Where Is It Safe To Run?

[LovingTVLifestyle]

I'm fairly new to TV and am a runner. I was told by the recreation department that the multi-modal trails were where I should be running... including thru the tunnels.

However, after I tried that a few times I was told by some upset fellow Villagers in golf carts that I should run on the grass instead and was NOT to run on the multi-modal trails...

Being a long time runner I've broken my ankle a couple of times running on the grass when my ankle snapped as my foot landed in a hole hidden by the grass.

Therefore, I would really appreciate some helpful advise as to where can I safely run thru The Villages without getting run over by a golf cart... or breaking my ankle again?

[teachnmo]

I am afraid that no matter where you run or where you ride a bike you are going to make someone unhappy. Some are just more vocal about it than others. Enjoy your run!

[njbchbum]

The historic side - north of 441/27...no tunnels and low level of traffic! ;)

[redwitch]

The next time a golf cart driver tells you that, tell 'em to sit on it and twirl. The paths are for you, too. Just be sure to run against traffic.

There is an exercise path between Springdale and Mulberry. Park by the Springdale pool, go towards the left and you'll see the path. Even has markers for quarter-, half- and mile. Yes, gold carts go on this, too, but they seem to know this is really the runners' path, not theirs.

[Buffalo Jim]

Are we allowed to use the track at the high school ?

[dewilson58]

The next time a golf cart driver tells you that, tell 'em to sit on it and twirl. The paths are for you, too. Just be sure to run against traffic.

There is an exercise path between Springdale and Mulberry. Park by the Springdale pool, go towards the left and you'll see the path. Even has markers for quarter-, half- and mile. Yes, gold carts go on this, too, but they seem to know this is really the runners' path, not theirs.

:coolsmiley:

[Tornado Topliss]

Hi there, Officially you are allowed to run on the golf cart paths and that includes going through the tunnels. In fact runners/walkers have priority over all other users although you would not always think so. I would recommend that where there are pavements you run on them rather than the golf cart lane on the road. The Polo Fields has always been a nice place to run as it is approximately one mile around the outer perimeter however very recently there are now restrictions to where you can run and the days and times you can run.We fully understand why these restrictions are in place.
I am in the UK at present but return to The Villages at the end of the week so I am unable to give you the exact latest info regarding the Polo Fields.

We have a very active track and field club which meets at The High School Track on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30am to 9.30am. Wednesdays is the best day to come to meet up with the other distance runners .In fact one of our guys is an ultra distance runner (seven marathons in seven days) but he also High Jumps and throws the javelin.They will give you all the info on the best places to run etc. We have athletes of all abilities ,former Olympians ,4minute milers ,current USA Seniors Champions to novices.A fun group. We are also very active in coaching and officiating for The High School in track and field and cross country. Hope to see you next wednesday. Thursdays Recreation News (come with the Daily Sun) will give you other contacts. John Topliss

[rubicon]

I was not aware that runners and walkers had priority on the multi-modal paths? If they do not then this is bad and perhaps dangerous advice because runners are going to assume that golf carts will stop on a dime for them.

This morning I had an early tee time. It was darker than usual at that time due to the overcast sky blocking out the moon. On my right walking on the wrong side was a gentleman with absolutely no reflectors. His position just before I neared him placed him deeper into the shadows. I purposefully stay well below the required speed and when my lights picked up on him I was forced to make a quick pulled left to avoid hitting him. This guy never realized how close I came to hitting him.

Members on this forum continually compliment the Developer on this remarkable accomplishment but fail to see the lack of vision which created the need for a multi-modal pathway that is unsafe and serves no one. Worse yet we have residents screaming at one another when the reality is we are all at the mercy of a poorly thought out traffic pattern and the specific needs for residents who are encouraged to engage in a healthy lifestyle .

This situation is only going to get worse as the population explodes. It is not even October yet and already the golf carts are backing up at the usual locations

[graciegirl]

The next time a golf cart driver tells you that, tell 'em to sit on it and twirl. The paths are for you, too. Just be sure to run against traffic.

There is an exercise path between Springdale and Mulberry. Park by the Springdale pool, go towards the left and you'll see the path. Even has markers for quarter-, half- and mile. Yes, gold carts go on this, too, but they seem to know this is really the runners' path, not theirs.


