Bicycling on Buena Vista or Morse...

[villages07]

...or other heavily traveled major roads?

I ride a bike 4 or 5 times a week, casual pace, enjoying the scenary around the Villages. I either ride neighborhood streets, cart lane, or multi-modal path.

This is not a complaint...just a question -- I see many bike riders in the traffic lanes on Morse and Buena Vista, on heavily traveled parts of these two major thoroughfares. Many of these are serious looking cyclists but others look more casual than me. I know it's legal to ride there, but, it sure looks scary to me with all the auto traffic.

So, why does a cyclist ride on Morse or BV when there is a nicely paved multimodal path right there? The multimodal paths seem much safer than dealing with full size cars. Again, not complaining...just trying to understand the reasoning.

[Ooper]

I've wondered the same thing. I know it is perfectly legal but I also think it is quite dangerous, especially when there is a large group of the riding in a clump. Would seem like it would be safer at least to ride single file if they are in a busy road.

[golfnut]

death wish?? if i was on a bike i would even steer clear of the bike lanes on those streets and i know i would never ride in the traffic lane on a major road in TV....gn

[downeaster]

...or other heavily traveled major roads?

I ride a bike 4 or 5 times a week, casual pace, enjoying the scenary around the Villages. I either ride neighborhood streets, cart lane, or multi-modal path.

This is not a complaint...just a question -- I see many bike riders in the traffic lanes on Morse and Buena Vista, on heavily traveled parts of these two major thoroughfares. Many of these are serious looking cyclists but others look more casual than me. I know it's legal to ride there, but, it sure looks scary to me with all the auto traffic.

So, why does a cyclist ride on Morse or BV when there is a nicely paved multimodal path right there? The multimodal paths seem much safer than dealing with full size cars. Again, not complaining...just trying to understand the reasoning.

Good point, villages 07. Florida law says autos must give bicyclists 3 feet of clearance. So, in order to pass safely the autos usually moves into the other lane. With the heavy traffic on the mentioned roadways a very dangerous situation can arise. I would like to think things might improve when the paths north of 466 are widened and repaved. But, as you pointed out. a lot of them will still use the streets.

[Bosoxfan]

death wish?? if i was on a bike i would even steer clear of the bike lanes on those streets and i know i would never ride in the traffic lane on a major road in TV....gn

I'm a cyclist and have wondered why anyone would cycle on the "multimodal" paths. Have you all seen some of these people driving these carts?I definitely feel safer on the roads where I can have enough room to get out of the way if need be.Besides cyclists on these paths move way too slow.There are times when speed is part of the ride and these paths don't allow you this option.
Another question I've been meaning to ask is what's up with the runners & walkers that insist on being in the" multimodal" paths where there are sidewalks.I realize that not all streets have sidewalks but where I live & run there are sidewalks and I still see people using the paths.:shrug:

[cybrgeezer]

I am a frequent visitor to TV and usually bring my bike. I ride those major roads on the multi-modal paths and have never had an issue with a cart driver. Some courtesy, a wave, a friendly word and there's no problem.

I have noticed some erratic driving, of course, but if I let it bother me, I'd have to ride a stationary bike in the gym.

One thing about my rides in TV, I'm never in a big hurry and am willing to let others have the right of way. Sometimes, even when I'm in the right. It's all a matter of attitude.''

[jtdraig]

The multi-modal paths are for everyone..walkers, joggers, golf carts, cyclists, etc.....most are courteous, no attitude, and get along just fine. So, go ahead and ride in the roadways, it's your choice and your life. I ride bikes too...and stay off Morse and Buena Vista because I have survived alot in my life and getting clobbered by a brain dead, texting or cellphone chattingchilout motorist isn't on my bucket list.............enjoy!

[NJblue]

As a bike rider who has always used the paths, up until today I would have agreed with the sentiment about staying off the roads. However, on my ride today I was almost hit head-on by a golf cart that was rounding a corner by coming into my side of the path. Fortunately there was no collision, but I can now appreciate why some choose to be in the roads.

