Walking on streets!

[Avista]

Does anyone know why some people walk in the street golf cart area when there is a sidewalk right there? This seems dangerous as each cart must pull into the street to pass.

[villager99]

perhaps just because sidewalks are almost non existent in the villages.

[redwitch]

Creatures of habit? Since many places here don't have sidewalks, it becomes habit to be on the golf cart paths. Also, many areas only have sidewalks on one side of the street. If you're walking the opposite direction, you'd have to cross the street to get to the sidewalk -- maybe just a tad too much walking for their taste?

What I want to know is why they walk the same direction as traffic, have buds in their ears and thus can't even hear when something is coming up behind them and then get mad at the driver for asking them to move over when there is too much traffic to get around them.

[RayB]

I have come across this situation three times in the last two weeks and am completely puzzled about this. In all three cases they were walking side by side facing the traffic. The sidewalk was right next to them which was ample to walk on side by side. The last time I could not go around them as traffic would not allow me to move over into the oncoming traffic. I had to come to a complete stop and the couple simply walked around my cart and continued down the cart path on the side of the street. They did not even make an effort to step up on the sidewalk. I am sorry to say I felt it necessary to point out to them the sidewalk was right there for their use. The "Gentleman" made some comment which I did not understand. I do not think it was nice. I would really like to understand why I am seeing an increase in this type stupidly when the sidewalk is right there.

[Barefoot]

I've also noticed people walking in the golf cart paths with their backs to traffic when sidewalks were available. It is dangerous, and I wish someone could explain it.

[carlent]

Ok this is how I see it. We spent 3 weeks last Sept in TV in the Village of Delmar. There are no sidewalks. We are walkers. So we had to walk in the golf cart path unless wanted to walk in the road. We chose to use the cart path. We walked facing traffic so we could see who was coming. All traffic was in front of us. Many times, not just a few, we were close to being run over by carts. A couple of times i had to jump onto a persons lawn to avoid carts. They did not even slow down. They could see me right in front of them.
Explain that!!!!


Carlent

[Fourpar]

Carlent,

Not to be a wise a__, but if you are walking on the multi use path facing traffic, it would seem to me that you would see a golf cart coming and be able to take a step or two off the the path...without having to "jump onto a person's lawn"... :dontknow:

[JohnN]

Mrs JohnN and I are walkers. We've already figured out a quiet loop in our neighborhood, but if out and about, we try our best to stay on sidewalks.

Not much to be gained in sharing with carts or vehicles, but a lot to lose.
Pedestrians don't really belong in the vehicle paths, as I see it, for safety reasons.

[redwitch]

fourpar, most of the golf cart drivers in this end of TV (north of 466) will happily go around pedestrians when it is safe. Personally, I hate to see people walk on the grass -- it's usually wet. There are some in golf carts that won't leave that path for love nor money and they force people onto the lawns.

[duffysmom]

This has puzzled me for some time. :dontknow: I realize that we walk for health reasons but why risk life and limb by walking in a traffic (cart) lane. Many drivers have poor eyesight, slower reflexes and some have been drinking. To expect a vehicle to go around you is dangerous and is asking for trouble. ::)

[ladykathleen]

Golf cart paths are all recreation paths, for golf cars, walkers, bicycles, skateboarders, dog walkers and whatever.

[carlent]

fourpar, John N.......I do step to the left as far as i can go,,,,but they just keep coming straight on! You are forced to get on someone's lawn to avoid them. there are no sidewalks! Not a one! We were on Prado in Delmar. In order to get to Spanish Springs, we had to go out of Prado, turn left on Morse and then walk in the cart path to Spanish Springs. If you have a solution to this, we would love to hear ti! Red is correct, the lawns are Wet! LOL


Carlent

[The Great Fumar]

NOT SO KATHLEEN

Golf carts have the right of way on all golf cart paths......Ask your local sheriff.........

[RayB]

There is some misunderstanding to my previous note. I am not talking about people walking on the golf trails (recreational paths) or walking in the street where there are no sidewalks. My observation is about people walking side by side in the golf cart lane on the side of the street where THERE ARE SIDEWALKS right next to the golf cart lane. This is the situation I believe is hard to understand. Why do they do this and why are we observing an increase in this rather dangerous practice?

