Bicyclists

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.

HOWEVER

if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.

It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.

But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.

Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.

[JerryLBell]

I'm not sure how a bicyclist is to "let" you pass them. If the multi-modal path is 2-lane, then you just pull out into the oncoming lane (assuming traffic allows) and pass them. If the multi-modal path is 1-lane (there are many areas where they split into two 1-lane paths), then there isn't room in that single lane for your golf cart, a bicyclist and the three feet of clearance that you are required to have by law to be able to pass them. Are you asking them to leave to path to allow you by? Usually, these single-lane sections are relatively short and even if a bicycle isn't going all that fast, you're surely not inconvenience by more than a minute or so. Are you in that much of a hurry?

By the way, the same thing is true for automobiles on roads. In areas where there is a single lane and no multi-modal (or "diamond") path, that lane isn't wide enough for a car or truck, a bicyclist and the minimum three feet of clearance. By law, the driver of the car or truck must yield to the bicyclist and not pass them until there is adequate room, which means either the road is back to two lanes or there is again a multi-model path or bicycle lane for the bicyclist to pull into.

And while there may be some jerks on bicycles who do actively slow down to frustrate drivers, they are in the minority I'm sure. If they are slowing down, it's usually because the road or path has changed inclination to become somewhat uphill. The differences may be so small as to be barely noticed in a motorized vehicle but on a vehicle powered by older human legs, it can definitely slow you down.

[tophcfa]

I'm not sure how a bicyclist is to "let" you pass them. If the multi-modal path is 2-lane, then you just pull out into the oncoming lane (assuming traffic allows) and pass them. If the multi-modal path is 1-lane (there are many areas where they split into two 1-lane paths), then there isn't room in that single lane for your golf cart, a bicyclist and the three feet of clearance that you are required to have by law to be able to pass them. Are you asking them to leave to path to allow you by? Usually, these single-lane sections are relatively short and even if a bicycle isn't going all that fast, you're surely not inconvenience by more than a minute or so. Are you in that much of a hurry?

By the way, the same thing is true for automobiles on roads. In areas where there is a single lane and no multi-modal (or "diamond") path, that lane isn't wide enough for a car or truck, a bicyclist and the minimum three feet of clearance. By law, the driver of the car or truck must yield to the bicyclist and not pass them until there is adequate room, which means either the road is back to two lanes or there is again a multi-model path or bicycle lane for the bicyclist to pull into.

And while there may be some jerks on bicycles who do actively slow down to frustrate drivers, they are in the minority I'm sure. If they are slowing down, it's usually because the road or path has changed inclination to become somewhat uphill. The differences may be so small as to be barely noticed in a motorized vehicle but on a vehicle powered by older human legs, it can definitely slow you down.

If I was on the bike, I would have slowed down and waived the golf cart to pass me, very easy to do.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

. Are you asking them to leave to path to allow you by? Usually, these single-lane sections are relatively short and even if a bicycle isn't going all that fast, you're surely not inconvenience by more than a minute or so. Are you in that much of a hurry?


I'll try to be more clear.

When I first spotted him ahead of me as I was approaching, he was going only around 9mph. At that speed it would've been easy and safe for me to pass him without worrying about being on the wrong side of the path, if oncoming traffic was approaching while I was already on the wrong side of the path.

Instead of allowing me to just get over to that side of the path and pass him - he sped up - t0 12mph. When you're only going 15-18mph in the first place, that 3mph jump in speed for the person in front of you is enough to make it MUCH more risky to try and pass.

He waited until I had already started accellerating (trying to get up to 20mph) and had moved over in preparation to pass him when he sped up.

There was no hill that he was speeding up to try and get over (which is what I and many other cyclists do when I'm getting near an incline). There was no one ahead of him that he might've been trying to catch up to. There was no reason for him to speed up, at that moment, except to prevent me from passing him.

If he had been going 15-18mph I wouldn't have tried. That's a reasonable speed for 20mph multimodal path. But he wasn't even going 10mph when I started trying to pass him. That was WHY I tried to pass him. And he was still going under 15 when he sped up.

When I gave up trying, he slowed down. So I started to speed up again (thinking maybe I could pass him afterall now that he slowed down again) - and he sped up. Except when it was time to go across the entrance to the village off El Camino behind the Savannah Center. He went straight through it without slowing down at the stop sign.

He was irresponsible, and he was trying to instigate - something. I don't know what. All it resulted in was me being annoyed that he was being rude and inconsiderate. Fortunately for him, I'm not some kind of yahoo with a road rage problem.