[SABRMnLgs]

My parents are the oneswho told me about reality. Stay OFF the streets with your bicycle. To this day, I would never ride a bicycle on a street. Thats why they make sidewalks . And walk your bike across a major road. Lets see ........ avg person is about 180 lbs. Add the bicycle about another 100 lbs. Average automobile is about 2500 lbs. My math tells me the
bicycle unit is 280 lbs vesus a 2500 lbs car. Ummmmmmm, I'd say the car would win most of the time, IRREGARDLESS IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.
(whoever passed that law anyway??)

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads. otherwise, they should be ticketed as a road nusiance, and made to work at least 5 days a month in an E.R. to see what happens when a bikster goes against a car. Boy I sometimes wish I had a 6 or 8 foot 2x4 and could nail a few of them as I go by. Clogging up the streets. UGH!!!!

[NJblue]

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads.
In case you haven't noticed, there is a maintenance fee attached to your annual taxes. Everyone pays this - even the bicyclists.

Thats why they make sidewalks .
No, they make sidewalks for pedestrians. Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is putting the pedestrians in danger.

[GMONEY]

Had to sit and think about this for a few minutes before typing. Road Maint tax?? Are you flippin serious?? I have a DL, Class A with all the endorsements possible. So your telling me I need to pay more than you??? That is excatlly what is wrong with this world, thoughts like that!!! Enough even trying to figure out what they were thinking when posting something like that..

There are two types of cyclist. The ones like most of you on here are saying you are. Take it easy ride alittle look around stop and sit on the bench and chat with friends or feed the animals. Then there are those that are cycling for a workout and love cycling who would be called the serious cycling fanatic as myself. In doing this you dont want to have to stop every 100 yards for people walking in front of you, golf carts or walkers. You maintain a very even pace. I used the paths one time, and will never do it again. Crossing Morse Bridge on cartpath got ran off the path by a oncoming cart trying to pass another Golf Cart. As luck would have it, I was paying attention and they were not. I was able to stop my Bike in the wrong lane as the cart swiped me. And oh yea, dont think I didnt run him down. He thought he could out run my Bike, not happening. I called the sheriffs office and they came to LSL and had a talk with the Gent and lady in the cart. I had the cart they passed on the bridge with me. Their deal was the cart in front of them was going to slow across the bridge so they passed them. Needless to say they got a big chewing.
SO I use the roads all the time. I hear the same thing when I rode motorcycle, cars cant see you...... then open you eyes...

Of all things, this is a retirement community, your suppose to sit back and relax. Most seriouse cyclist which you see on the roads can just about maintain the speed limit for cars on all roads with some exceptions. On Buena Vista and Morse alittle harder for most, but some of us do just that. As another post stated cyclist have right to the road also. Sure it is of danger, but so is riding on the cart paths around here.

I know I drifted some here, but that is the jist of it. If your a recreational cyclist you stay on the paths. If your a serious cyclist and can maintain good pace you ride on the roads . And it always better to ride in a pack. Makes better visibility and allows the pack to maintain a faster pace.

As for the working in the ER remark and wieght of a car, it dont matter what your in. when it is your time to go, its your time!!! I wonder if SABRMnLgs is the one that was yelling at me the other day about riding my bike on the road and ran the stop sign and almost plowed another car. They were to busy crying about a bike in the cart path on Morse North of 466 and ran the lite at San Marino. things that make you wonder?????????

[GMONEY]

My parents are the oneswho told me about reality. Stay OFF the streets with your bicycle. To this day, I would never ride a bicycle on a street. Thats why they make sidewalks . And walk your bike across a major road. Lets see ........ avg person is about 180 lbs. Add the bicycle about another 100 lbs. Average automobile is about 2500 lbs. My math tells me the
bicycle unit is 280 lbs vesus a 2500 lbs car. Ummmmmmm, I'd say the car would win most of the time, IRREGARDLESS IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.
(whoever passed that law anyway??)

