Bicyclers in The Villages.

[graciegirl]

There are a lot of people riding bicycles here in The Villages. Some are returning to the sport and some are down and out serious cyclists. They are all making me VERY nervous.

They do not go as fast as cars and I like to give them a wide berth when I pass them which means that if there is a lot of traffic and oncoming cars I am holding up traffic. (SORRY....I am afraid they might swerve or fall in front of my car)

Today I was driving over to SeaBreeze to photograph the neat cabanas there for a painting and I was behind two not so serious cylists, I say that because they were riding upright and not bent over and they were, well, older, maybe as old as me. They did not look behind them when it was time to merge with traffic and then they went around the circle,(!!??) narrowly missing some cars. (or the cars narrowly missing them) They went into the inside lane and then exited the right lane in the traffic circle...and the cars were nearly stopped trying to avoid them which they did. Thank heavens.

Are they supposed to stay on or in the multi-modal paths, thus going under the street instead of the turn around???

[bike42]

Bicycles can go either on roads or the multimodal trails. Cars are supposed to give 3 feet of clearance when they pass a bicycle -- hopefully a lot more! The bicycle clubs in TV emphasize safety and following all of the laws.

[zcaveman]

Bicycles can go either on roads or the multimodal trails. Cars are supposed to give 3 feet of clearance when they pass a bicycle -- hopefully a lot more! The bicycle clubs in TV emphasize safety and following all of the laws.

Maybe the bicycle clubs do but most of the individual riders do not know what a STOP sign is or a hand signal.

One day the cart in front of me went to pass a bicyclist that was riding in the cart part and the bicycle decided to turn left and the guy in the cart did some real tricks trying to avoid the bicyclist who made the turn - oblivious to the cart drivers maneuvers to avoid him. If that would have been a car there could have been a real mess.

Like GG I have also seen bicyclists weave and bob their way around a circle - managing to avoid being run over only because of the car drivers attention to the idiots.

BTW: how can I give you three feet on the multinodal paths? They are not that wide.

[BogeyBoy]

Bicycles can go either on roads or the multimodal trails. Cars are supposed to give 3 feet of clearance when they pass a bicycle -- hopefully a lot more! The bicycle clubs in TV emphasize safety and following all of the laws.

They may emphasize safety but do they practice what they preach? I have observed a group of 15-20 all run right through a stop sign. (This was the 4 way stop by Toojays, they must have been in hurry to get coffee.) I have no way of knowing if this was a bicycle club activity but it was obviously an organized bike ride.

As always in TV, drive defensively and plan for the unexpected.

[bike42]

BTW: how can I give you three feet on the multinodal paths? They are not that wide.

The three-foot law is for regular roads, does not apply to the multi-modal paths.

[Pturner]

There are a lot of people riding bicycles here in The Villages. Some are returning to the sport and some are down and out serious cyclists. They are all making me VERY nervous.

They do not go as fast as cars and I like to give them a wide berth when I pass them which means that if there is a lot of traffic and oncoming cars I am holding up traffic. (SORRY....I am afraid they might swerve or fall in front of my car)

Today I was driving over to SeaBreeze to photograph the neat cabanas there for a painting and I was behind two not so serious cylists, I say that because they were riding upright and not bent over and they were, well, older, maybe as old as me. They did not look behind them when it was time to merge with traffic and then they went around the circle,(!!??) narrowly missing some cars. (or the cars narrowly missing them) They went into the inside lane and then exited the right lane in the traffic circle...and the cars were nearly stopped trying to avoid them which they did. Thank heavens.

Are they supposed to stay on or in the multi-modal paths, thus going under the street instead of the turn around???

Hi Gracie,
I think it would be more dangerous for bicyclists to use the cart tunnels simply because if a cart rounds quickly into the tunnel without seeing the cyclist the cart driver would have very little room to maneuver to avoid hitting the cyclist.

I realize that many bicyclists don't, but they are supposed to follow the rules of the road. That would include using turn (hand) signals before turning, stopping at stop signs, not weaving from lane to lane, not changing lanes inside the roundabouts and using the appropriate roundabout lane. They are also required to wear helmets.

For any occassional cyclists out there who might not know:
In roundabout, cyclists should enter in the right lane after yielding and exit from the right lane to make a right turn or to go straight and enter in the left lane after yielding and exit from the left lane to make a left or 270-degree turn. Cars should stagger for cyclists just as the would for other cars inside the roundabouts. Both cyclists and motorists should use turn signals before exiting the roundabouts, but I rarely see anyone do this!