[cb1972]

not sure what was happening in this instance , however in view of our current circumstances many more people are using the mullti modal paths including walkers, bikers and golf carts as people want to get out and go for a ride , a walk etc.. As an avid biker I have noticed many more riders out on the paths many who may have not been on a bike in a while. There are many hazards for bikers that many non riders may not be aware of. First there is usually a groove to the right side between the pavement and the concrete curbing and many times an additional groove exists where the landscappers edge . A bicycle moving to far to the right risks a fall if their tires enter this groove. In addition many times there are branches and palms the extend out into the path many times at face level. The split lanes are the most dangerous and there have been several serious incidents where golf carts have attempted to pass a biker on these narrow lanes and the cart has hit the left curb causing the cart to vear right and hit the biker. Carts should not attempt to pass bikers in these split lanes, they should wait until they reach a wider area. All this said, bikers should be aware of their surroundings ( have a mirror) and allow carts to pass when safe.

[Polar Bear]

My rules of bike riding on a MMP...

* Ride a hybrid bike (NOT a road bike) so you can SAFELY go into the grass when necessary or desired;

* Check traffic behind you when approaching a divided (single lane in each direction) section. If carts approaching, adjust speed so they can get around you prior to divided section;

*When on full width busy section, stay centered in your lane until adequate open space in front for a pass. Then go to extreme right of your lane, making it obvious you are letting carts behind you pass;

*As appropriate on any MMP section, use your hybrid to go into the grass to let carts pass. You’ll be safe and the cart riders passing you will appreciate your actions.

Primary motivation for all these is self-preservation. The fact that it’s a courtesy to cart drivers is just a nice fringe benefit. :)

[coffeebean]

I'll try to be more clear.

When I first spotted him ahead of me as I was approaching, he was going only around 9mph. At that speed it would've been easy and safe for me to pass him without worrying about being on the wrong side of the path, if oncoming traffic was approaching while I was already on the wrong side of the path.

Instead of allowing me to just get over to that side of the path and pass him - he sped up - t0 12mph. When you're only going 15-18mph in the first place, that 3mph jump in speed for the person in front of you is enough to make it MUCH more risky to try and pass.

He waited until I had already started accellerating (trying to get up to 20mph) and had moved over in preparation to pass him when he sped up.

There was no hill that he was speeding up to try and get over (which is what I and many other cyclists do when I'm getting near an incline). There was no one ahead of him that he might've been trying to catch up to. There was no reason for him to speed up, at that moment, except to prevent me from passing him.

If he had been going 15-18mph I wouldn't have tried. That's a reasonable speed for 20mph multimodal path. But he wasn't even going 10mph when I started trying to pass him. That was WHY I tried to pass him. And he was still going under 15 when he sped up.

When I gave up trying, he slowed down. So I started to speed up again (thinking maybe I could pass him afterall now that he slowed down again) - and he sped up. Except when it was time to go across the entrance to the village off El Camino behind the Savannah Center. He went straight through it without slowing down at the stop sign.

He was irresponsible, and he was trying to instigate - something. I don't know what. All it resulted in was me being annoyed that he was being rude and inconsiderate. Fortunately for him, I'm not some kind of yahoo with a road rage problem.

Does your golf cart have a very piercing horn like mine does? I would have laid on the horn until he stopped playing those games by speeding up and slowing down.

[DianeM]

Does your golf cart have a very piercing horn like mine does? I would have laid on the horn until he stopped playing those games by speeding up and slowing down.

Me too. He’d be deaf by now if he isn’t already.

[kenpoboy]

If you can’t pass a bike with your golf cart, you either need a new golf cart or you need to learn how to drive the one you have. Really? You couldn’t pass a bicycle??.??

[jswirs]

My rules of bike riding on a MMP...

* Ride a hybrid bike (NOT a road bike) so you can SAFELY go into the grass when necessary or desired;

* Check traffic behind you when approaching a divided (single lane in each direction) section. If carts approaching, adjust speed so they can get around you prior to divided section;

*When on full width busy section, stay centered in your lane until adequate open space in front for a pass. Then go to extreme right of your lane, making it obvious you are letting carts behind you pass;

*As appropriate on any MMP section, use your hybrid to go into the grass to let carts pass. You’ll be safe and the cart riders passing you will appreciate your actions.

Primary motivation for all these is self-preservation. The fact that it’s a courtesy to cart drivers is just a nice fringe benefit. :)

Sorry but I disagree. I have been riding the MM path mentioned, several times a week for almost a year. I have a Cannondale road bike and I have never even begun to have a problem. I stay to the right of the path and let carts pass me on the left, of course when there are no other carts coming in the other direction. It is not necessary at all to ride up onto the grass to let carts pass. Doing so would be more dangerous as there could be tree debris, squirrels, etc., which could cause a bicyclist to lose their balance.