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads. otherwise, they should be ticketed as a road nusiance, and made to work at least 5 days a month in an E.R. to see what happens when a bikster goes against a car. Boy I sometimes wish I had a 6 or 8 foot 2x4 and could nail a few of them as I go by. Clogging up the streets. UGH!!!!


And after reading this post again, and the 6 or 8 foot 2x4 remark, I think you are the **&*$&)* that ran your mouth that day. It is peole like you that would run into someone kill them then go home and have a toast about it, like you boast in this post. Just like that car that day, run your mouth while your moving but you dont have the Intestinal Fortitude to stop and explain those comments face to face. Cloggin up the streets??????????

Admin, if you feel the need to Slap my hands or edit my post by all means do, but after the 2x4 remark someone eeds something slapped.

[Talk Host]

Thats why they make sidewalks . !


In many places, if not most, it is illegal to ride your bike on the "sidewalk."

[BB14616]

Gmoney, thanks for the informative post. I agree with you about Morse Blvd. going across the bridge. I hate doing it even in my golf cart, I can't imagine being on a bike. The carts don't even begin to obey the speed limit, its pretty dangerous.

Cyclists certainly have the right to ride in the road, and if they choose to do so, that is their option. I like to see the cyclists (in the road) in groups - it looks a little safer to me.

[redwitch]

I used to be a serious cyclist. I raced in at least one century (100 miles) a month. You couldn't pay me to ride in the bike lanes in California -- too many pedestrians, joggers, casual riders. As was said by TH, it's illegal to ride on the sidewalks. So, that meant I rode on the road with the cars. I did it in suburbia. I did it in the City. I did it in the country. I maintained the speed limit on the roads. I could do 50 mph for a short period of time and 35 for extended rides. Some people would honk in a friendly way and wave. Many would honk for all the wrong reasons.

The laws allows bikes on roads for a reason -- it's safer for the biker and for the pedestrian. We must follow the same laws the car driver does. We can get ticketed for holding up traffic as well as for speeding. We should stop at all stop signs and lights. We must yield the right of way.

Here, I hate seeing bikes and people on the multi modal lanes on Morse. It is just too dangerous to pass them during high season, so you either hold your breath, pray that the car you've spotted doesn't suddenly speed up and hit you and pass them or crawl along until all patience is gone while in your golf cart. If I had a choice, I wouldn't even take Morse on my golf cart, but I live off Morse so there's really not a lot of choice.

My attitude is that if the bike rider is fast enough, go for the road -- it's safer for all concerned in the long run (even if car drivers don't quite "get" that). If you're slower or just riding for fun, try to stay off the main drags (especially Morse).

[tpop1]

Boy, I am moved to reply to this on so many levels.

I bike The Villages and primarily stay on the MM paths, but understand the reason better bikers might want to us the roads, as they are allowed to do. Carts coming around curves are sometimes worse than cars coming along side of you.

As for the quotes....

My parents are the oneswho told me about reality.

What about the lesson on violence?

Boy I sometimes wish I had a 6 or 8 foot 2x4 and could nail a few of them as I go by. Clogging up the streets. UGH!!!!

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads.

Isn't that what our taxes pay for?

Caught the signature quote:

Please remove your hat/cap when entering a building and dining out! Be a gentleman.

Obviously defines a gentleman as one who removes his hat....but uses a 2x4 to correct behavior

UGH!!!!

[Bosoxfan]

Had to sit and think about this for a few minutes before typing. Road Maint tax?? Are you flippin serious?? I have a DL, Class A with all the endorsements possible. So your telling me I need to pay more than you??? That is excatlly what is wrong with this world, thoughts like that!!! Enough even trying to figure out what they were thinking when posting something like that..

