Biking on Streets?

[uujudy]

I am posting this here because it isn't really the Walking on Streets topic:


Fumar - Those rules actually make a lot of sense (common type) to 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.


Russ & Fumar, one thing I'm hoping to do is ride a bike in TV. I'm looking forward to riding on flat streets. (It's alway uphill home where I live now. We have a very steep hill to our house, and I gave up biking the last time I had to walk the bike uphill to get home)

Here's my question... If I ride my bike on the streets, how do I get around those roundabouts? They frighten me when I'm in a car, not to mention riding a bike. If I try to avoid a roundabout by biking on a golf cart path, then there's the tunnel issue. I would like to venture outside of my own Village occasionally. Any suggestions?

[redwitch]

I've seen bikes navigate the roundabouts quiite well. I've seen them do the tunnels and survive the hills getting out of them. I think the trick is to start slowly. First your neighborhood. Then maybe to some of the tunnels but turn around. When you think you're in shape, try the tunnels. You will probably be pleasantly surprised. As you get more used to the roundabouts and find you're in a hurry, odds are you will venture on them on your bike.

I have a scooter. I can get up to about the same speed on it that I used to on my bike (25-35 mph). For the longest time, I was terrified of taking it on the streets and roundabouts. Now, I prefer that to the tunnels and golf cart paths.

So, my suggestion is to give them both a try once you feel you're in bike condition again and then pick which way is more comfortable to you.

Happy riding!

[uujudy]

Thanks Redwitch!
I'll start slow, but if you do run across a poor old soul slumped over her bike at the bottom of a tunnel and unable to get out, that will be me. ;)

[Lovetobike]

I love cycling in the Villages. The circles are a challenge but the tunnels, on the older side are worst. the developer didn't consider bikes when making tunnels with sharp turns going up a hill. So now you know why we bikers use the roads. Seems like the lesser of two evils.
Cyclist from lower, slower Delaware

[ohiogolf]

Uujudy:

The Villages are a great location for road biking both within the borders of TV and outside. Do not kid yourself, there are some big hills to be found, especially near 466A.

On the circles, there are specific rules of the road for bikers. I suggest that you access the web page for the Sumter Landing bike club as it lists safety rules in it. at the monthly meeting of the club, safety rules are addressed including rules for the circles.

the web page for the club is: http://sumterlandingbicycleclub.org/

The organized rides for the bike clubs in TV are a great way to travel safely in a group and to meet other bikers of similar skills and experience.

[uujudy]

:bow: Thank you both for your invaluable information!
Today I am researching electric-assist bikes on the internet. I'm thinking that something to help with the uphills would be nice.

[Ooper]

I see bikers use the tunnels all the time... but, Lovetobike... where are there tunnels on the older side? I don't recall seeing any over there.

[redwitch]

I'd guess Lovetobike is referring to tunnels such as those at Savannah Center. They are the pits.