[roscoguy]

Unfortunately, there are inconsiderate and even arrogant cyclists out there. These few make it harder for the rest of us who actually try to cooperate with all other kinds of vehicles. They also seem to fuel the anti-biker sentiments too many drivers already have.

Truth to be told though, these attitudes and actions are definitely NOT restricted to cyclists.

[chipd331]

WOW
I can see Cabin Fever is setting in on the Villages

[Chatbrat]

The Admiral was passing thru the Pinellas gate, all of a suddenly a bicyclist passed her on the right & pulled directly in front of her-lucky she's a lady & doesn't drive like me--guarantee the horn on her car is way louder than the horn on a golf cart --to the rider wearing the green outfit--if you keep it up its going to be tough riding with one leg

[Leadbone1]

So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.

HOWEVER

if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.

It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.

But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.

Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.

Oh wow this one really got my attention. I have never seen a biker purposely keep a cart from passing? I ride my bike three or four times a week on the very path that you have mentioned. Anytime a golf cart comes up behind me, I get over to the right as far as I can, and I even stop peddling to sort of give them the signal that you need to just come on by me. In some cases even wave them past. This is what it is done by probably most of the bikers out there. Trust me, we don’t play games with golf carts or cars as we will lose. Now, what I can tell you for sure is there are golf carts out there that don’t like the bicycles being on that path. I have had a golf cart come right between myself and some walkers at probably 23 or 24 miles an hour, close enough that either of us could’ve reached out and touched the cart. They didn’t care that they were that close! Courtesy goes both ways. Another thing that I have found to be a bit dangerous is the fact that an electric cart can come up behind you and be right on top of you and you don’t even know it. It would be nice to give just a little beep as you’re approaching to let the bicyclist know you’re behind them. From what I’ve seen 99% of the time sharing the path is never a problem.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

not sure what was happening in this instance , however in view of our current circumstances many more people are using the mullti modal paths including walkers, bikers and golf carts as people want to get out and go for a ride , a walk etc.. As an avid biker I have noticed many more riders out on the paths many who may have not been on a bike in a while. There are many hazards for bikers that many non riders may not be aware of. First there is usually a groove to the right side between the pavement and the concrete curbing and many times an additional groove exists where the landscappers edge . A bicycle moving to far to the right risks a fall if their tires enter this groove. In addition many times there are branches and palms the extend out into the path many times at face level. The split lanes are the most dangerous and there have been several serious incidents where golf carts have attempted to pass a biker on these narrow lanes and the cart has hit the left curb causing the cart to vear right and hit the biker. Carts should not attempt to pass bikers in these split lanes, they should wait until they reach a wider area. All this said, bikers should be aware of their surroundings ( have a mirror) and allow carts to pass when safe.

This wasn't a split lane. I wasn't suggesting that the cyclist move over. I was suggesting that he NOT SPEED UP whenever I tried to pass him.

Either go at a reasonable steady pace for a 20mph speed limit, or go slowly enough that people who WANT to go that steady pace can pass you.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Oh wow this one really got my attention. I have never seen a biker purposely keep a cart from passing? I ride my bike three or four times a week on the very path that you have mentioned. Anytime a golf cart comes up behind me, I get over to the right as far as I can, and I even stop peddling to sort of give them the signal that you need to just come on by me. In some cases even wave them past. This is what it is done by probably most of the bikers out there. Trust me, we don’t play games with golf carts or cars as we will lose. Now, what I can tell you for sure is there are golf carts out there that don’t like the bicycles being on that path. I have had a golf cart come right between myself and some walkers at probably 23 or 24 miles an hour, close enough that either of us could’ve reached out and touched the cart. They didn’t care that they were that close! Courtesy goes both ways. Another thing that I have found to be a bit dangerous is the fact that an electric cart can come up behind you and be right on top of you and you don’t even know it. It would be nice to give just a little beep as you’re approaching to let the bicyclist know you’re behind them. From what I’ve seen 99% of the time sharing the path is never a problem.

Exactly. That's why it was such an odd thing that I felt I should share it. I worry that this virus is bringing out the worst in people, as well as the best. I'm a cyclist too and understand the unwritten courtesies involved in sharing the path with golf carts. You just don't speed up when you KNOW the vehicle behind you is trying to pass you. It's just a really wrong, stupid thing to do.