There are two types of cyclist. The ones like most of you on here are saying you are. Take it easy ride alittle look around stop and sit on the bench and chat with friends or feed the animals. Then there are those that are cycling for a workout and love cycling who would be called the serious cycling fanatic as myself. In doing this you dont want to have to stop every 100 yards for people walking in front of you, golf carts or walkers. You maintain a very even pace. I used the paths one time, and will never do it again. Crossing Morse Bridge on cartpath got ran off the path by a oncoming cart trying to pass another Golf Cart. As luck would have it, I was paying attention and they were not. I was able to stop my Bike in the wrong lane as the cart swiped me. And oh yea, dont think I didnt run him down. He thought he could out run my Bike, not happening. I called the sheriffs office and they came to LSL and had a talk with the Gent and lady in the cart. I had the cart they passed on the bridge with me. Their deal was the cart in front of them was going to slow across the bridge so they passed them. Needless to say they got a big chewing.
SO I use the roads all the time. I hear the same thing when I rode motorcycle, cars cant see you...... then open you eyes...

Of all things, this is a retirement community, your suppose to sit back and relax. Most seriouse cyclist which you see on the roads can just about maintain the speed limit for cars on all roads with some exceptions. On Buena Vista and Morse alittle harder for most, but some of us do just that. As another post stated cyclist have right to the road also. Sure it is of danger, but so is riding on the cart paths around here.

I know I drifted some here, but that is the jist of it. If your a recreational cyclist you stay on the paths. If your a serious cyclist and can maintain good pace you ride on the roads . And it always better to ride in a pack. Makes better visibility and allows the pack to maintain a faster pace.

As for the working in the ER remark and wieght of a car, it dont matter what your in. when it is your time to go, its your time!!! I wonder if SABRMnLgs is the one that was yelling at me the other day about riding my bike on the road and ran the stop sign and almost plowed another car. They were to busy crying about a bike in the cart path on Morse North of 466 and ran the lite at San Marino. things that make you wonder?????????

Well said:mademyday:

[Larryandlinda]

In case you haven't noticed, there is a maintenance fee attached to your annual taxes. Everyone pays this - even the bicyclists.


No, they make sidewalks for pedestrians. Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is putting the pedestrians in danger.


At first we thought "XRAY man" (SABRMNlgs) 2x4 bike hater's comment was tongue-in-cheek..... NOT
There's a roommate (also a medicine man) serving 5 years for such rage with whom you can share a cell should you start swinging the board our way.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=243_1263095916

Thanks for the comments from our Villagers in support of cyclists.
Being able to enjoy biking is the number one reason we chose TV. We're lifelong cyclists - we met in a bike class I was teaching back in the 70's bike boom when bikes outsold cars.
She rides a recumbent and a trike slow and medium, I ride with the 'trained enthusiasts' and with her on tandems.
We like the neighborhood streets, the paths, the lanes, and the rural roads just outside the compound.

We both find 466, 301, 441/27, and even 44 are OK and have ridden on them when needed.
We are not blocking traffic , we ARE traffic.
It's our choice and we like it.

Today's improved roads started with the needs of cyclists over 130 years ago. We're paying Fla taxes on 3 homes and a commercial lot and buildings - we will be paying business and employee taxes when we start a business. We pay road taxes on 2 trucks, 3 motorcycles, an RV, a LSV cart, and 7 cars - you're telling us we should pay bike tax and get a license?
Do you have a license for carrying a 2x4?

On our bikes, we take less road,cause less impact on the pavement, less pollution, and 25 bikes can fit in the space of 1 car.

We are life members of local and national bike organizations that represent over 10,000 active cyclists and this rage issue is nothing new.
A radio DJ was reprimanded and sponsors boycotted when he advocated running cyclists off the road

The negative publicity was overwhelming.

TV has two of the better bike clubs in the country and they stress safety education and practice on the road. Florida has a huge billboard campaign for cyclists rights. TV just started and became headquarters for Florida's tandem club for bicycles built for two.

If cyclists had the same lynch-mob vengeful mentality as "Mr XRAY"
we would have one less to worry about out there.

We'll be watching for that board!

Tailwinds!

