When a Golf cart is on the golf path...

[GOLFER54]

....and a person is walking towards them, should that person or persons go up on the grass and allow the golf cart to remain on the path, or should the golf cart go into the street and allow the person or persons to remain on the golf path ? I could be mistaken , but many a time the person will remain on the golf path forcing me to go into the car lanes, often having to wait till traffic clears to do so and puts me at risk for an accident, when all can be avoided if they allowed me to continue on the golf path. What are your opinions .....

[Bogie Shooter]

Do you mean golf cart lane?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

As a pedestrian, you in the golf cart aren't reliable, you can't see, you can be distracted, you can have a medical emergency. For me, I am on the grass ready to bolt. sorry, that's the survival label I assign to all golf cart drivers while walking.

sportsguy

[villagetinker]

IMHO, I always walk FACING traffic, and if I see a cart coming, I will move out of the way. I look at it this way, if I get hit by the cart I LOSE, if I get hit by the cart that was hit by the car, we both LOSE. The only way I can WIN is to get out of the way. Now if I happen to be driving the cart, I will stop if necessary because the person did not move out of the way, or worse yet was walking WITH traffic and did not see me.

[Two Bills]

IMHO anyone who walks in the diamond lanes as you seem to be suggesting, needs their brain tested in the first place.
If I were driving I would manouvre out of the pedestrians way, rather than hope they will move off the road.
Plenty of "I know my rights" from pedestrians in TV.

[karostay]

It's about courtesy Some have it...sadly most here don't ...walk alert expect the unexpected

[golfing eagles]

....and a person is walking towards them, should that person or persons go up on the grass and allow the golf cart to remain on the path, or should the golf cart go into the street and allow the person or persons to remain on the golf path ? I could be mistaken , but many a time the person will remain on the golf path forcing me to go into the car lanes, often having to wait till traffic clears to do so and puts me at risk for an accident, when all can be avoided if they allowed me to continue on the golf path. What are your opinions .....

Most of the roads, not all, that have cart lanes also have sidewalks, in which case it is illegal for the pedestrian to walk in the cart lane:

Florida statute 316.130 sec 3&4:

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.
(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

This applies even if the sidewalk is on the other side of the road. If there is no sidewalk, I would be getting out of the way of a cart, car, or truck.

As far as another poster who said "pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, that is not always true, there are several cases of this, but here is one from 316.130 sec 10:

(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

[coffeebean]

..................(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

I have had to use my horn to warn pedestrians walking in the diamond lane as I come toward them in my golf cart. The cart has the right of way and pedestrians should yield to the golf cart. When I sound my golf cart horn, the pedestrians hop onto the sidewalk which is where they should have been walking in the first place. I give them plenty of time to hop out of my way!!!

[twoplanekid]

For the next 30 days or so as I walk the sidewalks sometimes I enter the golf cart lanes to keep a safe distance from approaching walkers on the same walkway. While driving my golf cart, I will not be inconvenienced to move into the car lane to safely pass people temporarily walking in my golf cart lane.

Afterwards, don’t we get points for bumping people? :icon_wink:

[photo1902]

Good grief. With everything going on, people are worried about trivial stuff. Get over yourself.

[tophcfa]

I yield to the law of physics. If I am walking I yield to a golf cart, if I am in a golf cart I yield to a car, if I am in a car I yield to trucks. I find it safer that way.

[CarolSells]

One of my pet peeves with walkers, who have literally miles of safe places to walk in the Villages, who MUST walk in the diamond lane going south on Paige Place just past St. Timothy’s Church. I’m in a golf cart watching for cars coming up from behind me on my left, may have the sun in my eyes, and you suddenly round the curve there coming at me in my lane and refuse to budge. 👹 I of course slow down, but I have no where to go. Please try to be cognizant of this when you’re out walking. Thanks.

[Challenger]

Street cart lane with sidewalk present- Florida law requires pedestrians to use sidewalk See # 7 above.

[Topspinmo]

As a pedestrian, you in the golf cart aren't reliable, you can't see, you can be distracted, you can have a medical emergency. For me, I am on the grass ready to bolt. sorry, that's the survival label I assign to all golf cart drivers while walking.

sportsguy


Me too, but the main reason IMO I might be in his blind spot due to glare ( Especially early mornings and before sundown) when in doubt i step way off the path for my own safety.

