multi-modal and getting along

[cromlich]

My friend and I just had a very interesting experience on the "multi-modul path" over by 466 and Belevedere. Two bicyclists
(man and women) were riding in front of us. My friend passed them as they were the slower traffic. When we came to the stop the man intentionally hit her from behind and the woman yelled at her. My friend did nothing wrong. There was plenty of time to pass. No wonder no one wants to share the road with these so called "jerks". I told the lady we passed her because she was the slower traffic and she flipped us off and yelled "go to h---". NICE, real class!

[MikeV]

See, I have been telling my wife exercise makes you crazy.

[CFrance]

See, I have been telling my wife exercise makes you crazy.
:coolsmiley:
I love these kind of responses, because there is nothing you can do about some jerks but have a laugh over them.:1rotfl:

[kcrazorbackfan]

:coolsmiley:
I love these kind of responses, because there is nothing you can do about some jerks but have a laugh over them.:1rotfl:

:agree: No point in getting an assault and battery charge over an idiot. :boxing2: Hmm, sounds like the woman wore the pants in that couple also. ;)

[ugotme]

Ahhh - a chance to use my favorite saying . . .

YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID!

[villagetinker]

"you can't fix Stupid" Or completely totally inconsiderate. I ride my bike occasionally. I expect to be passed by faster traffic, and I stop at stop signs, and I signal when I am turning. AND I avoid locations and paths where I would be putting myself in danger......

It is too bad that you came across these idiots, the rest of us in the villages are wonderful people.

[cromlich]

:coolsmiley:
I love these kind of responses, because there is nothing you can do about some jerks but have a laugh over them.:1rotfl:

I do, also! Love it when we can laugh about it.

[graciegirl]

AND Mr. Hog. Most women wear the pants. Dresses aren't in anymore.

[pbkmaine]

Particularly when riding a bicycle!

[TrudyM]

It kills me that some people who ride bikes don't make the connection that they are a vehicle and that road rules apply.
At home our very twisty street runs all the way around the island and there is a park up by the freeway where people can park and they park their cars and bike around the island sometimes in packs. So because of all the curves long lines of cars end up behind them sometimes. If they are obeying the road rules I don't have a problem but....
Just before we came down I passed (in my car) a biker then around a couple curves put on my blinker to turn right but had to wait for a car to clear so stopped in the lane for a sec. Bike passes me between the curb and my car as I am turning and screams I cut him off. Hello my turn signal is on no passing on the right outside the lane get a clue.

[Walter123]

My friend and I just had a very interesting experience on the "multi-modul path" over by 466 and Belevedere. Two bicyclists
(man and women) were riding in front of us. My friend passed them as they were the slower traffic. When we came to the stop the man intentionally hit her from behind and the woman yelled at her. My friend did nothing wrong. There was plenty of time to pass. No wonder no one wants to share the road with these so called "jerks". I told the lady we passed her because she was the slower traffic and she flipped us off and yelled "go to h---". NICE, real class!

We're you in a golf cart? Did you give them at least 3 feet of room when you passed?

[cromlich]

There are a lot of "good" bikers out there that follow the rules. I think the problem arises when the opinion that "I have rights" takes over common sense. It's not just bikers but some walkers, golf carters, etc that feel they are all that matters. We need to just be safe and care about each other as much as we do ourselves.

[NYGUY]

"you can't fix Stupid" Or completely totally inconsiderate. I ride my bike occasionally. I expect to be passed by faster traffic, and I stop at stop signs, and I signal when I am turning. AND I avoid locations and paths where I would be putting myself in danger......

It's always nice to hear from responsible bikers...:coolsmiley:

[Chazz]

My friend and I just had a very interesting experience on the "multi-modul path" over by 466 and Belevedere. Two bicyclists
(man and women) were riding in front of us. My friend passed them as they were the slower traffic. When we came to the stop the man intentionally hit her from behind and the woman yelled at her. My friend did nothing wrong. There was plenty of time to pass. No wonder no one wants to share the road with these so called "jerks". I told the lady we passed her because she was the slower traffic and she flipped us off and yelled "go to h---". NICE, real class!

I am sorry that you were subjected to this type of rude behavior, which borders on the criminal, as you described that the cyclist intentionally hit your friend's cart. The words and "hand signals" are of less concern. I'm glad that no one was injured.

Such aggressive behavior by cyclists are pretty rare, in my experience, as they are at such a distinct disadvantage in any physical conflict with any other vehicle. The only thing that I can imagine that might provoke such behavior might have been their perception that they were being passed unsafely and/or illegally (less than the required 3 feet).