To make a left turn not in a roundabout, a bicyclist should a) use a hand signal; b) look behind before moving from golf cart lane to car lane and wait before switching lanes if traffic is coming from behind; c) move to the inside of the lane (still using turn signal); and d) wait for any oncoming traffic before making the left turn.
Since we all know that many cyclists-- and many motorists for that matter-- will not obey the traffic laws, we need to be extra vigilant.

I used to be an avid cyclists and I hate when cyclists fail to follow safety rules and common sense! Not all bicyclists are a danger to themselves and others, but sadly, many are.

[downeaster]

They may emphasize safety but do they practice what they preach? I have observed a group of 15-20 all run right through a stop sign. (This was the 4 way stop by Toojays, they must have been in hurry to get coffee.) I have no way of knowing if this was a bicycle club activity but it was obviously an organized bike ride.

As always in TV, drive defensively and plan for the unexpected.

Some of the "packs" have an attitude. They seldom, if ever, stop at stop signs. They expect carts and cars to give them a wide berth (three foot rule is reasonable) but they will run pedestrians off the multi modal lanes and paths. It is only the result of defensive cart and car drivers that keep them from serious accidents.

[Rag Bagger]

would use the cart path when they could. It's just plain safer. In the roadway they could be (Dead Right). On the road ways the speed differential is very dangerous even when everybody plays by the rules. I most cases the three foot rule will work but I have seen too many bikers wander three feet or more. I always give them more space. When closing on a bike doing 15 mph in a car doing 45 it's a potential dissaster.

As stated earlier they seldom stop at stop signs. Heck most people don't come to a stop in a car which is much easier to get going again than a bike.

My point, isn't it logically safer riding in a cart/bike path. Common sense rules.

Just my thoughts.

[Pturner]

would use the cart path when they could. It's just plain safer. In the roadway they could be (Dead Right). On the road ways the speed differential is very dangerous even when everybody plays by the rules. I most cases the three foot rule will work but I have seen too many bikers wander three feet or more. I always give them more space. When closing on a bike doing 15 mph in a car doing 45 it's a potential dissaster.

As stated earlier they seldom stop at stop signs. Heck most people don't come to a stop in a car which is much easier to get going again than a bike.

My point, isn't it logically safer riding in a cart/bike path. Common sense rules.

Just my thoughts.

Of course bicyclists in TV should ride in the cart lanes! They should get in the car lane to make a left turn-- only after using their left-turn hand signal and looking behind them to ensure a car is not approaching from behind.

[GMONEY]

It depends on the biker, as GG said the ones she encountered were not serious bikers. They were out for a casual cruise it sounds like... I ride all the time. I ride to work, I ride on the weekends alot. We have a group that meets at the church on 466 and Morse every Thursday at 615pm and does a loop of the Villages. I can tell you that we stop for the stop signs and watch traffic. And yes there are those that dont. Just like cars.. There are those that dont stop and those that do.. I am kind of stuck on the remark of cars doing 45 MPH.... Unless on 466, 466a, I am thinking the car is speeding to begin with, thus not paying attention to us idoiots as caveman posted....

Cyclist for the most part will not use the tunnels, for one alot of the have the speed bumps like at 466 and cr-101. Hard on a expensive Bike, plus a gent in a CAR almost hit me as he was trying to use the tunnel under 466 and cr-101 mind you in his car.... said he didnt know it was a cart path???????????????? and he has a DL?????

As I have said on her before, this is a retirement community, why such a Hurry?? I ride the roads all the time, and only a few times have I had a run in with a car. And thankfully at that time there was a bright blue unmarked Sumter County Sherrifs car following the car that almost hit our group. The lady was the only car on Buena Vista between Stillwater and Baily Trail, came right up beside us within a foot and rolled the window down and called us everyname in the book, and we dont pay the road taxes and all that hoop la... then floored it and took off.. She should of been looking in her Mirror at them pretty blue lights flashing behnd her. We all stopped with the Deputy and told him what she had said. So she got a big ticket to pay our part of the "" ROAD TAX"".

what I am getting at is this, that is when it get dangerous out there, when people get that out of control.. Most cyclitst ride in groups or packs for visibility. It is one of them things we could argue this more or less, but we have to share the roads. You moved here to relax and enjoy the lifestyle.. Why such a hurry and all the hostility??