[Topspinmo]

Good grief. With everything going on, people are worried about trivial stuff. Get over yourself.

IMO Not trivial, several recent accidents with death couple years ago.

[dewilson58]

~~~

[dewilson58]

It's about courtesy Some have it...sadly most here don't ...walk alert expect the unexpected




Bingo.




Law this, Law that. Rule this, Rule that. Enjoy the journey, slow down, drive defensively and use a little courtesy.


Can entitled be used in this tread??

[Decadeofdave]

Bingo.




Law this, Law that. Rule this, Rule that. Enjoy the journey, slow down, drive defensively and use a little courtesy.


Can entitled be used in this tread??

Amen bro!

[EdFNJ]

One of my pet peeves with walkers, who have literally miles of safe places to walk in the Villages, who MUST walk in the diamond lane going south on Paige Place just past St. Timothy’s Church. I’m in a golf cart watching for cars coming up from behind me on my left, may have the sun in my eyes, and you suddenly round the curve there coming at me in my lane and refuse to budge. ������ I of course slow down, but I have no where to go. Please try to be cognizant of this when you’re out walking. Thanks.




Works both ways. :) One of my pet peeves with GOLF CART drivers is while walking on the MULTI-MODAL PATH crossing Stillwater in either direction (but worse going north) there is a blind curve and the carts take the turn sometimes so fast it looks like they are on 2 wheels. If you walk on the CORRECT side you can get sideswiped by the cart or side view mirror (happened to me) coming around the blind curve or if you walk on the wrong side they scream at you for not walking on the PROPER side. In any case they need to use a BRAKE coming around the curve and not accelerate and slow down as it only takes 1/4 of a brain to see it is a blind curve and JUST MAYBE someone may be "sharing the path" (especially in the mornings).

[egmcaninch]

I try to walk everyday - something that is in my control. I also make it a habit to walk facing the traffic so that I can see & respond to what may be coming my way. Golf car, vehicle or bike - I get out of the way regardless. Just seems to make sense to me.

[TonyLife]

....and a person is walking towards them, should that person or persons go up on the grass and allow the golf cart to remain on the path, or should the golf cart go into the street and allow the person or persons to remain on the golf path ? I could be mistaken , but many a time the person will remain on the golf path forcing me to go into the car lanes, often having to wait till traffic clears to do so and puts me at risk for an accident, when all can be avoided if they allowed me to continue on the golf path. What are your opinions .....
Having attended 2 golf cart seminars, the answer is for the golf car to move out of the multi modal lane.

[sdeikenberry]

To the person thinking walkers should move out of your way when you approach in a golf cart, you are mistaken. Pedestrians have the right away when walking in a proper lane or crosswalk if no sidewalk is available. Check the Florida law. The proper and courteous thing for a cart driver to do is slow down and yield to the walker.

[golfing eagles]

To the person thinking walkers should move out of your way when you approach in a golf cart, you are mistaken. Pedestrians have the right away when walking in a proper lane or crosswalk if no sidewalk is available. Check the Florida law. The proper and courteous thing for a cart driver to do is slow down and yield to the walker.

Otherwise, see post #7

[dkintzer1]

Those so called golf cart lanes are in fact officially called multimodal paths. As implied by the name, they are to be used by many modes of transportation. Where there are no sidewalks provided walkers have the right of way over all other modes of transportation and in fact the golf cart has the lowest level of right of way. If they can safely go into the traffic lane they may and should do so. If they can't they need to slow or stop until they can do so.

[tsmall22204]

First of all they are not golf cart lanes. They are also for bicycles, walkers, and joggers. Yes if someone slower than a golf cart is in the lane then it is like passing a car you move into the car lanes. Stop being so stupid and enjoy this wonderful community. You are old a d not willing to adapt.

[candyco33]

In Spanish Springs there are no sidewalks except in the square. What were they thinking when they built??? The should be a cat lane, bike lane and sidewalk.... with enough room not to run in to eachother.

[nn0wheremann]

Pedestrians have right of way on the multi-modal paths, which include the diamond lanes. Hit one, and you will become intimately familiar with the criminal justice system. The alternative is we all get nailed for the expense of designing, installing and maintaining sidewalks.

[Challenger]

Having attended 2 golf cart seminars, the answer is for the golf car to move out of the multi modal lane.

