Are MMP Tunnels Meant For Walkers?

[outlaw]

Yesterday, I encountered a walker exiting a tunnel as I was turning into the tunnel. Quite a scare! Fortunately I was moving slowly, but it was the last thing I expected making my turn into the tunnel. Are these tunnels really designed for walkers as part of the MMPs?

[mtdjed]

Probably not perfectly designed for walkers, but also not perfectly designed for Golf carts, bikes, etc. But then again , it is a multi modal path and you see walkers , bikers, and carts. They should be expected as you cautiously enter and exit these tunnels. I personally do not walk through the tunnels and prefer to take my chances crossing the roads where the texting auto drivers may look up periodically and give you a chance.

[Happydaz]

While driving a golf cart on the multi modal paths you should always be on the look out for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and other slow moving people, especially when entering and exiting a tunnel. Just slow down when necessary and you will be able to safely brake or maneuver around the slower moving people. (I see the OP did that!) Too many cart drivers drive with their foot to the floor and try to go as fast as they can, this can seriously affect the safety of all concerned. These paths are meant to be shared. Instead of being surprised to see a walker in a tunnel why not slow down each time and drive as though there may be a walker in every tunnel you drive through. Share the road.

[villagetinker]

Well said!!!

[tomwed]

Yesterday, I encountered a walker exiting a tunnel as I was turning into the tunnel. Quite a scare! Fortunately I was moving slowly, but it was the last thing I expected making my turn into the tunnel. Are these tunnels really designed for walkers as part of the MMPs?
Let's make this thread more informative. Name the tunel
I think it is much safer to walk over Buena Vista then under going from Turtle mound to Sandhill. The reason is there is an island in between. You can wait for a big gap in traffic on either side. I almost got hit in that tunnel twice the only time I tried it. Not all drivers are paying attention.
I think going to Saddlebrook from the parking lot across BV I use the tunnel but I need to double check that again.

[billethkid]

One reason why the very abrupt speed bumps are in the entrance or exits on some tunnels....

because relying on the driver to slow down has proven time and again to be NOT EFFECTIVE!!

They should be in the exits and entrances to all the tunnels!

[kcrazorbackfan]

WOW! MMP threads are becoming as contentious and numerous as :doggie: poop threads.

[cmj1210]

Yesterday, I encountered a walker exiting a tunnel as I was turning into the tunnel. Quite a scare! Fortunately I was moving slowly, but it was the last thing I expected making my turn into the tunnel. Are these tunnels really designed for walkers as part of the MMPs?


The name Multi Modal Path means it can be used by walkers, bikers, golf carts etc. Personally I wouldn't use it for walking but that is my personal choice. Everyone has the right to use these paths.

[mixsonci]

Walkers? I thought the Walking Dead series was fiction?

[graciegirl]

The name Multi Modal Path means it can be used by walkers, bikers, golf carts etc. Personally I wouldn't use it for walking but that is my personal choice. Everyone has the right to use these paths.





I agree with you.

[Barefoot]

Yesterday, I encountered a walker exiting a tunnel as I was turning into the tunnel. Quite a scare! Fortunately I was moving slowly, but it was the last thing I expected making my turn into the tunnel. Are these tunnels really designed for walkers as part of the MMPs?
Yes, walkers are permitted to use the tunnels.
Are the tunnels designed with walker safety in mind? Probably not.
Nevertheless, the drivers of golf carts must be aware that walkers are permitted to share the tunnels.
Multi modal paths are just that - for the use of everyone.

[outlaw]

Shouldn't the walkers be responsible for watching out for golf carts? After all, the walkers are walking against traffic. Bicycles are traveling WITH the cart traffic. That's a big difference. The lanes in many of the tunnels are curbed off into single lanes, so there is no possibility of going around a walker that pops out at the entrance/exit of the tunnel. More times than not, a car that hits a walker on a road at night or in low light conditions has not been ticketed. The tragedy is just considered an accident. I don't walk in the tunnels, but if I did, I think I would walk with the traffic just through the tunnel WITH some sort of flashing light.

[downeaster]

Shouldn't the walkers be responsible for watching out for golf carts? After all, the walkers are walking against traffic. Bicycles are traveling WITH the cart traffic. That's a big difference. The lanes in many of the tunnels are curbed off into single lanes, so there is no possibility of going around a walker that pops out at the entrance/exit of the tunnel. More times than not, a car that hits a walker on a road at night or in low light conditions has not been ticketed. The tragedy is just considered an accident. I don't walk in the tunnels, but if I did, I think I would walk with the traffic just through the tunnel WITH some sort of flashing light.