[billethkid]

There are a lot of "good" bikers out there that follow the rules. I think the problem arises when the opinion that "I have rights" takes over common sense. It's not just bikers but some walkers, golf carters, etc that feel they are all that matters. We need to just be safe and care about each other as much as we do ourselves.

The 99% of us that do always wonder why the 1% and the isolated fools gets so much play!

[outlaw]

I'm curious if the slower cyclists were riding single file or abreast. I am an avid cyclist and I ride on the cart paths for safety reasons. I always ride single file as far to the right as possible whenever I see a golf cart approaching from the rear (I use a mirror). I am amazed at the belligerent behavior of so many cyclists, demanding the whole lane no matter the safety costs. Full disclosure; I run most stop signs while cycling (slow and go). Unless, of course, I see the po po.

[DAWN MARIE]

Such aggressive behavior by cyclists are pretty rare, in my experience, as they are at such a distinct disadvantage in any physical conflict with any other vehicle. The only thing that I can imagine that might provoke such behavior might have been their perception that they were being passed unsafely and/or illegally (less than the required 3 feet).

I agree but have to tell you that this sort of aggressive behavior in general in the Villages is why we just moved to the Plantation. Been here 7 years and as avid runners have seen so much aggressive reactions unlike anything we've ever seen country wide. Been running in the Plantation now since July and just moved full time in December and it's like a different world. I know why for the most part. The streets are much wider in the Plantation and the golf carts are not sharing the road with the runners/bikers. Now instead of the finger we are getting friendly waves and shout outs encouraging us.

[Miles42]

Idiots are generally that way in all they do. You just happened upon them on the Multi modial path

[biker1]

If you cycle regularly, you will experience some close calls, mostly almost being clipped/side swiped by cars/carts. If I had to guess, the cyclists were probably passed without a "comfortable" amount of clearance. 3 feet of clearance is required, at least on the roads anyway. A typical "close call" is someone passing you in an unsafe manner because there is another vehicle coming in the other direction and they have to move over quickly to avoid a head-on collision. In this case, the cyclists will be squeezed to the right or cut off at the last moment. I am not saying this is what happened but when you see cyclists lose their temper chances are they felt they were just put in a dangerous situation by a car/cart. In this situation, from the cyclists perspective, the car/cart is being the "jerk". While there is always a possibility that the cyclists in question were really just oversensitive jerks, the more likely scenario is you scared the hell out of them.

My friend and I just had a very interesting experience on the "multi-modul path" over by 466 and Belevedere. Two bicyclists
(man and women) were riding in front of us. My friend passed them as they were the slower traffic. When we came to the stop the man intentionally hit her from behind and the woman yelled at her. My friend did nothing wrong. There was plenty of time to pass. No wonder no one wants to share the road with these so called "jerks". I told the lady we passed her because she was the slower traffic and she flipped us off and yelled "go to h---". NICE, real class!

[Walter123]

If you cycle regularly, you will experience some close calls, mostly almost being clipped/side swiped by cars/carts. If I had to guess, the cyclists were probably passed without a "comfortable" amount of clearance. 3 feet of clearance is required, at least on the roads anyway. A typical "close call" is someone passing you in an unsafe manner because there is another vehicle coming in the other direction and they have to move over quickly to avoid a head-on collision. In this case, the cyclists will be squeezed to the right or cut off at the last moment. I am not saying this is what happened but when you see cyclists lose their temper chances are they felt they were just put in a dangerous situation by a car/cart. In this situation, from the cyclists perspective, the car/cart is being the "jerk". While there is always a possibility that the cyclists in question were really just oversensitive jerks, the more likely scenario is you scared the hell out of them.

I agree with you 100%. I am surprised at how many posts want to lynch the biker. I questioned the op in a previous post if they gave the bike 3 feet and got no response. My guess is the op came too close to the biker and then cut in front of them before the stop sign. I also highly doubt that the biker ran his bike into the back of the cart at the stop sign. Bike tires are fragile. Probably just another inconsiderate, inpatient cart driver.

[Chazz]

I'm curious if the slower cyclists were riding single file or abreast. I am an avid cyclist and I ride on the cart paths for safety reasons. I always ride single file as far to the right as possible whenever I see a golf cart approaching from the rear (I use a mirror). I am amazed at the belligerent behavior of so many cyclists, demanding the whole lane no matter the safety costs. Full disclosure; I run most stop signs while cycling (slow and go). Unless, of course, I see the po po.