That is a new one! I am writing it down.:coolsmiley:

[al & jane]

I've been running here for almost 4 years and primarily use the sidewalks but will often use multi-modal trails to connect from one area to another. I always run facing traffic and normally not in the dark. So far, 99.9% of people have been courteous and move over a bit. If I hear a cart coming from behind as well as see one coming towards me, I'll step off onto the grass. Every time a cart driver gives me a little space I give them a friendly wave to say thanks.

[billethkid]

I would not let a very few grumpd tell you where you should or should not be.
I walk 2-4 miles every day with the dog in the morning....have been doing it for 40 some years (yes, different dogs over time) more than 10 of those years here.

The carts do have to yield to those on foot....they don't like it....they have a thing about having the pedal to the metal with no place to go or be......

when one yells at me, which I can count on one hand over the ten years, I always ask them to pull over and let's discuss their problem! So far no takers.

Use the multi modal paths to run.....unless there is a closed to traffic place to run the multi modal paths are the saftest place to be......

PS....if they are comin' at ya do not assume they see you....most do not!

[sunnyatlast]

While running, please, please, please wear white or bright clothing that is visible especially at dusk. And go on the left side and facing oncoming traffic, especially when you are going thru a tunnel.

It takes a few seconds for eyesight to adjust in the dark tunnels and it's difficult to see a runner still close to the entrance if they are on the right side with back to traffic.

[saratogaman]

Polo field?

[Bay Kid]

Any of the neighborhoods. Usually less traffic. Lots of side streets to add miles.

[Jdmiata]

Any of the neighborhoods. Usually less traffic. Lots of side streets to add miles.

I walk the neighborhood streets all the time. Never had a problem.

[Walter123]

I am always surprised when I see people walking or running through a tunnel. I don't even like taking my golf cart through them. I usually hold my breath because of the fumes but it's also dark and the love bugs like to hang out at the entrances and exits.

[Madelaine Amee]

I walk early in the morning while it is still dark, wear the appropriate clothing and flashers and still have golf carts coming right for me. I ALWAYS get up on the grass to let them go and invariably they are drinking coffee with one hand and steering with the other and they obviously have not seen me! On the other hand several of the carts who pass me know me by now and move over which I appreciate and acknowledge.

[rubicon]

Some posters are confusing rights with realities. The rules of the road apply on the multi-modal pathways. However, like everywhere or anywhere people ignore rules. As an example suppose you have two golf carts approaching from different directions (N-S E-W). Now suppose that you have a pedestrian walking between the two opposing golf carts. By law the golf cart that has as his/her obstruction this pedestrian must stop and let the oncoming golf cart through. I do stop and let the cart pass to protect the safety of the pedestrian.

I have never seen another cart in 8 years stop when confronted with an obstruction person equipment, etc...not once they all try and squeeze by

None of this is going to matter. No one sees my words or their meaning that is until someone really gets seriously injured or killed

[DAWN MARIE]

I've been running here for seven years and also have run just about all of the Village Road Races. I run the multi modal paths as much as I can but also run along the golf cart lane alongside the road to get to these paths. I do not run on sidewalks because cement is the very worse thing for your legs and also because others are walking on them; sometimes with their dogs.

As for the tunnels most generally as you enter a tunnel it's best to run with traffic to your back because of the blind curve for the drivers entering the tunnel. Most of the time I do not even encounter a cart since the tunnels are not that long. But be careful of the blind curves coming in and out of the tunnel and run accordingly.

I have had a small percentage of people yell at me for various reasons due to my running. I usually just wave and smile. Usually it's the fast paced carts I've noticed that have the drivers yelling at me. If I had to drive to the polo fields or some other place just to run I'm sure I'd not be running. It's hard enough to get out the door never mind having to drive somewhere to do this and it shouldn't be necessary. There's not that many runners here in the Villages, even with this large population for this to be a problem.

[sunnyatlast]

I've been running here for seven years and also have run just about all of the Village Road Races. I run the multi modal paths as much as I can but also run along the golf cart lane alongside the road to get to these paths. I do not run on sidewalks because cement is the very worse thing for your legs and also because others are walking on them; sometimes with their dogs.

As for the tunnels most generally as you enter a tunnel it's best to run with traffic to your back because of the blind curve for the drivers entering the tunnel. Most of the time I do not even encounter a cart since the tunnels are not that long. But be careful of the blind curves coming in and out of the tunnel and run accordingly.