So nice to ride in The Villages. Most of us work to watch for cars and traffic flow.

[BogeyBoy]

My point, isn't it logically safer riding in a cart/bike path. Common sense rules.



It may be logically safer, but a serious bike rider may be out for a 50 mile ride. Turns, tunnels, pedestrians, stop signs, and road crossings would make 50 miles a long ride. Imagine traveling from 466 to 466a on Morse Blvd. Not one stop sign, just yield signs at the traffic circles. Now turn right on 466a, and right again on Buena Vista - as you head up north no stop signs again until you get to the light at 466. Now map out that same route using the multi-modal paths. Lots of stops, road crossings, tunnels, tight turns, and speed bumps - and oh yeah, cart traffic, pedestrians, dog walkers, etc.

[Pturner]

It may be logically safer, but a serious bike rider may be out for a 50 mile ride. Turns, tunnels, pedestrians, stop signs, and road crossings would make 50 miles a long ride. Imagine traveling from 466 to 466a on Morse Blvd. Not one stop sign, just yield signs at the traffic circles. Now turn right on 466a, and right again on Buena Vista - as you head up north no stop signs again until you get to the light at 466. Now map out that same route using the multi-modal paths. Lots of stops, road crossings, tunnels, tight turns, and speed bumps - and oh yeah, cart traffic, pedestrians, dog walkers, etc.

BogeyBoy, I agree. To clarify an earlier post, I intended to say that bicyclists on the road should ride in the golf cart lane. I agree that serious bicyclists have good reasons to ride on the roads, as you point out.

[petenj]

Hi Gracie,
I think it would be more dangerous for bicyclists to use the cart tunnels simply because if a cart rounds quickly into the tunnel without seeing the cyclist the cart driver would have very little room to maneuver to avoid hitting the cyclist.

I realize that many bicyclists don't, but they are supposed to follow the rules of the road. That would include using turn (hand) signals before turning, stopping at stop signs, not weaving from lane to lane, not changing lanes inside the roundabouts and using the appropriate roundabout lane. They are also required to wear helmets.

For any occassional cyclists out there who might not know:
In roundabout, cyclists should enter in the right lane after yielding and exit from the right lane to make a right turn or to go straight and enter in the left lane after yielding and exit from the left lane to make a left or 270-degree turn. Cars should stagger for cyclists just as the would for other cars inside the roundabouts. Both cyclists and motorists should use turn signals before exiting the roundabouts, but I rarely see anyone do this!

To make a left turn not in a roundabout, a bicyclist should a) use a hand signal; b) look behind before moving from golf cart lane to car lane and wait before switching lanes if traffic is coming from behind; c) move to the inside of the lane (still using turn signal); and d) wait for any oncoming traffic before making the left turn.
Since we all know that many cyclists-- and many motorists for that matter-- will not obey the traffic laws, we need to be extra vigilant.

I used to be an avid cyclists and I hate when cyclists fail to follow safety rules and common sense! Not all bicyclists are a danger to themselves and others, but sadly, many are.

Ah, the voice of reason and rule. I agree.

[zcaveman]

I realize that many bicyclists don't, but they are supposed to follow the rules of the road. That would include using turn (hand) signals before turning, stopping at stop signs, not weaving from lane to lane, not changing lanes inside the roundabouts and using the appropriate roundabout lane. They are also required to wear helmets.

While I understand that it is safer to wear helmets I do not think that they are required in Florida. You do not even need a helmet on a motorcycle.

[zcaveman]

Unless on 466, 466a, I am thinking the car is speeding to begin with, thus not paying attention to us idiots as caveman posted....

I only said that those bicyclists that are bobbing and weaving through the traffic circles are idiots. For the most part those that ride in groups in their colorful spandex obey the law.

And I always give the three feet or more to those in the street.

[Jeff Bieberfeld]

i think the key to this whole thing is that all of us are sharing the road(s) and recreational trail(s). and that means being aware of one's own driving and the others around you, and that includes being safe and alert and respectful.
i am a bicycle rider and have had golf carts pass me in tunnels and on tunnel ramps, pass me on the left and then immediately make a right turn in front of me. i have also had polite folks wave me through, or wait while i cross an intersection. it is not just golf carts but cars also; and bicyclers(bicyclists) are not innocent either; riding against traffic, or on the sidewalks, or with no helmets, or listening to i-pods and oblivious to anything around them. and i haven't even mentioned pedestrians that walk 4-6 abreast........
so let's all try to share....and be careful.