Cyclists are supposed to ride to the farthest right that is practicable, not possible. That is intended to maintain safety on the roads. The cyclist must assess the width of the lane and the ability for a car/cart to safely pass him/her. If the lane is too narrow, as many cart and road lanes are, it isn't safe to allow that. Therefore, cyclists need to "take the lane" the same as any vehicle operator should, under those circumstances. It is not a matter of "belligerence" by the cyclists, although many car/cart drivers may view it as such, but, rather a desire to maintain one's personal safety.

[Happydaz]

If you cycle regularly, you will experience some close calls, mostly almost being clipped/side swiped by cars/carts. If I had to guess, the cyclists were probably passed without a "comfortable" amount of clearance. 3 feet of clearance is required, at least on the roads anyway. A typical "close call" is someone passing you in an unsafe manner because there is another vehicle coming in the other direction and they have to move over quickly to avoid a head-on collision. In this case, the cyclists will be squeezed to the right or cut off at the last moment. I am not saying this is what happened but when you see cyclists lose their temper chances are they felt they were just put in a dangerous situation by a car/cart. In this situation, from the cyclists perspective, the car/cart is being the "jerk". While there is always a possibility that the cyclists in question were really just oversensitive jerks, the more likely scenario is you scared the hell out of them.

I would agree that there is a possibility that the bicyclists felt that they were passed unsafely. I move over when I am bicycling to let carts pass me. Sometimes in the divided cart paths I will stay in the middle of the path as it is too narrow for a cart to safely pass me, but I immediately move to the far right as soon as the path opens up. I have been passed unsafely numerous times. I remember one instance when I was doing 16 mph or so and a golf cart passed me on a very tight curve. The cart had just come up behind me and didn't hesitate to pass me on the curve. I remember yelling out that it wasn't a smart idea to pass on a curve. I am going 16 mph and he has an altered cart doing 25 mph so he will get past me fairly soon, but there is a period of time there where if another cart comes around the curve from the opposite direction guess who is going to get cut off? Without a doubt that cart driver will pull back in front of me or into me. At that speed he has no choice but to cut me off or he will collide head on with the other golf cart.

[Walter123]

Cyclists are supposed to ride to the farthest right that is practicable, not possible. That is intended to maintain safety on the roads. The cyclist must assess the width of the lane and the ability for a car/cart to safely pass him/her. If the lane is too narrow, as many cart and road lanes are, it isn't safe to allow that. Therefore, cyclists need to "take the lane" the same as any vehicle operator should, under those circumstances. It is not a matter of "belligerence" by the cyclists, although many car/cart drivers may view it as such, but, rather a desire to maintain one's personal safety.

Sorry but I gotta disagree. Practicable and possible are interchangeable.

[Happydaz]

Sorry but I gotta disagree. Practicable and possible are interchangeable.

As motorcyclist and bicyclist I can tell you that if you don't own the lane when safety demands it, such as on a road or cart path where there is not a safe distance for a car or cart to pass the cyclist you must not ride to the far right as this will give cars and carts the bare minimum where they think they can squeeze by and some will try it and then the possibility arises for a collision as there is not enough room for a safe pass. So the motorcyclist or bicyclist needs to "take the lane" and ride in the middle so as to not get squeezed off the road by an inexperienced or unsafe driver. Many cars and carts are very polite and careful, but we cyclists have to be aware and protect ourselves from some drivers. We live in an active, adult community where many people are out walking, bicycling, etc., to lose weight and stay in shape. Give us a "brake" when you are charging off to play golf or going out to eat somewhere. Thanks!

[Polar Bear]

...Many cars and carts are very polite and careful, but we cyclists have to be aware and protect ourselves from some drivers...


Pretty well sums it up in my opinion.

[tedquick]

I have started to ride a bike again after about 45 years of NOT riding and the concerns expressed in this string are the reason that for now, at least, I only ride up and down my own street, which fortunately happens to be 1.4 miles up and back. So I do it 3 or 4 times and I get a 20 to 30 minute cardio workout. Haven't been brave enough yet to get on Morse Blvd. M, W and F I work out at the gym.

[GaryW]

I agree with you 100%. I am surprised at how many posts want to lynch the biker. I questioned the op in a previous post if they gave the bike 3 feet and got no response. My guess is the op came too close to the biker and then cut in front of them before the stop sign. I also highly doubt that the biker ran his bike into the back of the cart at the stop sign. Bike tires are fragile. Probably just another inconsiderate, inpatient cart driver.

I was thinking the same thing,,, but to put it like this,,, someone comes on with a complaint about anything, and you can dee how fast people are out to jump on the wagon,,, I read the complaint, but that is the OP story,, I have no idea as to what really happened. Could be a one sided story and the cart cut the cyclist off and almost wrecked them.. I have had that happen many times on the MMP, the roads and so on.