[ufu1395]

Oh wow this one really got my attention. I have never seen a biker purposely keep a cart from passing? I ride my bike three or four times a week on the very path that you have mentioned. Anytime a golf cart comes up behind me, I get over to the right as far as I can, and I even stop peddling to sort of give them the signal that you need to just come on by me. In some cases even wave them past. This is what it is done by probably most of the bikers out there. Trust me, we don’t play games with golf carts or cars as we will lose. Now, what I can tell you for sure is there are golf carts out there that don’t like the bicycles being on that path. I have had a golf cart come right between myself and some walkers at probably 23 or 24 miles an hour, close enough that either of us could’ve reached out and touched the cart. They didn’t care that they were that close! Courtesy goes both ways. Another thing that I have found to be a bit dangerous is the fact that an electric cart can come up behind you and be right on top of you and you don’t even know it. It would be nice to give just a little beep as you’re approaching to let the bicyclist know you’re behind them. From what I’ve seen 99% of the time sharing the path is never a problem.

Maybe that guy should leave home a little earlier for his tee time

[Gmb727]

Sorry but I disagree. I have been riding the MM path mentioned, several times a week for almost a year. I have a Cannondale road bike and I have never even begun to have a problem. I stay to the right of the path and let carts pass me on the left, of course when there are no other carts coming in the other direction. It is not necessary at all to ride up onto the grass to let carts pass. Doing so would be more dangerous as there could be tree debris, squirrels, etc., which could cause a bicyclist to lose their balance.

Agree, this is what I do as well. I keep right and have been passed by many carts with no issues. Must we over analyze everything? You know common sense and courtesy still go a long way, even in these crazy times.

[golfing eagles]

Exactly. That's why it was such an odd thing that I felt I should share it. I worry that this virus is bringing out the worst in people, as well as the best. I'm a cyclist too and understand the unwritten courtesies involved in sharing the path with golf carts. You just don't speed up when you KNOW the vehicle behind you is trying to pass you. It's just a really wrong, stupid thing to do.

Agree. Sounds like this guy was just playing games, but on a bicycle it could be lose-lose scenario.

But it's not just cyclists. Ever come up on a cart going 12 mph in the cart lane....until you pull out on the main road to pass and he speeds up to 22. You drop back behind him and he slows back down to 12?

Ever come up on some yahoo doing 35 in a 55 zone on a 2 lane road, pull out in the opposite lane when it's safe to pass and he speeds up to 70, again, only to slow back down to 35 when you fall back behind him.

Some drivers, regardless of their vehicle, are _____(you fill in the blank)

I guess they have the same philosophy as the guy who posted "if you pass someone reading a label in a one way aisle at Publix, you're cutting the line" (But I've never seen anyone reading a label drop the box on the ground, grab their cart and run down the aisle so you can't pass)

[banjobob]

That is the reason my cart will do 32mph. not that I drive that fast I drive 20/22 mph just to be able to pass at will for so called hot shoe cart and cyclist that can ride 20+ mph

[golfing eagles]

That is the reason my cart will do 32mph. not that I drive that fast I drive 20/22 mph just to be able to pass at will for so called hot shoe cart and cyclist that can ride 20+ mph

Don't get caught by a LEO with that cart----they'll pretty much throw the book at you.

[Skunky1]

I suggest the deputies who are patrolling the area and like to congregate in parking lots be out on the road or maybe watching those areas where we do have stop signs and start ticketing people driving bikes or golf carts for not stopping at the stop signs. Just a reminder my friend got fined $300 for not stopping at a stop sign while driving his golf cart!

[vermonster]

Perhaps this is slightly off topic, but what is with the golf carts that have been re-tuned to go at ungodly speeds. The other day, I was driving in a car along Morse Boulevard north of 466. A golf cart with New York plates and a Fire Department logo (not a street legal Florida plate), was pulling into the car lane to pass other golf carts. I was going at about 30-32 mph, but she was keeping right up with me. I had to speed up a little to pass her, but I try to stay within a few miles per hour of the 30 mile limit, for safety sake and to keep my record clean ( no violations for over 50 years ). I also feel better when I drive at around the speed limit: less stressed, more relaxed. Why are so many people in such a rush around here? I see many cars driving well over the speed limit, perhaps 40 mph or even more. When they catch up to you, some will even hang on your tail for a mile or two.

[allenmo]

I ride both a bike and drive a cart daily. In eleven years here I have never encountered a rude biker like described here. But I have encountered many many rude Cart drivers. These wanna be high school hot toddlers have their carts tuned to 35 mph. They pass you on blind corners and at tunnels where there is no sight distance. Doesn’t matter if you are in a cart or on a bike. They pass on the blind corners going into intersections so they can be ahead of you sitting at the stop sign. I now avoid the path between Evans Praire and Pinnelas because so many carts have passed or tried to pass into the dip where the tunnel is. There is no sight distance and they can’t see if an oncoming cart is in the dip. In addition a cart can enter the path from the tunnel or Kiideer golf course and you can’t see them. On the blind corners going into intersection I have been passed where the offending cart runs both me into the bushes and the oncoming cart off the trail. Not long ago in my cart I was passed on a blind corner by an old fool going who knows how fast as I was driving as fast as was comfortable given the corner. Had there been an oncoming cart this nimrod would have likely had a head on or swerved back into my lane and caused a wreck in that way. Slow down, it’s a multimodal path, be courteous, hey we’re retired. Being a user of both bike and cart bikes don’t bother or scare me but many cart drivers do. Many are extremely inconsiderate.