:welcome:
jeff

[bike42]

:agree:i think the key to this whole thing is that all of us are sharing the road(s) and recreational trail(s). and that means being aware of one's own driving and the others around you, and that includes being safe and alert and respectful.
i am a bicycle rider and have had golf carts pass me in tunnels and on tunnel ramps, pass me on the left and then immediately make a right turn in front of me. i have also had polite folks wave me through, or wait while i cross an intersection. it is not just golf carts but cars also; and bicyclers(bicyclists) are not innocent either; riding against traffic, or on the sidewalks, or with no helmets, or listening to i-pods and oblivious to anything around them. and i haven't even mentioned pedestrians that walk 4-6 abreast........
so let's all try to share....and be careful.
jeff

:agree:

[Bosoxfan]

I'm confused as to why this is such an issue.When I'm out on my bike I travel the roads obeying the traffic laws.I wish all roads had bike lanes but they don't so I'm forced to sometimes be a little closer to vehicles than they'd like .As long as I'm not maneuvering in a way that would cause a motorist to have to guess what I'm going to do next than they should just go by me.I hope they don't expect me to keep up with traffic so if they have to slow down and wait for a safe time to pass me I'd appreciate it!!I take all the safety precautions necessary.I wear a helmet,wear bright clothing,and have a mirror that allows me to see who or what's coming from behind me.I do listen to my Ipod but am very aware of my surroundings.I think the oblivious ones are those using their cell phones while driving.I had to get off my bike the other day because a guy was on his cell phone driving a dump truck.This was on 466a with noone else on the road.It was the 4 lane section and this guy stayed on the far right straddling the shoulder forcing me from my bike.As stated in an earlier post what's the rush ? Stay off the phone & share the road so we can all live to see another beautiful day in the villages...Thanks!!

[Talk Host]

The bicycle clubs in TV emphasize safety and following all of the laws.

I have never seen any of the bicycle clubs stopping at stop signs. The entire groups goes through stop signs without slowing down. Isn't that a violation of the law? Why don't they stop?

[BogeyBoy]

I'm confused as to why this is such an issue.When I'm out on my bike I travel the roads obeying the traffic laws.I wish all roads had bike lanes but they don't so I'm forced to sometimes be a little closer to vehicles than they'd like .As long as I'm not maneuvering in a way that would cause a motorist to have to guess what I'm going to do next than they should just go by me.I hope they don't expect me to keep up with traffic so if they have to slow down and wait for a safe time to pass me I'd appreciate it!!I take all the safety precautions necessary.I wear a helmet,wear bright clothing,and have a mirror that allows me to see who or what's coming from behind me.I do listen to my Ipod but am very aware of my surroundings.I think the oblivious ones are those using their cell phones while driving.I had to get off my bike the other day because a guy was on his cell phone driving a dump truck.This was on 466a with noone else on the road.It was the 4 lane section and this guy stayed on the far right straddling the shoulder forcing me from my bike.As stated in an earlier post what's the rush ? Stay off the phone & share the road so we can all live to see another beautiful day in the villages...Thanks!!

Here is the Florida law on wearing headsets while operating a vehicle on Florida roadways:

316.304 Wearing of headsets.--

(1) No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.

(2) This section does not apply to:

(a) Any law enforcement officer equipped with any communication device necessary in performing his or her assigned duties or to any emergency vehicle operator equipped with any ear protection device.

(b) Any applicant for a license to operate a motorcycle while taking the examination required by s. 322.12(5).

(c) Any person operating a motorcycle who is using a headset that is installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the user's ears so that the user can hear surrounding sounds.

(d) Any person using a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear.

(e) Any person using a headset in conjunction with communicating with the central base operation that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear.

(3) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall promulgate, by administrative rule, standards and specifications for headset equipment the use of which is permitted under this section. The department shall inspect and review all such devices submitted to it and shall publish a list by name and type of approved equipment.

(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

[Talk Host]

I never get an answer from bike club riders when I ask why they go through stop signs without stopping. I have asked this about 5 times and have not gotten a straight reply.

They all say that they observe all traffic rules, but I have never seen them stop at stop signs. They all go through as a group. The law requires that each one stops.