Now I repeat and I STRESS REPEAT, I am not agreeing with any side in this throw the cyclist to shark gimmick here. but am simply stating why hang the poor cyclist when you hear one side,,,

There are bad apples all over,, I got cussed out this morning on the way to work on my bike at 4am because the cat delivering the Daily Sun in BV wants to drive like a bat out of hell down the wrong side of the street with his dome light on and I had to do a tripple gainer with half twist in the pike position like Greg Louganis to avoid being road kill, Then the cat tells me bike don't belong in the road,,, HELLO I AM IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD.... :boxing2::MOJE_whot::faint:

[Chazz]

Sorry but I gotta disagree. Practicable and possible are interchangeable.

I'll quote directly from Florida Statute 316.2065(5), in part:

"Roadway position [316.2065(5) A person operating a bicycle on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic under the conditions existing must ride in the lane marked for bicycle use or, if no lane is marked for bicycle use, as close as practicable [safe] to the roadway's right-hand curb or edge, except under any of the following situations..."

I think the distinction is that while it may be possible for a rider to ride inches away from the curb, it is not practicable or, safe, to do so.

[joldnol]

It kills me that some people who ride bikes don't make the connection that they are a vehicle and that road rules apply.
At home our very twisty street runs all the way around the island and there is a park up by the freeway where people can park and they park their cars and bike around the island sometimes in packs. So because of all the curves long lines of cars end up behind them sometimes. If they are obeying the road rules I don't have a problem but....
Just before we came down I passed (in my car) a biker then around a couple curves put on my blinker to turn right but had to wait for a car to clear so stopped in the lane for a sec. Bike passes me between the curb and my car as I am turning and screams I cut him off. Hello my turn signal is on no passing on the right outside the lane get a clue.

law breaking bikes are a problem everywhere....stop signs are merely a suggestion

[billethkid]

law breaking bikes are a problem everywhere....stop signs are merely a suggestion

no mater what vehicle here in TV!

[Happydaz]

law breaking bikes are a problem everywhere....stop signs are merely a suggestion

Cars rarely come to a complete stop at stop signs and golf carts don't always stop either. Bicycles need to get through intersections as quickly as possible for their own safety. Cars run people down. Look at the over 5,000 pedestrians killed each year. Golf carts are more dangerous than bicycles here in The Villages. I wouldn't think of riding my bike without a helmet because head injuries are greatly reduced if a rider wears a helmet. Golf cart drivers do 20-25 mph and most have no seat belts. Obviously no one wears a helmet, but seat belts would stop people from falling out and suffering a head injury. Golf carts in The Villages are a less safe activity than bicycling, in my opinion. Look at the 15 golf cart fatalities in just the last four years. I have ridden motorcycles and sports cars at high speeds, but I would never alter my cart to exceed 20 mph because these vehicles are inherently unstable. I had seat belts installed for my families safety and I try to drive as safely as possible. Lay off the bicyclists they harm no one. Sure they make you slow down and maybe you have to merge over to the other lane, but isn't this a retirement community where people are supposed to be out walking, cycling, etc.? Share the roads and paths.

[kcrazorbackfan]

AND Mr. Hog. Most women wear the pants. Dresses aren't in anymore.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[biker1]

Rolling through stop signs when it is clear and safe to do so is a common practice with many cyclists, as it is with most cars and golf carts.

law breaking bikes are a problem everywhere....stop signs are merely a suggestion

[GaryW]

no mater what vehicle here in TV!

:beer3::bowdown: Enough Said,,

[cromlich]

We were in a golf cart. Friend was driving and yes, more than 3 feet!

[cromlich]

I'm curious if the slower cyclists were riding single file or abreast. I am an avid cyclist and I ride on the cart paths for safety reasons. I always ride single file as far to the right as possible whenever I see a golf cart approaching from the rear (I use a mirror). I am amazed at the belligerent behavior of so many cyclists, demanding the whole lane no matter the safety costs. Full disclosure; I run most stop signs while cycling (slow and go). Unless, of course, I see the po po.

They were riding abreast.......

[cromlich]

I agree with you 100%. I am surprised at how many posts want to lynch the biker. I questioned the op in a previous post if they gave the bike 3 feet and got no response. My guess is the op came too close to the biker and then cut in front of them before the stop sign. I also highly doubt that the biker ran his bike into the back of the cart at the stop sign. Bike tires are fragile. Probably just another inconsiderate, inpatient cart driver.