[ajbrown]

i was not there so I cannot access exactly what the cyclist were doing. Reading OP's version (which I am not disputing), I am curious how many cyclist there were, riding one behind each other.

If it were 3-4+, then I can see how that would be harder to pass, but one or two? I have never been in a scenario where I can not pass anything going 12 mph safely on the multi modal paths.

PS. I do not have a "souped up" cart.

[davem4616]

So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.

HOWEVER

if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.

It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.

But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.

Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.


Well, well, well, and people thought that it was only the golfers that acted like they were entitled! I'll bet this 'biker' hangs out in the passing lane on the highway doing exactly the speed limit too....ha, we know their type

tough to have been stuck behind such a selfish jerk....but, hey they all wear funky colored outfits (that in a lot of neighborhoods up north you'd get the sh*t kicked out of you for wearing) and those tight fitting shorts help them sing those high notes on karaoke night...so what did ya expect anyway

I wonder if this very same thing was happening back in the Roman days when chariots encountered walkers on those Roman Roads?

Could this have also been happening when the automobile first came out and encountered slower traveling horse drawn buggies?

you see where I'm going with this....

this has been going on forever... I'll bet that there's some DNA identifier that we could test for at birth...and if you had it we could send you to behavioral modification classes....

I'm not at the point to say that we prohibit any couple where both sexes carry that DNA marker from marrying or procreating … but let's not take anything off the table just yet until we learn more :icon_wink::icon_wink::icon_wink:

[MOMOH]

I'm glad there are nicer cyclists out there that will get over to the right to let a golf cart pass. My experience, however, is that most cyclists DO speed up just as I am going to pass them ...especially if there is a divide coming up, and then they slow down. It's aggressive on their part, and frustrating for the cart driver..I'm sure they drive a cart too...and I'm sure they are pretty aggressive in the cart when confronted with the same situation. Just be nice!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Get ready for the E-Bike revolution coming soon.
These bikes do 20+ easily.
Will this help or exacerbate the situation?

[bragones]

Exactly. That's why it was such an odd thing that I felt I should share it. I worry that this virus is bringing out the worst in people, as well as the best. I'm a cyclist too and understand the unwritten courtesies involved in sharing the path with golf carts. You just don't speed up when you KNOW the vehicle behind you is trying to pass you. It's just a really wrong, stupid thing to do.

I'm an advid biker and use the MMPs often. The only time I speed up when there is a cart behind me is if it is unsafe for me to pull over or unsafe for the cart to pass because of an oncoming cart or curve. I speed up so as not to inconvenience the cart. As soon as I see a safe straight away, I slow down, pull as far right as I can and wave the cart on. I've never had anyone in cart not say thank you to me when passing. It's simple. It's called being considerate, sharing and safe. Watch for carts and bikers that don't use turn signals. They are likely the ones to be inconsiderate of others.

[theruizs]

I'm not sure how a bicyclist is to "let" you pass them. If the multi-modal path is 2-lane, then you just pull out into the oncoming lane (assuming traffic allows) and pass them. If the multi-modal path is 1-lane (there are many areas where they split into two 1-lane paths), then there isn't room in that single lane for your golf cart, a bicyclist and the three feet of clearance that you are required to have by law to be able to pass them. Are you asking them to leave to path to allow you by? Usually, these single-lane sections are relatively short and even if a bicycle isn't going all that fast, you're surely not inconvenience by more than a minute or so. Are you in that much of a hurry?

By the way, the same thing is true for automobiles on roads. In areas where there is a single lane and no multi-modal (or "diamond") path, that lane isn't wide enough for a car or truck, a bicyclist and the minimum three feet of clearance. By law, the driver of the car or truck must yield to the bicyclist and not pass them until there is adequate room, which means either the road is back to two lanes or there is again a multi-model path or bicycle lane for the bicyclist to pull into.

And while there may be some jerks on bicycles who do actively slow down to frustrate drivers, they are in the minority I'm sure. If they are slowing down, it's usually because the road or path has changed inclination to become somewhat uphill. The differences may be so small as to be barely noticed in a motorized vehicle but on a vehicle powered by older human legs, it can definitely slow you down.

Did you actually read his post? The guy was doing 9mph and then sped up when he tried to pass. That’s a dips**t move no matter how you slice it.

