happen.

So residents are put in the position of merging into the visitor lane which is the straight lane. In my view the visitor lane has the best lane for staying safe and the advantage of right-of-way I am not mistaken.

[graciegirl]

In this perfect place which I dearly love, you must drive as if everyone is out to get you and they have a shaker of martini's on the seat beside them. It is halfway o.k. now but January, February and March brings in the Rookies who are out to mow you down. You gotta drive defensively. Be Careful! Folks from certain parts of the country view stop signs and traffic lights as only suggestions.

AND it isn't because we are all senile blithering idiots. The idiots who are driving around here have always been idiots and some of the WORST are in the contractors trucks.

[rubicon]

I am not impatient going through the gates and I find the gatekeepers on both ends of Morse Blvd. to be the best. My concern and, yes, complaint is the gatekeeper (great example is Sunset Point) who opens the visitors gate immediately after you scan your card and both vehicles have entry; not to mention the golf carts crossing. This is so dangerous but has happened to me at this gate and other gates. Have gone to resident only entrances to avoid this. Not sure what the solution is.

rn1tv: Thank you your example underscores the benefits of the gates and it also underscores that in this case a gatekeeper who needs further training.

[Pointer]

:welcome: as I understand it the gates serve a few purposes; to slow down traffic, take your picture (so smile) and give the appearance that we are serious about our communities protection. (It serves as a deterrent to quick get aways and drive-bys) and to accommodate our golf carts.They also provide jobs. A win, win, win. And we are free to use either lane but only residents get to have their own lane. I love that part so I use the resident lane with pride and :D.
Anytime you are approaching a place where there is other traffic or pedestrians we need to be alert and understand that humans are fallible for any number of reasons, our selves included. Be careful and be polite and be happy as much as you can. After all it's not like any one of us is getting out alive.

Oh no happy hour is only an hour, I thought it was all day long here. I've been duped.:1rotfl:

[rubicon]

Some folks who have been on TOTV for an appreciable length of time appear to forget that repeated conversation with topic such the gate or restaurants, etc were important to them at one time. As such they should extend courtsey for new members who express their opinions and refrain from silliness like pickles and hamburgers. it may be same old same old to you but for a newbie it is well new. given that the first thing i look at is when the OP came on board and /or how many posts they have accumulated

[DeanFL]

Some folks who have been on TOTV for an appreciable length of time appear to forget that repeated conversation with topic such the gate or restaurants, etc were important to them at one time. As such they should extend courtsey for new members who express their opinions and refrain from silliness like pickles and hamburgers. it may be same old same old to you but for a newbie it is well new. given that the first thing i look at is when the OP came on board and /or how many posts they have accumulated

Very well said! I have been a ToTV member for years, but a resident now for only 5 months. Although some topics may be old news for many here, they can be valid and timely for newbies, especially after actually residing in TV. I have seen a few OPs recently being skewered for innocent mistakes - and...must say...the pickle-thing is already worn out.

I've learned so much from this forum and enjoy so many folks who take part. We enjoy a joke or wry comment but some of the know-it-all slamming can be a turnoff.

[dewilson58]

Some folks who have been on TOTV for an appreciable length of time appear to forget that repeated conversation with topic such the gate or restaurants, etc were important to them at one time. As such they should extend courtsey for new members who express their opinions and refrain from silliness like pickles and hamburgers. it may be same old same old to you but for a newbie it is well new. given that the first thing i look at is when the OP came on board and /or how many posts they have accumulated


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

It's a silly newbie talking about pickles.

:BigApplause:

[Polar Bear]

...the pickle-thing is already worn out...

Agree.