L&L

[English Ivy]

The laws allows bikes on roads for a reason -- it's safer for the biker and for the pedestrian. We must follow the same laws the car driver does. We can get ticketed for holding up traffic as well as for speeding. We should stop at all stop signs and lights. We must yield the right of way.

But unfortunately most (but not all) bikers do not follow these laws. It's unusual to see a biker stop for a red light unless there is a long line of traffic coming at them. If the coast is clear they keep on going.

I recently saw a large group of bikers heading south on Morse through the Bonita Blvd and Hadley/Hemingway roundabouts. They did not attempt to slow down or yield as they entered either circle. Down by Hadley one biker actually put his left arm out at the traffic coming towards him who were already in the circle as if to say "stop because I'm coming through".

I don't have a problem at all with bikers on the road. But I expect them to follow the law.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

:agree::popcorn:

[redwitch]

Sadly, I agree that many riders do not follow the laws. I honestly wish bicyclists would get tickets more than they do (rarely anywhere, it seems). I know it is a pain to lose your momentum but if you don't want to stop for a stop sign, figure out a route that avoids them. I've been known to travel around blocks several times if I was out to get exercise and didn't want to stop. I can't say I always follow the laws when I'm driving (I really do love to go fast), but I always did when I biked. I'd be darned if I was going to give a driver another reason to dislike a bicyclist who shared HIS road.

There really is no excuse for not obeying the laws on a bike when you're traveling on public roads.

[GMONEY]

But unfortunately most (but not all) bikers do not follow these laws. It's unusual to see a biker stop for a red light unless there is a long line of traffic coming at them. If the coast is clear they keep on going.

I recently saw a large group of bikers heading south on Morse through the Bonita Blvd and Hadley/Hemingway roundabouts. They did not attempt to slow down or yield as they entered either circle. Down by Hadley one biker actually put his left arm out at the traffic coming towards him who were already in the circle as if to say "stop because I'm coming through".

I don't have a problem at all with bikers on the road. But I expect them to follow the law.

Not to make excuse for what you seen at the circles, but here is what we do when enter the round-a bouts as a pack. Usually the first rider will raise his hand up to drivers to let them know the pack is coming around the circle and going to continue around it. alot of times cars assume you are not going around it and you will continue straight up the road. For example we usually cross the morse bridge and come to the circle at stillwater, but we round it and continue on stillwater thru the Caroline gate. If traffic is coming into the circle on Morse from the other side he is letting them know that more bikes are coming thru not just him. Just for safety sakes so the traffic is aware of what is going on.

No traffic needs slow way down or stop entering a round-a-bout unless traffic is flowing around the circle. And yes should stop for red lites. As for cyclist coming to the front of the traffic lane at a redlite, i do it also. That way i can cross the road and not be in the middle of the traffic. Now is that wrong legally maybe, but it is alot safer than setting in the middle of a bunch of cars.

It is all about safety, maybe stop and ask some of the Club Riders, they usually meet at some of the rec centers before startting the rides. see what they can tell you.

Like I said before this is a retirement community. Most people move here to relax and enjoy. No reason to be all rowd up, drive like your on the autobahn. Lets all get along..

[Bosoxfan]

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads. otherwise, they should be ticketed as a road nusiance, and made to work at least 5 days a month in an E.R. to see what happens when a bikster goes against a car. Boy I sometimes wish I had a 6 or 8 foot 2x4 and could nail a few of them as I go by. Clogging up the streets. UGH!!!![/QUOTE]

Are you serious?Your roads,nuisance,knocking cyclists off their bikes with a 2x4?
man you've got some serious issues.chilout

[Dynasty]

Any chance the host could identify the 2X4 guy so we could get a biker gang together and go talk with him?

I rode a motorcycle in the 70's and came up against the same redneck attitude,
so I sold my motorcycle.

Anyone want to buy a nice used Raleigh bicycle. I think I better buy a Hummer just to be safe on the streets in The Villages.:mad:

[GMONEY]

The Neanderthals sure are out in force today. I'm amazed at the attitudes of some of the posters here, threatening to use 2x4s and all.