Not on a street with a sidewalk. When sidewalk exists(on either side) pedestrians have no right to be in any part of the street. except at designated crossings.

[davem4616]

I've also seen folks jogging in the golf cart lanes on the streets (with a sidewalk adjacent to them) and wondered why they weren't using the sidewalk....

I just figured that they were the very same people that sit out in the left lane driving at exactly the posted speed limit just because they can

either they're naturally quirky, or they just get their jollies out of demonstrating that they can 'assert themselves'

[LadyPenO]

Yes, if and when possible. Golf carts are faster than pedestrians.

[GOLFER54]

Yes

[ladyarwen3]

Up here north of 466 there are very few sidewalks.... I yield to walkers in my cart. I slow down until i can safely pass them. It helps when walkers are facing oncoming traffic, but those blind curves often make it difficult, especially on the Buena vista MMP. So I slow down!

[MOMOH]

In skiing there is a rule: The Downhill Skier Has The Right Of Way....meaning that is someone is in front of you, they have the right of way and you are responsible to avoid them. If there is a walker, biker, golf cart, or whatever, in front of you, no matter which way they are traveling, you can see them and avoid them. They may, annoyingly, not be courteous enough to get out of your way, but you should still try not to mow them down. However, there is no reason to be walking in the diamond golf cart lane when there is a sidewalk. That's just stupid, and you can't fight stupid. (You still shouldn't mow them down though, no matter how tempting.)

[noslices1]

You must be from France. LOL

[Bethwill]

Would you walk in the road for cars only, when a sidewalk is available? Same thing. Get off of the streets. You're crazy anyway if you think people in TV care about your safety. Too many people here are in such a big hurry! Never could figure out why.

[garrykolb]

Most of the roads, not all, that have cart lanes also have sidewalks, in which case it is illegal for the pedestrian to walk in the cart lane:

Florida statute 316.130 sec 3&4:

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.
(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

This applies even if the sidewalk is on the other side of the road. If there is no sidewalk, I would be getting out of the way of a cart, car, or truck.

As far as another poster who said "pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, that is not always true, there are several cases of this, but here is one from 316.130 sec 10:

(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

Please visit the north end of The Villages. NONE of the major roads with golf cart diamond lanes have sidewalks. Therefore, a pedestrian walking on those roads will be in that diamond lane. If you need specific examples, look at SE 86th Belle Meade Circle, SE 172nd Legacy Lane and so on.

The pedestrian should walk facing traffic. Just like on a regular neighborhood road, where a car must move into the middle of the road to avoid a walking pedestrian, a golf cart must move into the car lane to avoid a pedestrian. Of course, prudent pedestrians should always be aware of their situation and be prepared to move if the oncoming vehicle isn't avoiding them.

[Villagesgal]

Most of the roads, not all, that have cart lanes also have sidewalks, in which case it is illegal for the pedestrian to walk in the cart lane:

Florida statute 316.130 sec 3&4:

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.
(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

This applies even if the sidewalk is on the other side of the road. If there is no sidewalk, I would be getting out of the way of a cart, car, or truck.

As far as another poster who said "pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, that is not always true, there are several cases of this, but here is one from 316.130 sec 10:

(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

North of 466 there are no sidewalks.

[ts12755]

The cart always moves over for a walker. Adjust your speed and safely merge with vehicle traffic.

[kanoa1kale2]

....and a person is walking towards them, should that person or persons go up on the grass and allow the golf cart to remain on the path, or should the golf cart go into the street and allow the person or persons to remain on the golf path ? I could be mistaken , but many a time the person will remain on the golf path forcing me to go into the car lanes, often having to wait till traffic clears to do so and puts me at risk for an accident, when all can be avoided if they allowed me to continue on the golf path. What are your opinions .....
Personally, it is much easier for me to step up on the curb and allow the cart to pass. I makes much more sense than to put the cart in danger from the cars.

[toeser]

Most of the roads, not all, that have cart lanes also have sidewalks, in which case it is illegal for the pedestrian to walk in the cart lane:

Florida statute 316.130 sec 3&4:

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.
(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

This applies even if the sidewalk is on the other side of the road. If there is no sidewalk, I would be getting out of the way of a cart, car, or truck.

As far as another poster who said "pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, that is not always true, there are several cases of this, but here is one from 316.130 sec 10:

(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

"Most of the roads, not all, that have cart lanes also have sidewalks"

That is not true for a major portion of The Villages, and that's why we have the issue of this thread.

If I am the pedestrian, and if it's possible or reasonable, I step off the path for the golf cart. If I am the golf cart driver, I do what it takes to avoid the pedestrian.

I am a pedestrian, biker, golf cart driver, and a car driver so I think I see the issue from all sides. Of the four, I place golf cart drivers dead last for brains and courtesy. Now don't take offense if you are not one of the bad drivers, because most of the golf cart drivers I encounter are courteous and safe. However, the bad ones are really, really bad. I have lost count of the number of times I have faced a golf cart on the wrong side of the trail coming around a blind corner. Also, the way some shoot out of tunnels is just plain scary.

[cwwilber@gmail.com]

Best answer yet

[theruizs]

Good grief. With everything going on, people are worried about trivial stuff. Get over yourself.

Actually, this is not trivial BECAUSE of everything going on. More people are walking because that’s all many of us can really do right now. And with more people on the sidewalk, keeping social distance means more walkers may be using the diamond lanes to pass each other. In response to the OP, I am sure you do not want to cause harm, so if necessary slow down until you can safely move over. They may even take that as a hint. They may be technically breaking the rules and putting themselves in danger, but that should not be a death sentence, IMHO.

[DougandLaddi]

Most of the roads, not all, that have cart lanes also have sidewalks, in which case it is illegal for the pedestrian to walk in the cart lane:

Florida statute 316.130 sec 3&4:

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.
(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

This applies even if the sidewalk is on the other side of the road. If there is no sidewalk, I would be getting out of the way of a cart, car, or truck.

As far as another poster who said "pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, that is not always true, there are several cases of this, but here is one from 316.130 sec 10:

(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

I think this is the definitive answer. Otherwise opinions vary.

[bobnyce]

Our house backs up to Rio Grande Ave. I cannot tell you how many walkers and bikers go the wrong way. Walkers fail to walk toward traffic and bikers who do ride toward traffic rather than with traffic. Then there are the motorized wheel chairs and scooters which really aggravate the golf cart drivers while they are on their phones, oh yes talking on phones in golf carts is extremely common - so walkers beware! I have seen many walkers jump to safety!

Since there is no sidewalk along Rio Grande Ave, walkers have no choice but to walk in the marked path. As such, golf carts should yield (which means stop if you must) just like in a car. Yield to pedestrians in EVERY CASE!!!!! You might want to put the phone down and drive with two hands. Almost all golf carts are running "wide open on Rio drag strip"! Just seems 20 MPH for carts and 25 MPH for cars is meaningless since most cars are going 40 to 45 MPH. You really are taking your life in your hands walking on Rio Grande Ave.

Walkers should know how to: stop, look and listen before crossing as well as walking against traffic so they can see you and you can see them! Oh yes, and practice your jumping skills. Especially with the speeding on Rio Grande Ave. Look out!!!!

[Janlindsey4@gmail.com]

As a pedestrian, I avoid cart lanes altogether. I walk defensively, facing traffic and getting UP on the curb to avoid any possibility of being hit by an approaching vehicle. As a cart driver, I try to avoid putting myself in the dangerous car lane. If I have to stop to let the pedestrian walk around me, (with no other carts behind me!) I will do so... Unfortunately, I have seen more and more walkers on Morse Boulevard, which is definitely not a safe place to walk. There are many pedestrians using the cart lanes as walking lanes on Enrique also. This is a growing problem, which I’m afraid cannot be stopped until at least one person is killed or seriously injured. The obvious, though not practical from a financial standpoint, is to give this area sidewalks. Good responses so far from you readers!

[rickdankert]