[Sedlecky]

What bothers me consistently is the bikers who do NOT stop at STOP signs! In the 4 years I've lived here I have seen exactly one who did. It does make me very unhappy with bikers and watchful when we come to a stop sign as i'm not certain what might happen. I am not against bikers on the MM paths or the street and I like to ride my bike. I stop at stop signs and obey all rules - why can't others? It's not that hard!

[Ken D.]

Let's face it, the guy was simply a jerk! I would have run him off the path,
if he antagonized me the way he did with you.

[Girlcopper]

WOW
I can see Cabin Fever is setting in on the Villages
Yep. I guess people are going stir crazy living through this virus. Nothing of more importance to complain about besides not being able to pass a bike? Seriously?? Took me awhile to type this since I was laughing so hard.

[Rosebud1949]

Why use the modal paths bikers USE THE ROADS THEY ARE ALMOST EMPTY

[Nazdad]

I did not see one comment about going thru stop signs. Share the road means a bike gives way if possible. If I get in front of you and slow down so you can not go as fast as you want I would be called some names.

[Windguy]

If you can’t pass a bike with your golf cart, you either need a new golf cart or you need to learn how to drive the one you have. Really? You couldn’t pass a bicycle??.??

I have passed many a golf cart while riding my road bike. I almost always go as fast as I can. And, yes, I slow down and speed up as the terrain and wind dictate. It takes an almost unnoticeable change in the incline to change my speed between 15 and 20 mph. A bigger change can cause me to slow to 10 mph. I’ve broken 30 on some roads (like those east of Sumter Landing) when going down a steep hill.

But, I am going to go as fast as I can unless I am approaching one of the many splits on the MMPs. If I know I won’t be able to maintain at least 18 mph I slow down and wave the cart by.

I have also been in situations in my golf cart where someone in a cart was going 16-18 and there was a handful of carts stuck behind for a very long time. It is FAR easier and SAFER for a cart to pull over than for a bike. You mentioned you were going below 20 (16-18?). Do you pull over when carts approach you from behind?

So, in summary, there are times when I have to wait for you and times when you have to wait for me. That’s just life and you’re going to have to deal with the fact that the universe isn’t going to optimize itself to maximize your benefit.

[bmit16]

I was behind you and let me say, you seemed to be looking to start something. You had ample opportunities to pass the cyclist and instead you chose to tailgate . He tried twice to let you pass and only after you didn't did he speed up. You made me so nervous with your tirade that I ended up passing both of you. The cyclist had the right of way as long as he was in front and you took it upon yourself to harass him for whatever reason. Are you just bored or just mad at cyclist. They have a right to be there and you could have passed many times. I was so angry at you when I finally passed you both that I wanted to call the police on you. You could have gone on up the road in the beginning and avoided all that tension. You were a real jerk!

[chrisinva]

OBB, I agree completely. As a lifetime member of Adventure Cycling, I was ecstatic (almost) to move to TV & flat FL where there are innumerable biking opportunities. Personally, I ALWAYS slow down when a cart is behind me so that it can pass - common sense as I cannot pedal as fast as the cart wants to go. Cars & carts weigh a lot more than my bike & I don't want to meet any of them.

I know the rules of the road but ALWAYS allow for the possibility 1)the other guy doesn't know the rules or 2) chooses not to follow the rules. Let's be safe out there. And thank you for your patience with this annoying cyclist.

[tophcfa]

I was behind you and let me say, you seemed to be looking to start something. You had ample opportunities to pass the cyclist and instead you chose to tailgate . He tried twice to let you pass and only after you didn't did he speed up. You made me so nervous with your tirade that I ended up passing both of you. The cyclist had the right of way as long as he was in front and you took it upon yourself to harass him for whatever reason. Are you just bored or just mad at cyclist. They have a right to be there and you could have passed many times. I was so angry at you when I finally passed you both that I wanted to call the police on you. You could have gone on up the road in the beginning and avoided all that tension. You were a real jerk!

I can’t wait for the response to the above post.

[wamley]

Right on, right on.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.

HOWEVER

if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.

It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.

But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.

Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.

I was behind a group of about ten bicyclists on a mm path one day and every time I tried to pass some of them would move to the left deliberately preventing me from passing.
Some people have some pretty strange attitudes.

[kendi]

I'll try to be more clear.

When I first spotted him ahead of me as I was approaching, he was going only around 9mph. At that speed it would've been easy and safe for me to pass him without worrying about being on the wrong side of the path, if oncoming traffic was approaching while I was already on the wrong side of the path.

Instead of allowing me to just get over to that side of the path and pass him - he sped up - t0 12mph. When you're only going 15-18mph in the first place, that 3mph jump in speed for the person in front of you is enough to make it MUCH more risky to try and pass.