[Sidney Lanier]

I'm puzzled, though I think it's just that I'm not that familiar with the streets in areas of TV other than where I live. When one or another of our kids visit, I'll go out walking with him. Our little street has no golf cart path and no sidewalks, but when I say 'little street,' remember there are six houses on one side of the entire street and only one on the other side. When we walk on Churchill Downs, whether it's to CR-466 or the other way to Lynnhaven Lane, there are sidewalks all the way, even though heading south we have to cross Churchill where the sidewalk ends on one side and picks right up on the other. I didn't realize that there are streets major enough for golf cart paths but no sidewalks. Definitely not a good situation....

[Mikitv]

Ray B I understand exactly what you after having visited TV and driving around in a golf cart. There was a golf cart lane in the road until we got to a golf cart path. This puts the golf cart right out there with the cars. Sidewalks were available and there you would see people in the street walking on the golf cart lane instead of using the sidewalk. I could not understand why they were in the street with the sidewalk right there. They wouldn't have to worry about cars or carts on the sidewalk. I guess the saying is stupid is as stupid does. I can understand when you have no sidewalk or cart path you walk in the street and I try to be careful around those people because there we have to share the road. IMHO

[RayB]

It would be interesting if anyone reading this conversation who walk down the cart lanes when a sidewalk is present to explain why they do this. I really would like to know their reasons.

[Barefoot]

NOT SO KATHLEEN
Golf carts have the right of way on all golf cart paths......Ask your local sheriff.........

Fumar, I am impressed. :yikes:

First of all you mentioned the phones for emergencies at pools .. I didn't know about them.

Now you're telling us golf carts have the right of way on golf cart paths .. I had no idea that was the case.

In spite of the fact that you hate little doggies, I think you're a great source of information. :#1:

[uujudy]

I didn't know about the phones or the golf cart paths, either!
Thanks, Fumar!

To the drivers: Couldn't you just use your horn to toot at the walkers? Isn't that what the horn is for? :dontknow:

[Rozzie]

When I was down this month, I went running and loved the golf cart paths as there were no sidewalks. I always went to the grass if a golf cart approached, and I always ran toward traffic. I even asked a security guard (at the Hadley gate) if it was legal for me to run on the paths, which he said I was welcome to it and to have fun.

I think with all things, there are inconsiderate runners, bikers, walkers and golfers. If we all minded our manners and shared it would alleviate a lot of headaches. JMHO! ;) So get out there and enjoy the outdoors, it's a beautiful world.

[Barefoot]

When I was down this month, I went running and loved the golf cart paths as there were no sidewalks. I always went to the grass if a golf cart approached, and I always ran toward traffic. I even asked a security guard (at the Hadley gate) if it was legal for me to run on the paths, which he said I was welcome to it and to have fun. I think with all things, there are inconsiderate runners, bikers, walkers and golfers. If we all minded our manners and shared it would alleviate a lot of headaches. JMHO! ;) So get out there and enjoy the outdoors, it's a beautiful world.


Great post, great message. :bigthumbsup:

[The Great Fumar]

BAREFOOT AND UUJUDY

YOU HAVE EXCELLENT TASTE...........

FUME

[downeaster]

NOT SO KATHLEEN

Golf carts have the right of way on all golf cart paths......Ask your local sheriff.........


I wouldn't count on it. Where is it written, law, ordinance, statute or whatever, that a golf cart has "the right of way" over a pedestrian?
I think this should be resolved.

DC

[Russ_Boston]

Downeaster - I'm sure that Fumar will produce the link but think about it for a minute.

On the street who has the right of way? A car or a pedestrian? The answer is the car unless the pedestrian is within the marked crossing lane.

On a golf cart lane on the street who has the right of way? I would think it would the cart since that is what the lane is designed for.

On a multi modal path I would think the order is 1. cart. 2. bike 3. pedestrian (walking, jogging or roller blading etc.). I know that on bike paths up here in MA the pedestrian is supposed to walk on the left of the path facing the bikes and they must yield to bikes.

[dwebb]

:dontknow:
Come on people!! We should relax and give us retired people a break (you and Me). Every one is in such of a hurry to get some where, which is really no where.