I responded to your post....more than 3 feet was given....I was not driving but a passenger. I was out all day so the response was slow, it was not indicating my friend gave less than 3 feet. There are always two sides to everything...I agree.....but regardless....road rage is not appropriate in any circumstance...........that includes bikers.....my OP was just a post to see if we could all start being a little kinder.

[cromlich]

We're you in a golf cart? Did you give them at least 3 feet of room when you passed?
see the last post....I did respond. We were in a golf cart and she gave more than 3 feet. Didn't respond til now because we were out all day yesterday. There are always 2 sides to things, I agree but it does not mean that "road rage" is appropriate at any time. I was a passenger , there fore a witness and my friend did absolutely nothing wrong.

[Miles42]

I responded to your post....more than 3 feet was given....I was not driving but a passenger. I was out all day so the response was slow, it was not indicating my friend gave less than 3 feet. There are always two sides to everything...I agree.....but regardless....road rage is not appropriate in any circumstance...........that includes bikers.....my OP was just a post to see if we could all start being a little kinder.

I agree the response given by the biker was rude and vulger to say the least.

[Happydaz]

They were riding abreast.......

That is not good bicycle riding. Riding side by side makes it difficult for people to pass. It looks like you came upon some very inconsiderate bicyclists. All people should try to be considerate whether they are walking, bicycling, riding a cart, or driving a car. Sorry you had to experience this lack of courtesy. Thanks for clarifying your experience.

[rubicon]

I agree but have to tell you that this sort of aggressive behavior in general in the Villages is why we just moved to the Plantation. Been here 7 years and as avid runners have seen so much aggressive reactions unlike anything we've ever seen country wide. Been running in the Plantation now since July and just moved full time in December and it's like a different world. I know why for the most part. The streets are much wider in the Plantation and the golf carts are not sharing the road with the runners/bikers. Now instead of the finger we are getting friendly waves and shout outs encouraging us.

Dawn Marie: I am sincerely pleased that you found paradise in Plantation and wish you every happiness.

However what I recollect from your posts when you lived here is that you had a preference to run on the diamond lanes even if a sidewalk was available. This created a dilemma for golf cart drivers who had to pull left into traffic because runners such as yourself refused to yield and step up on grass or a sidewalk. Its no wonder you prefer Plantations since runners and golf cart drivers do not share the same road.

To the rest of the posters here. I have said and will restate many of the complaints pertaining to this topic are a result of poor planning and design by the developers. One poster asked if the OP gave the bicyclist 3 feet when they passed. Is there anyone out there that believes 3 feet of passing width exists on multi-modal paths? It is the same with many narrow streets and in that Dawn Marie is correct. Multi modal users are all competing for the same SPACE

[biker1]

I question whether the multimodal paths are wide enough two accommodate 2 cyclists riding abreast, a golf cart, plus 3 feet of clearance. A golf cart is about 4 feet wide, bike handlebars are typically a foot and half, plus when riding abreast you may have 1-2 feet between bikes. They probably weren't riding on the extreme edge of the path - perhaps they were in a foot. They were probably taking up 4-5 feet total. I assume you didn't run off the cart path onto the grass when you passed. The multimodal paths are typically around 10 feet wide, if I recall correctly. The numbers don't add up - the path would have needed to be 11-12 feet wide to accommodate what you described. Based on these assumptions, you may have actually passed them with only 1-2 feet of clearance. If it was 1 foot of clearance, that would probably elicit the response you experienced. Cyclists need to be given a wide berth because accidents can be fatal.

see the last post....I did respond. We were in a golf cart and she gave more than 3 feet. Didn't respond til now because we were out all day yesterday. There are always 2 sides to things, I agree but it does not mean that "road rage" is appropriate at any time. I was a passenger , there fore a witness and my friend did absolutely nothing wrong.

[biker1]

Come on people, let us acknowledge what most likely happened here.

1) Apparently two cyclists were riding abreast. This is not the ideal situation but I don't believe this is actually prohibited.
2) They were most likely passed with very little clearance based on the typical width of the multimodal path, the width of a golf cart, and the width of bikes.
3) The cyclists vented their anger. Fine, they used strong language - get over it. People call this "rude and vulger [sic]". However, these are only words and cannot be equated with what was most likely a dangerous action: overtaking and passing the cyclists with little clearance. Apparently this action is not considered "rude and vulger [sic]". It is the responsibility of the overtaking vehicle to pass in a safe and responsible manner. Does anyone seriously believe that is what happened here? The fact that the cyclists were probably being discourteous does not justify them being "buzzed" by a golf cart.

Let the flaming begin ...


I agree the response given by the biker was rude and vulger to say the least.