In a different place and time, quite a few decades ago, I had attitudes similar to some of these cavemen. Back in the days of the 5,000 pound Eldorado, 7 MPG, the 3+ martini lunch, slapping your woman around if she dared to mouthed off, etc. Haven't we advanced any?

I had a bike as a child, but upon getting my first drivers license, I subscribed to that Biblical verse:

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

Bikes didn't belong on roads. They were getting in the way. When they first started putting in bike paths, bikes belonged on the bike paths. They're holding all of us drivers up.

Well, maybe bikes aren't childish things. About 30 years ago, I got my first bike as an adult. That opened up a whole new world to me. At first I thought bikes still belonged on the bike paths. But as I became more proficient and the bike paths became more crowded, I started to think otherwise. Riding on the bike path was like driving on the Long Island Expressway at rush hour. I could see why a cyclist would want to ride on the adjacent streets rather than on the bike paths. While personally I didn't want to do that, I could understand and fully support a cyclist's rights to ride on the street. My solution to the "traffic" was to ride off hours on the bike paths, but that's not the solution for every cyclist.

Do the bicycles REALLY hold you up? I'm reminded of a complaint my mother (while in her 50s) repeatedly had in the supermarket checkout lanes. What were all of these old people in such a rush for? To get to their graves? Unfortunately in her 80s she has become the very person she used to complain about. I don't intend on becoming one of those people. What is the rush???

:bowdown:

[GMONEY]

Any chance the host could identify the 2X4 guy so we could get a biker gang together and go talk with him?

I rode a motorcycle in the 70's and came up against the same redneck attitude,
so I sold my motorcycle.

Anyone want to buy a nice used Raleigh bicycle. I think I better buy a Hummer just to be safe on the streets in The Villages.:mad:

As I stated in my earlier post here, I think I had a run in with this person the other day. That person needs to Put the 2x4 down, open the car door get out and turn around and bend over so we could put our foot up that candy **#@....

[Pturner]

Just want to add my support for cyclists on the roads. I used to be a long-distance (touring) cyclist. I did 50-100 mile rides with the Southern Bicycle League, Atlanta chapter. Great fun and exercise.

For those who say it's dangerous, I guess that is somewhat true of many sports. I also had a private pilots licence and flew single-engine Cessna airplanes. The jets were bigger and would "win" everytime in a mishap, but one would hope that the neither the vehicles on the roads nor the planes in the sky are in competition.

Bicyclists wear helmets, of course, and most obey the rules and are accutely safety conscious.

This is a good thread and I hope maybe it has raised some awareness and understanding on both sides.

[rmr02]

I could see why a cyclist would want to ride on the adjacent streets rather than on the bike paths. While personally I didn't want to do that, I could understand and fully support a cyclist's rights to ride on the street. My solution to the "traffic" was to ride off hours on the bike paths, but that's not the solution for every cyclist.


What are the off-hours, and do they apply now during "tourist season"?

Since I haven't built up enough stamina to keep up with traffic on roads, I ride the MUTs. Worst part of it are the tunnels (smelling like the Lincoln Tunnel because of all the gas-powered carts), and the occasional yahoo on his cart trying to do a 90 degree turn into a tunnel by going almost completely into the other lane. Otherwise, vast majority of people on the MUTs, whether carts, cyclists, or peds, I find to be friendly and courteous.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

I have a bike horn on my cart that I "toot" when I come up on a bike rider I am going to pass. I would rather give it a little toot instead of using the cart horn which might startle the rider.
If the rider knows (turns his head/acknowledges) I am ready to pass, I will not toot the tooter.
This is done only to let the rider know I am there and not intended to make them move over or stop. It is a matter of safety and trying to be courteous.
The same goes for the walkers that might not hear a cart coming up behind them.
:highfive:

[Talk Host]

When people are engaged in conversation, they are less aware of what is going around them.