I know what they think is the answer, that it would disrupt their pace. But, saying that they observe all laws, means, ALL LAWS.

[Russ_Boston]

Think of it as just one long car!

[Rag Bagger]

It seems to me that The Serious biker would get even more exercise if they came to a dead stop at stop signs. And they would be less likeley to be injured if they road the bike/cart path when they are available. That doesn't mean they can't ride in the roadway. It just means the safer option would be the cart path were the speed differentials are closer to each other. If no cart path, use the roadway even if it is risky. But given the choice...it seem like a no brainer. Maybe I am missing something.

[GMONEY]

I never get an answer from bike club riders when I ask why they go through stop signs without stopping. I have asked this about 5 times and have not gotten a straight reply.

They all say that they observe all traffic rules, but I have never seen them stop at stop signs. They all go through as a group. The law requires that each one stops.

I know what they think is the answer, that it would disrupt their pace. But, saying that they observe all laws, means, ALL LAWS.

Kinda like saying why do cars roll thru stop signs without stopping. Or why do golf carts roll thru stop signs, why do people speed. Dont think you would be satisfied with any answer given. I have let everyone in this office read this thread. They all say the same thing, sounds like somebody dont like cyclist on the roads..

Better question would be, why when cyclist are in the round-a-bouts going around them, why do the cars not yield the right of way to the bikers and go thru the YIELD sign.

Again, dont think it matters what answer you want, will not be the right one. I would think the "ALL LAWS" you mean would apply to all vehicles on the road. The day that all vehicles obey ALL LAWS will be the day I could pull a rotten, nerve exposed Wisdom Tooth out of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and walk away..

[golfnut]

:popcorn:

[graciegirl]

Boy Howdy.

[Pturner]

:boom:

[Talk Host]

Kinda like saying why do cars roll thru stop signs without stopping. Or why do golf carts roll thru stop signs, why do people speed. Dont think you would be satisfied with any answer given. I have let everyone in this office read this thread. They all say the same thing, sounds like somebody dont like cyclist on the roads..

Better question would be, why when cyclist are in the round-a-bouts going around them, why do the cars not yield the right of way to the bikers and go thru the YIELD sign.

Again, dont think it matters what answer you want, will not be the right one. I would think the "ALL LAWS" you mean would apply to all vehicles on the road. The day that all vehicles obey ALL LAWS will be the day I could pull a rotten, nerve exposed Wisdom Tooth out of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and walk away..

You could not be any more wrong. (your office as well) I am a serious bicyclist too. The thing that rankles me is that they profess to "obey all traffic rules." (read the earlier posts). They say that they have safety meetings and constantly encourage safe operation. They don't and they won't answer my question.

Pointing out a serious traffic hazard (bikes speeding through stop signs) should not be considered a dislike for anything other than hypocrisy. If I asked why cars go through stop signs, does that mean I don't like car drivers. No, it means I am concerned and you should be too.

JLK

[Rob Stevens]

Bicyclists are much like motorcyclists. They want car drivers to watch out for them because they can't be bothered watching out for cars or obeying those silly traffic laws.

[2ddean]

Bicyclists must abide by the same rules and laws as automobiles when riding on public roadways. For their own safety, it seems the bicylcists you decribe should have been on the multimodal paths as they were probably more of the "recreational" type of riders. Glad everyone was safe in this instance!

[memason]

Where I'm living, bicyclist's are expect to abide by the rules of the road. I often see bicyclist's receiving tickets from the police for running stop lights, turning from the wrong lane, etc. ALL bicycles are required to have lights, front and rear and I have seen police checkpoints, where they test the lights and give tickets for infractions. They even give tickets for drinking and riding, as well as using a cell phone while riding.

When I ride my bike, it's not much different than driving my car...

[Chazz]

A frequently repeated comment that bicyclists should follow all applicable laws (which I agee with), begs another comment. Bicyclists should be afforded the same rights and courtesies that other vehicles on the roads and multi-modal paths enjoy.