What's so all fired important that we can't just mark up these things as senior moments and enjoy the wonderful life we are having in the Villages.

[JohnN]

Regardless of the law, I don't/won't trust drivers with my life, and I'd not walk where there's a lot of vehicle traffic. I just wouldn't do it.

I plan my walking where there are sidewalks or very low vehicle traffic so it's not an issue.
And I don't wear earphones and daydream, I pay attention to where I walk.

[ladykathleen]

Again these are mutiuse paths not just for golf carts. The sheriffs do not have jurisdiction over muti use paths as the Villages does not have a police force. These paths are part of each districts responsibility. People will have to learn to share as was intended. I ride my bicycle and walk on these paths and carts go around me . I do not move over, this is a mistake on other people's parts as they encourage dangerous behavior on an already dangerous golf cart driver situation. Many cart drivers have no concept of courtesty.

[aln]

The more I read of this subject to more I think it should be moved to maybe "travel tips" because of all the "experience" posters have; or the "medical forum" because it sounds like someones gonna get hurt or the "support groups" because some of you need help!

MY 2 cents:
I agree with LadyKathleen...... C O U R T E S Y

[bike42]

Golf carts have the right of way on all golf cart paths......Ask your local sheriff.........


??? Are you talking about paths that are separate from roads, or lanes marked on roads? Golf cart paths on golf courses, or multi-user recreation trails that parallel the roads? Where are the regulations published, and who has jurisdiction?

Common courtesy and the rules on every recreational trail I've ever used say: the bigger/faster/more powerful yield (politely) to the smaller/slower/weaker; no one passes anyone until it is safe to do so; give an audible warning when passing; obey speed limits and lane markings; don't use earphones, cell phones or anything else that keeps you from hearing and paying attention to what's going on around you.

[Peachie]

Bike 42, I would think common sense and common courtesy would dictate those rules. When Mr. Peachie and I are in The Villages and walking the shared paths we step onto the grass and let the golf carts pass, we are out for the exercise after all and golf carts being driven over curbs are difficult to steer :cop:.

[Fourpar]

Peachie,

Thanks for the moment of sanity on this issue! :agree:

[Avista]

Canal St is where I often see people walking in the golf lane of the street right next to the sidewalk. Canal street traffic can be fairly heavy at times. The walkers who walk in the golf cart lane and not on the sidewalk put the golf cart passengers at risk by causing them to pull out in traffic. Be considerate, folks, and walk on the sidewalk.

[Russ_Boston]

:agree: Avista

Canal St. is perfect for walking on the sidewalk - it is over 2 miles long (maybe longer once Brownwood is in place) and it has full sidewalks until you get to the intersections. No need to walk in the street for most of Canal.

[Autoshow]

Golf cart paths are multi model paths for everybody,bikes,carts,skaters,walkers, etc, all everyone has to do is just show some COMMON courtesy and respect for each other and there will be enough safe room for every one. Enough said.
In the vllages no one should be in a hurry,because the next stop is the cemetary.

[Barefoot]

I would think common sense and common courtesy would dictate those rules. When Mr. Peachie and I are in The Villages and walking the shared paths we step onto the grass and let the golf carts pass, we are out for the exercise after all and golf carts being driven over curbs are difficuolt to steer :cop:.

It's so simple really. It's not a contest of who got there first, or who "owns" the path. As Peachie says, common sense and common courtesy.

[SteveFromNY]

It's so simple really. It's not a contest of who got there first, or who "owns" the path. As Peachie says, common sense and common courtesy.


Barefoot - totally off topic - but seeing the name of the thread on the General Discussion page, and seeing your name was kind of funny.
It said "Walking on streets" by Barefoot at last. Reminded me of "Over the Cliff" by Hugo First.
Sorry topic cop!

[Barefoot]

Barefoot - totally off topic - but seeing the name of the thread on the General Discussion page, and seeing your name was kind of funny.
It said "Walking on streets" by Barefoot at last. Reminded me of "Over the Cliff" by Hugo First.
Sorry topic cop!