Bicyclists should not be engaged in conversation, because they are not suppose to be riding two abreast.

[zcaveman]

I'll grant you that... I was talking about pedestrians, but bicyclists certainly do it too!

And signalling these abreast bicyclists is still sometimes not enough to get their awareness. Once I used my bell multiple times to try and signal such a pair, to no effect. Whether it was intentional that they didn't temporarily go single file or not, there was something that eventually got their attention: almost having a head on collision with a bike coming the other way. :22yikes:

Pedestrians should be walking facing traffic so you should not be have to sneak up on them. They should see you coming.

[rshoffer]

Had to sit and think about this for a few minutes before typing. Road Maint tax?? Are you flippin serious?? I have a DL, Class A with all the endorsements possible. So your telling me I need to pay more than you??? That is excatlly what is wrong with this world, thoughts like that!!! Enough even trying to figure out what they were thinking when posting something like that..

There are two types of cyclist. The ones like most of you on here are saying you are. Take it easy ride alittle look around stop and sit on the bench and chat with friends or feed the animals. Then there are those that are cycling for a workout and love cycling who would be called the serious cycling fanatic as myself. In doing this you dont want to have to stop every 100 yards for people walking in front of you, golf carts or walkers. You maintain a very even pace. I used the paths one time, and will never do it again. Crossing Morse Bridge on cartpath got ran off the path by a oncoming cart trying to pass another Golf Cart. As luck would have it, I was paying attention and they were not. I was able to stop my Bike in the wrong lane as the cart swiped me. And oh yea, dont think I didnt run him down. He thought he could out run my Bike, not happening. I called the sheriffs office and they came to LSL and had a talk with the Gent and lady in the cart. I had the cart they passed on the bridge with me. Their deal was the cart in front of them was going to slow across the bridge so they passed them. Needless to say they got a big chewing.
SO I use the roads all the time. I hear the same thing when I rode motorcycle, cars cant see you...... then open you eyes...

Of all things, this is a retirement community, your suppose to sit back and relax. Most seriouse cyclist which you see on the roads can just about maintain the speed limit for cars on all roads with some exceptions. On Buena Vista and Morse alittle harder for most, but some of us do just that. As another post stated cyclist have right to the road also. Sure it is of danger, but so is riding on the cart paths around here.

I know I drifted some here, but that is the jist of it. If your a recreational cyclist you stay on the paths. If your a serious cyclist and can maintain good pace you ride on the roads . And it always better to ride in a pack. Makes better visibility and allows the pack to maintain a faster pace.

As for the working in the ER remark and wieght of a car, it dont matter what your in. when it is your time to go, its your time!!! I wonder if SABRMnLgs is the one that was yelling at me the other day about riding my bike on the road and ran the stop sign and almost plowed another car. They were to busy crying about a bike in the cart path on Morse North of 466 and ran the lite at San Marino. things that make you wonder?????????The fool passing another cart on The Morse Blvd Bridge in LSL is either to dumb to read the signs or too old and blind to see the signs posted on both sides that say: 10 mph... cart speed on bridge.

[GMONEY]

The fool passing another cart on The Morse Blvd Bridge in LSL is either to dumb to read the signs or too old and blind to see the signs posted on both sides that say: 10 mph... cart speed on bridge.

thats why I cross the bridge on the road, I stay off that path there. Funny to watch some of the people driving the carts get so ****ed when others are driving their carts at the speed limit, espically those that drive around with a piece of cardboard that says " Street Legal"

[Talk Host]

thats why I cross the bridge on the road, I stay off that path there. Funny to watch some of the people driving the carts get so ****ed when others are driving their carts at the speed limit, espically those that drive around with a piece of cardboard that says " Street Legal"


Are you saying that you drive your golf cart out onto the street while crossing that bridge?

[Russ_Boston]

Are you saying that you drive your golf cart out onto the street while crossing that bridge?

I would think he/she means Bike since this is the biking thread and gmoney's prior posts talk about his/her avid biking.