Recently, I had an experience riding with 3 other Villagers that I'd like to share. We, in addition to following the rules of the road, had 6 foot flags and bright flashing red lights that can be seen in daytime over 1/4 mile away. While we were riding on the road on Buena Vista Blvd, I had a Hyundai zoom up on me in such a manner that I could see in my mirror he would hit me and the others. I hit my powerful horn to get his attention. He passed on the left, but it appeared to me that he, and his passenger were amused by the scare they put in us. On that same road, a group of "ladies" pulled up along side my wife, who was ahead of me, and told her and the other to get off the road and get on the multimodal path. Ironically, on the same ride, while we were on the multimodal path a "gentleman" in a golf cart yelled at us to get off the cart path...this despite the fact that we were all pulled over to the right, and were courteously (we thought) waving him to pass us on the left.

It seems to me that whether you are on the road or the multi modal paths, it's still the law of the jungle. The strongest, or the biggest vehicle in this case, doesn't like sharing "its" turf with anyone else.

In general, because of behavior such as the above, I dislike riding in TV, at all. I do so primarily because of convenience, but greatly prefer riding on the trails designed for bikes, outside TV.

[Russ_Boston]

In general, because of behavior such as the above, I dislike riding in TV, at all. I do so primarily because of convenience, but greatly prefer riding on the trails designed for bikes, outside TV.

The 'heck with em' Chazz! You can't please everyone, enjoy your ride.

[dlzdhz]

I agree with Jeff, as to where did courtesy and safety go??
Since we moved to TV in January, my husband and I have finally started to ride our bicycles, so we are getting first hand experience for the first time on multi-modal paths and the tunnels.
I am amazed at the inconsiderate driving of the some of the golf car people.... especially when we are entering and exiting the tunnels.... we have experienced honking, tailgaiting, passing...etc as we are sucking wind trying to climb the road out of the tunnel on bicycles. At times I have had to exit my bike real quick and walk up the hill, I DO NOT need a golf car on my tail as I do this...
Have a care for people in this situation.... if I or anyone else was that physically fit, we would be on the streets in real traffic...going through traffic circles, but we choose to ride the multi modal paths figuring it would be safer.....
Just remember to share the road and have consideration for the bicycylists

[graciegirl]

Living here happily requires patience...just as it does in any place. People who drive cars and golf carts need to remember that bicycles don't move as quickly as motor driven vehicles. And people who ride bicycles need to remember that the people in cars and golfcarts need to slow down and watch out for them. Each is inconveniencing the other.

It is only with some self restraint and some attitude of kindness that it will work out safely and well.

Sermon for the day.

[uujudy]

Amen.

[GMONEY]

I agree with Jeff, as to where did courtesy and safety go??
Since we moved to TV in January, my husband and I have finally started to ride our bicycles, so we are getting first hand experience for the first time on multi-modal paths and the tunnels.
I am amazed at the inconsiderate driving of the some of the golf car people.... especially when we are entering and exiting the tunnels.... we have experienced honking, tailgaiting, passing...etc as we are sucking wind trying to climb the road out of the tunnel on bicycles. At times I have had to exit my bike real quick and walk up the hill, I DO NOT need a golf car on my tail as I do this...
Have a care for people in this situation.... if I or anyone else was that physically fit, we would be on the streets in real traffic...going through traffic circles, but we choose to ride the multi modal paths figuring it would be safer.....
Just remember to share the road and have consideration for the bicycylists

I sometimes think the minute you get on that bike and pull out your driveway, you are dead wrong to most already, I have been called names even had a gent pull up beside me and move over into the cart path on Belvedere to yell at me for being on the road,,, Heck he ran me into the curb almost. the best was on Parr Drive, speed limit is 25. 3 of ous in line were doing 28.5. Lady in a car told us to do the speed limit or get off the road we dont belong there. we just smiled and waved to her..

But for the most part, most of the people are nice and even wave and talk with us. It is just those few that for some reason get aggravated if anyone is on the road beside them. You will see all kinds bad driving habits once you start cycling around here. It is amazing.

[jmitchell]

I am really surprised by the attitude in TV toward bicycles. (at least what I am reading on TOTV). We will begin building this fall and have traveled all over the US and biked pretty much everywhere and have NEVER had the bad experiences that are being discussed here. Our experience in TV was so positive that we reserved a lot the first day we were there. We did not even know what TV was and just "happened" upon it in our travels and loved it so much that we knew we had found our home. I am very disheartened to hear about the attitude toward biking. I thought TV was an "active" community and that there would be mutual respect for "active" activities. Can anyone who has lived there for awhile tell me what they see as the issue with bikers? What's the problem with sharing the road and the paths?