He waited until I had already started accellerating (trying to get up to 20mph) and had moved over in preparation to pass him when he sped up.

There was no hill that he was speeding up to try and get over (which is what I and many other cyclists do when I'm getting near an incline). There was no one ahead of him that he might've been trying to catch up to. There was no reason for him to speed up, at that moment, except to prevent me from passing him.

If he had been going 15-18mph I wouldn't have tried. That's a reasonable speed for 20mph multimodal path. But he wasn't even going 10mph when I started trying to pass him. That was WHY I tried to pass him. And he was still going under 15 when he sped up.

When I gave up trying, he slowed down. So I started to speed up again (thinking maybe I could pass him afterall now that he slowed down again) - and he sped up. Except when it was time to go across the entrance to the village off El Camino behind the Savannah Center. He went straight through it without slowing down at the stop sign.

He was irresponsible, and he was trying to instigate - something. I don't know what. All it resulted in was me being annoyed that he was being rude and inconsiderate. Fortunately for him, I'm not some kind of yahoo with a road rage problem.

I don't know why people feel the need to spread their negative emotions through TV on social media. Move on and get over it. I'm sure we all do things that others don't like or understand. :ohdear:

[Windguy]

Why use the modal paths bikers USE THE ROADS THEY ARE ALMOST EMPTY

Unless you are in a large group, roads like Morse and BV are FAR more dangerous.

[daddymac1127]

When i am driving my golf cart on the multi model path and a see a bicyclist in front of me i use what you may call "common sense". I approach them close enough that they are aware i am behind them. I slow down and stay behind them until it is safe for all for me to pass them. Then i pass them. Almost every time i get a friendly wave from the bicyclist. COMMON SENSE needs no laws. REMEMBER THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE THE FRIENDLIEST HOMETOWN>

[Jackie vohs]

Funny this situation happened as I had a similar one yesterday. 3 of us were on the bike path headed toward Arnold Palmer. In the oncoming lane there were 6 carts coming our direction when the cart behind us decided it was time for him to pass. Our bikes are actually electric so we were going approximately 12 to 15 miles per hour. This person decided he could not wait 10 seconds to get to his tee time, he pulled around with no notice or horn making us vear to the right and the oncoming traffic veered a their right. I followed him right down to the Arnold Palmer golf course where we got into a huge argument as he advised me that i was an idiot.He called me every name he could think of. I assure you I was not offended and obliged him with language I'm sure hes never heard. If you can't wait 10 seconds to get a golf club in your hand shame on you. We are in a retirement community and especially at this time we have nothing but time. The last time I checked every state of the Union gives the bicycle and the pedestrian the right of way and I assure you people we have enough time that we do not have to risk someone's life on a bicycle.. most people in their carts are polite as are the bikers HOWEVER it only takes one entitled person to screw it all up.

[chas39]

Your a good bike rider

[jenniferthomas]

Thats what I do. I hope this is viewed as the best way to handle the situation .

[Byte1]

Do you wear a helmet when you drive your OPEN golf cart?

So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.

HOWEVER

if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.

It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.

But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.

Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.

[sloanst]

I remember my first year here. I was leaving pickle ball at Eisenhower, heading toward Buena Vista. There was no traffic either ahead of me or behind. I had intended to take a left turn onto the multi-modal path to head North. A bicyclist blew through their stop sign and I had to slam on brakes to keep from hitting him. Then the guy had the nerve to cuss me out. To this day, I still wish he had thrown a punch at me.

[Fenster]

these guys have a chip on their shoulders.
They look and act disgracefully.

[JoeinFL]

Funny this situation happened as I had a similar one yesterday. 3 of us were on the bike path headed toward Arnold Palmer. In the oncoming lane there were 6 carts coming our direction when the cart behind us decided it was time for him to pass. Our bikes are actually electric so we were going approximately 12 to 15 miles per hour. This person decided he could not wait 10 seconds to get to his tee time, he pulled around with no notice or horn making us vear to the right and the oncoming traffic veered a their right. I followed him right down to the Arnold Palmer golf course where we got into a huge argument as he advised me that i was an idiot.He called me every name he could think of. I assure you I was not offended and obliged him with language I'm sure hes never heard. If you can't wait 10 seconds to get a golf club in your hand shame on you. We are in a retirement community and especially at this time we have nothing but time. The last time I checked every state of the Union gives the bicycle and the pedestrian the right of way and I assure you people we have enough time that we do not have to risk someone's life on a bicycle.. most people in their carts are polite as are the bikers HOWEVER it only takes one entitled person to screw it all up.