Steve, I like your playful sense of humour! :joke:

[Fourpar]

Had my first encounter with militant walkers this morning. On O'Dell Circle heading North in multi purpose lane, I (and 2 other carts) came to a couple walking South, 2 abreast, taking up the whole trail. Wouldn't move for love nor money, just looking for a confrontation. Had to mix with the autos to get around them....and there is a sidewalk on the other side of the road!


Stupid is as stupid does! :edit:

[jjdees]

You can't fix stupid. Autoshow said, why hurry, the cemetery is the next stop. Looks like these folks who won't move for the carts are in a hurry to get there.

[zcaveman]

Ok this is how I see it. We spent 3 weeks last Sept in TV in the Village of Delmar. There are no sidewalks. We are walkers. So we had to walk in the golf cart path unless wanted to walk in the road. We chose to use the cart path. We walked facing traffic so we could see who was coming. All traffic was in front of us. Many times, not just a few, we were close to being run over by carts. A couple of times i had to jump onto a persons lawn to avoid carts. They did not even slow down. They could see me right in front of them.
Explain that!!!!


Carlent


How do you KNOW we could see you? Sometimes when I am driving down the cart path the shade from the bushes, the dark clothes you walkers wear and the glare off of the windshield blinds me to your presence. Never assume we can see you.

It is safer to move on to the grass than have to jump on to the grass. Easier on the ankles.

I have to assume you have a cart also. Do you always see the walkers?

[drdodge]

Some old people have little common sence
drd

[JohnM]

I wouldn't count on it. Where is it written, law, ordinance, statute or whatever, that a golf cart has "the right of way" over a pedestrian?
I think this should be resolved.

DC




FWIW, Janet Tutt, District Manager, discusses the issue in this week's Rec News (8-28-08) and states that no one has the right of way...courtesy and respect should rule.

John

[Peachie]

I don't know, John, relying on common sense can be hazardous! :yikes:

[JohnN]

JohnM , well that just confirms my thought of safety first.

I'll do my best to practice courtesy, but if the other guy is driving something bigger than I am, I'll be more than willing to give him/her the right of way!! I'll choose to walk on sidewalks and low traffic areas.

[rshoffer]

How do you KNOW we could see you? Sometimes when I am driving down the cart path the shade from the bushes, the dark clothes you walkers wear and the glare off of the windshield blinds me to your presence. Never assume we can see you.

It is safer to move on to the grass than have to jump on to the grass. Easier on the ankles.

I have to assume you have a cart also. Do you always see the walkers?
If a golf cart operator(in daylight)runs over a pedestrian who is walking on the left side of the cart path facing traffic, the argument that "I didn't see them' isn't going to float. The legal damages for not having your cart under control would likely be substantial.

[The Great Fumar]

LETS TRY THIS AGAIN for those of you from Realinda....

GOLF CART PATHS THAT ARE SEPARATE FROM THE STREETS can be used by everyone , be it bikes , walkers , skate boards , etc, etc, but you had better keep your eye peeled (figure of speech)

GOLF CART TRAILS .. on golf courses are for golf carts only (no exceptions)

GOLF CART LANES .. along side of streets , you may walk or ride but GOLF CARTS have the right of way , and are under sheriff authority ...they ticket cars and carts for speeding or reckless driving.....If your on a bike , you ride in the street and with the traffic...NOTE ..Even cars will be ticketed if the vere over into the cart lane.....

this was explained at a briefing by a sheriff and a deputy at our welcome indoctrination........

Keep your eyes open sport fans......

I thank you fumar

[Russ_Boston]

Fumar - Those rules actually make a lot of sense (common type) to me. When I run on the streets it is against the traffic and I assume that no one can see me. When I bike with the traffic I assume (hope) that they can see me and I follow all the same rules as a car.

[The Great Fumar]

Russ
yeah, me too ........


fume

[uujudy]

Fumar, thank you for the excellent explanation!
Based on your explanation I have a question for y'all about biking on the streets, but I started a new topic instead of hijacking this one :cop: That's a first for me! LOL

[zcaveman]

If a golf cart operator(in daylight)runs over a pedestrian who is walking on the left side of the cart path facing traffic, the argument that "I didn't see them' isn't going to float. The legal damages for not having your cart under control would likely be substantial.


I still repeat - How do you know we can see you? My cart is always under control.