[chuckinca]

Well, as I mentioned in another thread, pedestrians on the right on a multi use path (minus any motorized vehicles) is a common rule in many areas. I looked it up again in the area I used to live (DC), and all of the path systems had the all users keep right rule, even though they were under several different managements. A second associated rule was that all passing must be signaled, either by voice, bell, horn, or other device. That was so a bicyclist would not be sneaking up on pedestrians (or other bikes, inline skaters, etc.).

I'm not sure what the rules are here locally, specifically on the MUTs in the Villages (which have golf carts on them too). Just looked for a reference, and found the Florida Bike Association, with a set of rules for multi use paths that is very similar to those around DC regarding all users keep right, though unfortunately it doesn't spell it out specifically for pedestrians, only by implication:

http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/pathandtrail.html

So is there a MUT rules document for the Villages, similar to the infamous one on roundabouts?



Most of the multi use paths I have been on in Norcal are all users on right, pass only on left when clear.




.

[moongirl]

Another question I've been meaning to ask is what's up with the runners & walkers that insist on being in the" multimodal" paths where there are sidewalks.I realize that not all streets have sidewalks but where I live & run there are sidewalks and I still see people using the paths.:shrug:

Just like bikers, runners take their life in their hands when they go out to exercise. I can't afford a fitness center membership so must use the great outdoors. Running/racewalking helps with my weight control. I use the multimodal paths for the following reasons: 1) Paths are blacktop vs concrete and, believe it or not, your knees/hips can tell the difference after 5 miles; 2) Too many people walking 2-3 abreast or walking their dogs think they shouldn't have to move over for runners/racewalkers. Dogs on leases are given a long span and can trip you up. Moving to grass is risky because of holes, uneveness, etc; 3) When meeting a golf cart/biker, I always move to the concrete apron (on the street paths) til we pass. There is plenty of room for us to meet/pass but I try not to crowd carts; 4) During my run I look for & pick up construction nails. I usually find at least 6 or more, so I'm saving folks from flat tires; 5) If I try moving up on sidewalk for every cart I meet, I risk tripping and breaking my wrist (again); 6) As a pedestrian, no one should have the right to run me over even if I were in the wrong place. I usually get at least one "grouchy geezer" a run yelling at me to "Get on the sidewalk." Folks, lets be nice to each other. Enjoy the ride - death is our next big adventure!!

[Russ_Boston]

Just like bikers, runners take their life in their hands when they go out to exercise. I can't afford a fitness center membership so must use the great outdoors. Running/racewalking helps with my weight control. I use the multimodal paths for the following reasons: 1) Paths are blacktop vs concrete and, believe it or not, your knees/hips can tell the difference after 5 miles; 2) Too many people walking 2-3 abreast or walking their dogs think they shouldn't have to move over for runners/racewalkers. Dogs on leases are given a long span and can trip you up. Moving to grass is risky because of holes, uneveness, etc; 3) When meeting a golf cart/biker, I always move to the concrete apron (on the street paths) til we pass. There is plenty of room for us to meet/pass but I try not to crowd carts; 4) During my run I look for & pick up construction nails. I usually find at least 6 or more, so I'm saving folks from flat tires; 5) If I try moving up on sidewalk for every cart I meet, I risk tripping and breaking my wrist (again); 6) As a pedestrian, no one should have the right to run me over even if I were in the wrong place. I usually get at least one "grouchy geezer" a run yelling at me to "Get on the sidewalk." Folks, lets be nice to each other. Enjoy the ride - death is our next big adventure!!

Great post MG!

Even if we could afford the gym membership who wants to run indoors when there are such great scenic areas around TV to run on the multis? Buena Vista in an around Lake Miona/Stillwater is my favorite, albeit busy, multi to run.

[nkrifats]

Russ and MG,
Good Post.

[GMONEY]

Are you saying that you drive your golf cart out onto the street while crossing that bridge?

Cycling. Not Cart