[cromlich]

I question whether the multimodal paths are wide enough two accommodate 2 cyclists riding abreast, a golf cart, plus 3 feet of clearance. A golf cart is about 4 feet wide, bike handlebars are typically a foot and half, plus when riding abreast you may have 1-2 feet between bikes. They probably weren't riding on the extreme edge of the path - perhaps they were in a foot. They were probably taking up 4-5 feet total. I assume you didn't run off the cart path onto the grass when you passed. The multimodal paths are typically around 10 feet wide, if I recall correctly. The numbers don't add up - the path would have needed to be 11-12 feet wide to accommodate what you described. Based on these assumptions, you may have actually passed them with only 1-2 feet of clearance. If it was 1 foot of clearance, that would probably elicit the response you experienced. Cyclists need to be given a wide berth because accidents can be fatal.
That makes no sense at all. A golf cart going the other way would be able to pass without any problem and we had to get in that lane to pass. Sorry, but I'm not looking to argue , just asking all of us to be kinder. No matter what the issue....ROAD RAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! You weren't there and just because you are a biker does not mean you know what happened. I will tell you there were more than 3 feet. Everyone sees things differently. Can't we all just get along and stop hitting and cursing others out.

[biker1]

The issue is how much clearance you gave them when you passed them from behind. Based on widths of the paths, bikes, and golf carts, it is most likely you passed them with little clearance from behind. As a long time cyclist, I can tell you that there are few things that will elicit a stronger reaction from cyclists then nearly clipping them from behind. The cyclists were reacting to something you did and it is most likely nearly clipping them. You may believe you passed them with more than 3 feet of clearance but the width of the multimodal path indicated otherwise - the numbers don't add up. What you most likely did in passing them with little clearance can be considered "road rage" also. I see this frequently - cyclists are slowing people down and they responds by passing them closely and then cutting in front of them as soon as possible. Don't try to make the cyclists out to be the bad guys here. You were tooling around in a 600-1000 lb golf cart and it is your responsibility when overtaking to do so in a safe manner. To assume the cyclists lit into you for no reason defies logic.

That makes no sense at all. A golf cart going the other way would be able to pass without any problem and we had to get in that lane to pass. Sorry, but I'm not looking to argue , just asking all of us to be kinder. No matter what the issue....ROAD RAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! You weren't there and just because you are a biker does not mean you know what happened. I will tell you there were more than 3 feet. Everyone sees things differently. Can't we all just get along and stop hitting and cursing others out.

[biker1]

A golf cart coming from the other direction is not the issue. Head on collisions are not the real danger. You can see them coming and get out of the way (hopefully). The real danger is when you are passed from behind and get clipped. This is why there is a required 3 foot clearance. The problem here is that the cyclist were riding abreast. They should not have been doing this but you should not have passed them also until it was safe to do so.

That makes no sense at all. A golf cart going the other way would be able to pass without any problem and we had to get in that lane to pass. Sorry, but I'm not looking to argue , just asking all of us to be kinder. No matter what the issue....ROAD RAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! You weren't there and just because you are a biker does not mean you know what happened. I will tell you there were more than 3 feet. Everyone sees things differently. Can't we all just get along and stop hitting and cursing others out.

[cromlich]

The issue is how much clearance you gave them when you passed them from behind. Based on widths of the paths, bikes, and golf carts, it is most likely you passed them with little clearance from behind. As a long time cyclist, I can tell you that there are few things that will elicit a stronger reaction from cyclists then nearly clipping them from behind. The cyclists were reacting to something you did and it is most likely nearly clipping them. You may believe you passed them with more than 3 feet of clearance but the width of the multimodal path indicated otherwise - the numbers don't add up. What you most likely did in passing them with little clearance can be considered "road rage" also. I see this frequently - cyclists are slowing people down and they responds by passing them closely and then cutting in front of them as soon as possible. Don't try to make the cyclists out to be the bad guys here. You were tooling around in a 600-1000 lb golf cart and it is your responsibility when overtaking to do so in a safe manner. To assume the cyclists lit into you for no reason defies logic.

Whatever! Believe what you want! I know what happened. Done with this. If this is how people react to a request to be kind to one another...it'll never happen. Doesn't matter what you think, it's what happened. No sense in arguing or debating something. Putting this one to rest. Just try and be courteous , everyone. Our lives depend on it.

[sunnyatlast]

The paved streets and "multi-modal" paths are about 98% motor vehicle traffic going 20 mph+. Walking or running in motor vehicle traffic is a hazard no matter how "legally" you do it.