Not always. I encounter six (yes 6) people, not teenagers, walking abreast with the traffic in the tunnel near Crispers. They were blocking the entire lane. In spite of the lighting that tunnel has very poor visibility.

[outlaw]

Not always. I encounter six (yes 6) people, not teenagers, walking abreast with the traffic in the tunnel near Crispers. They were blocking the entire lane. In spite of the lighting that tunnel has very poor visibility.

Darwin candidates. Yesterday, I passed a man on Enrique Avenue. He was walking in the cart path in the street, pushing a baby carriage, WITH the traffic, talking on his cell phone. People like this should be arrested and charged with child endangerment.

[Polar Bear]

I think the tunnels are okay for walkers...very, very cautious, careful, alert walkers.

[billethkid]

There is no problem walking in the tunnels....have been doing so for 12 years.

The biggest problem is when the cart driver is entering as fast as they can take the turn and then pedal to the metal and then when they do see a walker it becomes an oh s**t moment....for the driver.

Why are so many people in such a hurry in TV? They have no place of real significance or urgency to get to but feel the need to drive their cart flat out. WHich is beyond the capability of far too many drivers.

[Arctic Fox]

...I would walk with the traffic just through the tunnel WITH some sort of flashing light.

and keep looking behind you to make sure that the driver sees you.

I believe that walking with the traffic is illegal in Florida, but common sense has to rule. There are some tunnels (like the one under Buena Vista at Lake Miona rec center) where you would have to walk round a blind corner if walking towards the traffic.

[Polar Bear]

There is no problem walking in the tunnels...

The biggest problem is...

Sorry. I just got a chuckle out of this. :)

[tomwed]

There is no problem walking in the tunnels....have been doing so for 12 years.

The biggest problem is when the cart driver is entering as fast as they can take the turn and then pedal to the metal and then when they do see a walker it becomes an oh s**t moment....for the driver.

and especially for the walker-----
In 12 years you haven't had any close calls? I had 2 close calls the first time I went from Turtle Mound to Sand Hill. When I talked to the starter they heard that story many times before from other walkers. Maybe that's the only dangerous tunnel.

[Happydaz]

Darwin candidates. Yesterday, I passed a man on Enrique Avenue. He was walking in the cart path in the street, pushing a baby carriage, WITH the traffic, talking on his cell phone. People like this should be arrested and charged with child endangerment.

This is The Villages. There was probably a dog in that baby carriage. :):)

This is a retirement community. People are going to be out walking, jogging, and bicycling on the roads and cart paths. If we all slow down in our cars and golf carts we won't constantly be surprised by slower moving people. Share the roads and cart paths.

[Cathy H]

One reason why the very abrupt speed bumps are in the entrance or exits on some tunnels....

because relying on the driver to slow down has proven time and again to be NOT EFFECTIVE!!

They should be in the exits and entrances to all the tunnels!

Think again Billie, how will bicyclists get over your bumps?

[billethkid]

Think again Billie, how will bicyclists get over your bumps?

OK I did!

The same way they do or don't where the speed bumps are now in place.

[CFrance]

I'm not much on a bicycle, but even I can get over a speed bump on one.

[Barefoot]

Not always. I encounter six (yes 6) people, not teenagers, walking abreast with the traffic in the tunnel near Crispers. They were blocking the entire lane. In spite of the lighting that tunnel has very poor visibility.
I agree that the Belvedere tunnel has poor visibility. When the Charter School lets out for the day, I've often been surprised by a few kids walking with traffic and taking up a whole lane, not a care in the world. Golf carts need to exhibit special care in that tunnel.

[fred53]

The answer to the original question is YES...you should drive your cart accordingly...

[Topspinmo]

There is no problem walking in the tunnels....have been doing so for 12 years.

The biggest problem is when the cart driver is entering as fast as they can take the turn and then pedal to the metal and then when they do see a walker it becomes an oh s**t moment....for the driver.

Why are so many people in such a hurry in TV? They have no place of real significance or urgency to get to but feel the need to drive their cart flat out. WHich is beyond the capability of far too many drivers.

Tee times

[TheVillageChicken]

Tee times

Or Happy Hour, Early Bird Special, Jeopardy, Judge Judy, etc. If they have rope in the cart, they are headed to one of the squares to mark their territory.

[tghoul]

During rain storms I've seen traffic jams in tunnels caused by drivers who decide to park their carts in the tunnels to wait out the storm. Also I've encountered people stopping in the tunnels to put the sides down on their carts.

[jtdraig]

Only thing I would add is to recommend that walkers wear something bright colored or reflective so they can more easily be seen. I have encountered walkers wearing black or dark colors and that might be a problem. Thank you.