I have had a small percentage of people yell at me for various reasons due to my running. I usually just wave and smile. Usually it's the fast paced carts I've noticed that have the drivers yelling at me. If I had to drive to the polo fields or some other place just to run I'm sure I'd not be running. It's hard enough to get out the door never mind having to drive somewhere to do this and it shouldn't be necessary. There's not that many runners here in the Villages, even with this large population for this to be a problem.

Ummmm…They are yelling at you for the same reason that they'd yell at a bicyclist or runner on I-75 if it were allowed: it's dangerous, given the speed and horsepower and smashing weight of the motor vehicles.

Not everything that is legal is sensible. Running in a tunnel with back to motor carts entering from sunlight into darkness is not exactly sensible.

[jbdlfan]

I also run the neighborhood streets early morning, about 5:45. We live in the northern section so not much traffic to deal with. I just put my earbuds in and crank out the George Thorogood. Can't hear them complain and just wave.....

[Bizdoc]

I would suggest that you not block out noise with ears buds and high volume anything. Electric golf carts don't make much noise and suddenly turning in front of one will break more than an ankle.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The historic side - north of 441/27...no tunnels and low level of traffic! ;)


I agree. I ride my bicycle here all the time and I see a lot of people walking and running on the streets. There is very little traffic.

[rubicon]

I've been running here for seven years and also have run just about all of the Village Road Races. I run the multi modal paths as much as I can but also run along the golf cart lane alongside the road to get to these paths. I do not run on sidewalks because cement is the very worse thing for your legs and also because others are walking on them; sometimes with their dogs.

As for the tunnels most generally as you enter a tunnel it's best to run with traffic to your back because of the blind curve for the drivers entering the tunnel. Most of the time I do not even encounter a cart since the tunnels are not that long. But be careful of the blind curves coming in and out of the tunnel and run accordingly.

I have had a small percentage of people yell at me for various reasons due to my running. I usually just wave and smile. Usually it's the fast paced carts I've noticed that have the drivers yelling at me. If I had to drive to the polo fields or some other place just to run I'm sure I'd not be running. It's hard enough to get out the door never mind having to drive somewhere to do this and it shouldn't be necessary. There's not that many runners here in the Villages, even with this large population for this to be a problem.

Dawn Marie: You are right and you should not have been faced with dealing with impatient people nor they with you. with a little more planning all of this unnecessary confrontation and safety issues could have been eliminated. It doesn't take much thought to recognize that building multi-modal paths was going to create unsafe obstructions. This is especially true since the whole point of The Villages was to provide a health lifestyle to its residents. The tunnel running under Buena Vista just south of the Bonnybrook entrance is not equipped with lights, despite a reminder from me a year ago. anyone entering that tunnel at dawn or dusk is taking a very big risk. Be careful out there

[LovingTVLifestyle]

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful feedback and consideration. I'm going to alter my route a bit and keep running against traffic... and probably avoid any tunnels.

I really appreciate all the input and positive attitude.

[DAWN MARIE]

If you run any sort of distance it is hard to avoid tunnels or at least one. I do have a four mile route I ran this afternoon and no tunnel. But of course I don't want to run the same course all the time for boredom factor and it would be difficult to run an 8 miler without running into a tunnel somewhere. I have had absolutely no problem running in the tunnels. Very rarely do I see anyone but when I do I'm usually running alongside them and there hasn't been any issues. Actually never even been yelled at in a tunnel. Usually it's on the road alongside the golf cart lane is where I get the occasional heckler.

[DAWN MARIE]

Ummmm…They are yelling at you for the same reason that they'd yell at a bicyclist or runner on I-75 if it were allowed: it's dangerous, given the speed and horsepower and smashing weight of the motor vehicles.

Not everything that is legal is sensible. Running in a tunnel with back to motor carts entering from sunlight into darkness is not exactly sensible.

I've been running for over 30 years and I do believe I use common sense when I run. Any of the "near" accidents I've encountered has been a result of driver inattention such as a driver coming out of a side street looking left and turning right without looking right first. And there I am looking at the driver's face to make sure they see me. Some do and some don't by the look of horror on their faces. Believe me common sense is part of my running routine.