[ohiogolf]

I am really surprised by the attitude in TV toward bicycles. (at least what I am reading on TOTV). We will begin building this fall and have traveled all over the US and biked pretty much everywhere and have NEVER had the bad experiences that are being discussed here. Our experience in TV was so positive that we reserved a lot the first day we were there. We did not even know what TV was and just "happened" upon it in our travels and loved it so much that we knew we had found our home. I am very disheartened to hear about the attitude toward biking. I thought TV was an "active" community and that there would be mutual respect for "active" activities. Can anyone who has lived there for awhile tell me what they see as the issue with bikers? What's the problem with sharing the road and the paths?

Jmitchell:

Please do not let the negative comments towards bikers turn you off on biking in TV. It is still a wonderful place for biking and the roads and trails outside of TV are also fun. Please check out the web page for the Sumter Landing Bike club, http://www.sumterlandingbicycleclub.org/

The club is growing by leaps and bounds as more and more new Villagers are bikers like yourself. We do monthly away rides, three weekly rides and other events. We also sponsor food banks, Habitat, and other charities. To the chagrin of some posters on this page, we do stress safety and riding practices at each meeting. All levels of bikers are welcome.

Again, don't be turned off, biking is great in TV.

[jmitchell]

What a NICE response. Thank you so much for the positive words. I just read your post to my husband, Mike, and he was as happy as I was to hear that biking is alive and well in TV. We will join the Sumter Club as soon as we get there! I can't wait to explore TV on our bikes and meet all the great TV bike enthusiasts.

BTW -- We also LOVE to golf!!!!

Thanks again OHIOGOLF!

[Pturner]

JMitchell,

I also want to offer encouragement. Hubby and I bicycle here and have experienced nothing but courtesy from other motorists. We do take care to obey all traffic laws as well as give other motorists plenty of room to pass, when the location allows it.

We ride to the grocery store and other places on the roads. However, our preferred ride is on a multi-nodal fitness trail on the north side of TV. There walkers, joggers, bicyclists and golf cart riders always seem to be courteous, friendly to each other and happy to "share the road". We love to ride on it. Hope to see you up our way sometime!

-- P

[dlzdhz]

for PTurner:
Where on the north side of TV are you riding your bicycles? So far we have been riding our bicycles on Morse Blvd to 466 and over to Buena Vista to home, and also Morse Blvd south from the village of Caroline.... (Morse Blvd south is a killer with the gentle upward hills!! Gotta be in decent shape for that!!)

Even though we have experienced some problems, I must say on a whole, our experiences bicycling in TV have been very positive. Unfortunately, there will always be a few rotten apples in any barrel...and we are learning to deal with them.

[villages07]

I have been riding a bicycle on the multi-modal trails on average an hour a day 4 times a week for the past 9 months. I must say I have not run into any issues with cars or carts in all this time. I try to go out when the streets/trails are not so busy and avoid congested areas (e.g. Sumter Landing or the cart trail from LSL to Palmer) during snowbird season.

This is a wonderful place to ride....so many miles of streets and trails, reasonably flat, and beautiful homes and grounds to look at.

[Pturner]

for PTurner:
Where on the north side of TV are you riding your bicycles? So far we have been riding our bicycles on Morse Blvd to 466 and over to Buena Vista to home, and also Morse Blvd south from the village of Caroline.... (Morse Blvd south is a killer with the gentle upward hills!! Gotta be in decent shape for that!!)

Even though we have experienced some problems, I must say on a whole, our experiences bicycling in TV have been very positive. Unfortunately, there will always be a few rotten apples in any barrel...and we are learning to deal with them.

Hi dlzdhz,

We ride on the Springdale Fitness Trail and in that area-- Mulberry Lane, Belle Meade Circle, Legacy Lane, Kittridge Loop and neighborhood streets in Springdale, which is where we live. We have not ventured onto Beuna Vista or Morses by bicycle.

It's just leisure riding. The trail itself is only 1.3 miles, extending from Mulberry Grove Regional Rec. Center south along side or traversing Ashley Meadows, Erinn Glenn, Briarwood and Walnut Grove golf courses, the Springdale Dog Park and extending a little south of Melle Meade Circle below the Springdale Rec. Center.

p.s., I'd love to find a secret passage extending from the south end of the Fitness Trail down to the Village of Alhambra and onto El Camino Real, if there were such a thing. Anyone know?

[dlzdhz]

PTurner-
thanks for the information, we will check it out