Use some common sense and stay out of motor vehicle traffic! You won't be "more fit" than the rest of us driving slobs, nor will you be walking or running, when you're dead or in a rehab hospital with traumatic head and spine injuries and your adult children have to somehow afford the time and money to leave their family and job/livelihood in CA or NY to come here and watch you vegetate.

[biker1]

I went back and read your original post. It seems like the point you were trying to make is the cyclists were jerks and how nobody wants to share the road with them. Since the cyclists weren't here to tell their side of the story it became necessary to try to piece together what happened. I believe we now have a clear picture of what most likely transpired. Hopefully you have learned from this and will give cyclists a wide berth when you encounter them on the streets and multimodal paths as they are unprotected and accidents with 1000 lb golf carts could prove fatal.

Whatever! Believe what you want! I know what happened. Done with this. If this is how people react to a request to be kind to one another...it'll never happen. Doesn't matter what you think, it's what happened. No sense in arguing or debating something. Putting this one to rest. Just try and be courteous , everyone. Our lives depend on it.

[biker1]

Another option is you can learn and follow the rules of the road.

The paved streets and "multi-modal" paths are about 98% motor vehicle traffic going 20 mph+. Walking or running in motor vehicle traffic is a hazard no matter how "legally" you do it.

Use some common sense and stay out of motor vehicle traffic! You won't be "more fit" than the rest of us driving slobs, nor will you be walking or running, when you're dead or in a rehab hospital with traumatic head and spine injuries and your adult children have to somehow afford the time and money to leave their family and job/livelihood in CA or NY to come here and watch you vegetate.

[pooh]

Since the only people present were the bikers and the individuals in the golf cart, making assumptions on what actually happened seem out of place. The OP is stating what he saw and was a part of, why is that being assumed to be not what happened?

[biker1]

Because the width of the multi-modal path is probably not wide enough to accommodate what the OP stated (2 cyclist riding abreast, a golf cart, and 3+ feet of clearance between the cyclists and the golf cart) and it is unreasonable to assume the cyclists lit into the OP for no reason.

Since the only people present were the bikers and the individuals in the golf cart, making assumptions on what actually happened seem out of place. The OP is stating what he saw and was a part of, why is that being assumed to be not what happened?

[sunnyatlast]

Another option is you can learn and follow the rules of the road.

Everybody learns the "rules" of the road when getting a drivers' license at age 16, but nobody is without error in actual BEHAVIOR when driving, walking or biking on the road.

The key element you and others are leaving out of that time-tested driver education we were taught in the 1970s is this, and it applies to pedestrians on the roadways:

"Watch out for the other guy!" Those words were even a PSA campaign on t.v.…...and the lesson went on from there with parents and instructors explaining, "you can never depend on the other person to do the right thing…..always watch out for them to do something stupid, and you have to be prepared with skills to avoid the accident they're about to cause."

Even with the best awareness and anticipation of others' mistakes, some accidents are simply unavoidable!

Awareness and actual behavior/deeds are two seriously different things. People cannot be depended upon to always put you--a pedestrian/runner/biker--at the center of all things they see and react to while driving.

Try as they should, all drivers make mistakes and near-misses because they are human while driving tons of steel.

[cromlich]

thank you

[cromlich]

Since the only people present were the bikers and the individuals in the golf cart, making assumptions on what actually happened seem out of place. The OP is stating what he saw and was a part of, why is that being assumed to be not what happened?

Thank you.

[Chazz]

Everybody learns the "rules" of the road when getting a drivers' license at age 16, but nobody is without error in actual BEHAVIOR when driving, walking or biking on the road.

The key element you and others are leaving out of that time-tested driver education we were taught in the 1970s is this, and it applies to pedestrians on the roadways:

"Watch out for the other guy!" Those words were even a PSA campaign on t.v.…...and the lesson went on from there with parents and instructors explaining, "you can never depend on the other person to do the right thing…..always watch out for them to do something stupid, and you have to be prepared with skills to avoid the accident they're about to cause."

Even with the best awareness and anticipation of others' mistakes, some accidents are simply unavoidable!

Awareness and actual behavior/deeds are two seriously different things. People cannot be depended upon to always put you--a pedestrian/runner/biker--at the center of all things they see and react to while driving.

Try as they should, all drivers make mistakes and near-misses because they are human while driving tons of steel.

Very well said!

[GaryW]

My friend and I just had a very interesting experience on the "multi-modul path" over by 466 and Belevedere. Two bicyclists
(man and women) were riding in front of us. My friend passed them as they were the slower traffic. When we came to the stop the man intentionally hit her from behind and the woman yelled at her. My friend did nothing wrong. There was plenty of time to pass. No wonder no one wants to share the road with these so called "jerks". I told the lady we passed her because she was the slower traffic and she flipped us off and yelled "go to h---". NICE, real class!