....and a person is walking towards them, should that person or persons go up on the grass and allow the golf cart to remain on the path, or should the golf cart go into the street and allow the person or persons to remain on the golf path ? I could be mistaken , but many a time the person will remain on the golf path forcing me to go into the car lanes, often having to wait till traffic clears to do so and puts me at risk for an accident, when all can be avoided if they allowed me to continue on the golf path. What are your opinions .....
If you’re driving, it’s on you to avoid the pedestrian. Slow down, move over if you can, stop if you can’t. Common sense.

[Number 10 GI]

The best choice is if it is bigger than you, get out of the way or suffer the consequences. How does being "right" work for you when you laying in a hospital bed or in a refrigerator in the morgue. So easy a Caveman Villager can figure it out.

[ffresh]

Most of the roads, not all, that have cart lanes also have sidewalks, in which case it is illegal for the pedestrian to walk in the cart lane:

Florida statute 316.130 sec 3&4:

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.
(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

This applies even if the sidewalk is on the other side of the road. If there is no sidewalk, I would be getting out of the way of a cart, car, or truck.

As far as another poster who said "pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, that is not always true, there are several cases of this, but here is one from 316.130 sec 10:

(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

GREAT post with the info one needs rather than mere speculation (as usual) … thanks

Fred

[golfing eagles]

First of all they are not golf cart lanes. They are also for bicycles, walkers, and joggers. Yes if someone slower than a golf cart is in the lane then it is like passing a car you move into the car lanes. Stop being so stupid and enjoy this wonderful community. You are old a d not willing to adapt.

They ARE NOT for walkers or joggers if a sidewalk is present---see post #7 or Florida statute 316.130 sec 3

[golfing eagles]

Please visit the north end of The Villages. NONE of the major roads with golf cart diamond lanes have sidewalks. Therefore, a pedestrian walking on those roads will be in that diamond lane. If you need specific examples, look at SE 86th Belle Meade Circle, SE 172nd Legacy Lane and so on.

The pedestrian should walk facing traffic. Just like on a regular neighborhood road, where a car must move into the middle of the road to avoid a walking pedestrian, a golf cart must move into the car lane to avoid a pedestrian. Of course, prudent pedestrians should always be aware of their situation and be prepared to move if the oncoming vehicle isn't avoiding them.

No kidding. That's where sec 4 of the statute applies

[ffresh]

Bingo.


Law this, Law that. Rule this, Rule that. Enjoy the journey, slow down, drive defensively and use a little courtesy.


Can entitled be used in this tread??

Not sure but anti-pendantic could … I think :1rotfl:

Fred

[Gerryk12]

It's a golf cart path meant for golf carts! People need to remember that!

[Gmomlaura]

Wrong

[Topspinmo]

If you’re driving, it’s on you to avoid the pedestrian. Slow down, move over if you can, stop if you can’t. Common sense.

But what if you in blind spot? You have to take responsibility for you’re safety don’t depend on someone else.

[ffresh]

this term stems from maritime law and has carried over into aviation law at a later time, of course. Much of what we are all familiar with in the vehicle codes also stems from these early maritime laws, which state that the slower, less maneuverable "vessel" has the "Right of Way", obviously owing to the fact that the more-maneuverable vessel can negotiate more readily, regarding avoidance, than the larger, less-maneuverable one. Bearing that in mind, however, if two vessels, aircraft, vehicles, of the same class, are approaching at a 90 degree (or nearly so) angle, then, the one to the other's right enjoys the Right of Way. When you're mixing entities (people, golf carts), of course, the correct answer is often provided by law, statute, rules or "established good operating practices" (good luck on the latter :icon_wink:). Good practice, IMHO, in spite of this, is realizing you could be "dead right" if intransigent while operating in the real world.

Fred

[frank1975]

Well there seems to be a lot golf cart riders that don't know the law and TV rule. This is for on the path of on the road and golf cart path itself. Walkers, runners and bikers have a RIGHT to be on path. If a GC approaches a person they must move out giving person at least 3 ft. of room. If you have a approaching GC coming towards you must stop and wait for GC to pass then you give person 3 ft. and go around him. If you are on path on the road and have a car approaching from behind you then a have a right to move out (using your own judgement) or stop and wait for car to pass. Then move out at least 3 ft and pass the person. Let make this CLEAR! IT'S THE LAW.