This is your original post.

Now in your last post you talk about getting along. Just sayin..

"ROAD RAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! You weren't there and just because you are a biker does not mean you know what happened. I will tell you there were more than 3 feet. Everyone sees things differently. Can't we all just get along and stop hitting and cursing others out."


The problem is here, we have no clue as to what really happened,, I am not taking your word for it, I am not taking anyone's word. If you say that is what happened to you, then fine,, but the whole Jerk deal is uncalled for,, Heck could of been your fault or the driver of the cart. I have had many carts zip past me on the MMP and not what soever yield the 3 feet. But that is beside the point. Now if you want to voice a complaint, do it with Dignity and leave all the jerk stuff alone. We were not there, and when someone questions you on that, seems to offend people. Make you go :shrug:

I am always on my bike, ride to work every morning at ZERO DARK THIRTY.. Ride on the weekends,, Roads,, MMP everywhere. So I am offended by the remark of "so called jerks". You are labeling a lot of FOLK here.

Everyday,, Cars,, Carts,, Motorcycles, bicycles, runners,, seems someone is always doing something someone else does not like,, For the love of it all,, This is a RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, Lets all get along,, :beer3:

:spoken:

[Walter123]

Because the width of the multi-modal path is probably not wide enough to accommodate what the OP stated (2 cyclist riding abreast, a golf cart, and 3+ feet of clearance between the cyclists and the golf cart) and it is unreasonable to assume the cyclists lit into the OP for no reason.

Hi biker1,

If you're gonna take measurements please be careful! LOL:gc::plane::crap2::crap2:

[pooh]

Because the width of the multi-modal path is probably not wide enough to accommodate what the OP stated (2 cyclist riding abreast, a golf cart, and 3+ feet of clearance between the cyclists and the golf cart) and it is unreasonable to assume the cyclists lit into the OP for no reason.

Still, I would not make assumptions. Three feet isn't as great a distance as it sounds and they may have indeed been the required distance. The path is wide enough to allow carts to pass in opposite directions with more than sufficient space...two bikers riding side by side take up how much more space? How much space do they have between them?

It isn't my intention to get into a pi**ing contest over this, but I still feel that unless we actually witness, presuming might not be such a good thing.

The paths are multi-modal, for use by carts, bikes, people walking. We must all be aware of our relative position on the path and try to bring no harm to ourselves or others.

[GaryW]

Still, I would not make assumptions. Three feet isn't as great a distance as it sounds and they may have indeed been the required distance. The path is wide enough to allow carts to pass in opposite directions with more than sufficient space...two bikers riding side by side take up how much more space? How much space do they have between them?

It isn't my intention to get into a pi**ing contest over this, but I still feel that unless we actually witness, presuming might not be such a good thing.

The paths are multi-modal, for use by carts, bikes, people walking. We must all be aware of our relative position on the path and try to bring no harm to ourselves or others.

:bowdown:

[cromlich]

This is your original post.

Now in your last post you talk about getting along. Just sayin..

"ROAD RAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! You weren't there and just because you are a biker does not mean you know what happened. I will tell you there were more than 3 feet. Everyone sees things differently. Can't we all just get along and stop hitting and cursing others out."


The problem is here, we have no clue as to what really happened,, I am not taking your word for it, I am not taking anyone's word. If you say that is what happened to you, then fine,, but the whole Jerk deal is uncalled for,, Heck could of been your fault or the driver of the cart. I have had many carts zip past me on the MMP and not what soever yield the 3 feet. But that is beside the point. Now if you want to voice a complaint, do it with Dignity and leave all the jerk stuff alone. We were not there, and when someone questions you on that, seems to offend people. Make you go :shrug:

I am always on my bike, ride to work every morning at ZERO DARK THIRTY.. Ride on the weekends,, Roads,, MMP everywhere. So I am offended by the remark of "so called jerks". You are labeling a lot of FOLK here.

Everyday,, Cars,, Carts,, Motorcycles, bicycles, runners,, seems someone is always doing something someone else does not like,, For the love of it all,, This is a RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, Lets all get along,, :beer3:

:spoken:
Ok, so I said "jerk".....that was kinder than the words spewed at us. Sorry. You are just wanting a fight and I will not fall into your trap. I'm not fighting with anyone. My remark about jerk was in the direction of being called names, cursed out and hit intentionally. You are directing this personally to me and I could care less how you feel. The only folks I am labeling are those with road rage with cursing and doing dangerous things. I can't believe you have taken my op and made it into something it is not.