So, I have an older brother that lives a couple of miles from me. These days, I've been riding over on my cart to check on him, bring food etc.
A couple of days ago, I'm riding down Fenney and the cart in front of me was doing about 15 mph. Didn't bother me. But, when I had the opportunity, I put on my signal and went around him. No biggie right? I consider myself a pretty friendly guy and wave as I go by. This guy with a lady in the cart with him gives me the finger. I kind of do a double take and I'm like WTF? Anyway, my younger self probably would have ignored social distancing.
I get passed by carts going faster. I don't mind or care. Just do it safely.

What happened to "The friendliest Home Town?"

[Abob954]

So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.

HOWEVER

if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.

It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.

But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.

Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.
I am a cyclist that uses the multimodal path exclusively. In the Villages, I think it is dangerous to use the street. Multimodal does not mean exclusively for golf carts. When there is a golf cart in front on me on a side street and I'm in a car, I slow down. When on the path, if there is enough room for a cart behind me to safely pass, I move over to allow it. Most people in carts are respectful of cyclists and observe the 3 foot rule. That being said, when cycling along split paths (e.g., 466, 466a, Buena Vista, etc.), there is only room for one vehicle, and that includes cyclists. Most carts stay a respectful distance behind, but a few will attempt to pass, and express displeasure when I refuse to let them pass. There have been two instances where a cart has hit my handlebar causing me to fall. I am in good shape and suffered only scratches, but for many people, it would cause serious injury. I have observed other cyclists suffer the same fate.
Also, when crossing the Lake Sumter bridge on Morse, there is a 10MPH limit for carts. I have yet to see a cart observe that limit. A few have been close. Some carts have passed me on the bridge. There is no way to pass and observe the 3 foot rule. I cycle around 10 MPH. Most of the time, if I'm halfway across the bridge, and I see a cart entering the bridge, it is right behind me several seconds later.
As far as using the street, I feel it is dangerous in the Villages unless you're in a group. A car traveling at least 30MPH has to slowdown significantly. All it takes is a small distraction to cause a fatal injury. People who live here have shorter reaction to braking, as well as shorted attention spans (not all, of course).
Just some thoughts to consider.

[toeser]

If you can’t pass a bike with your golf cart, you either need a new golf cart or you need to learn how to drive the one you have. Really? You couldn’t pass a bicycle??.??

Depends. I was following a biking club group all on road bikes. I was impressed they were averaging 18-20 mph, so no, I could not pass them.

[toeser]

I am a cyclist that uses the multimodal path exclusively. In the Villages, I think it is dangerous to use the street. Multimodal does not mean exclusively for golf carts. When there is a golf cart in front on me on a side street and I'm in a car, I slow down. When on the path, if there is enough room for a cart behind me to safely pass, I move over to allow it. Most people in carts are respectful of cyclists and observe the 3 foot rule. That being said, when cycling along split paths (e.g., 466, 466a, Buena Vista, etc.), there is only room for one vehicle, and that includes cyclists. Most carts stay a respectful distance behind, but a few will attempt to pass, and express displeasure when I refuse to let them pass. There have been two instances where a cart has hit my handlebar causing me to fall. I am in good shape and suffered only scratches, but for many people, it would cause serious injury. I have observed other cyclists suffer the same fate.
Also, when crossing the Lake Sumter bridge on Morse, there is a 10MPH limit for carts. I have yet to see a cart observe that limit. A few have been close. Some carts have passed me on the bridge. There is no way to pass and observe the 3 foot rule. I cycle around 10 MPH. Most of the time, if I'm halfway across the bridge, and I see a cart entering the bridge, it is right behind me several seconds later.
As far as using the street, I feel it is dangerous in the Villages unless you're in a group. A car traveling at least 30MPH has to slowdown significantly. All it takes is a small distraction to cause a fatal injury. People who live here have shorter reaction to braking, as well as shorted attention spans (not all, of course).
Just some thoughts to consider.

When biking, I have quit moving over on split areas of paths. I have had too many people pass me so close I could have shaken hands with the passenger. Some cart drivers are real jerks when they cannot get by until the split ends, but so be it. I'm not going to die because someone can't wait 10 more seconds.

[dtennent]

What bothers me consistently is the bikers who do NOT stop at STOP signs! In the 4 years I've lived here I have seen exactly one who did. It does make me very unhappy with bikers and watchful when we come to a stop sign as i'm not certain what might happen. I am not against bikers on the MM paths or the street and I like to ride my bike. I stop at stop signs and obey all rules - why can't others? It's not that hard!

As an avid bicyclist for over 40 years, I have seen this comment several times in the past. About a month ago, I decided to count carts that did not stop at stop signs unless there was traffic coming in the cross direction. (In which case, most people stop because of self preservation). After counting over 50 golf carts that did everything from a slow rolling to a full out blow through the stop sign, I stopped counting as I did not see one cart that came to a complete stop. This does not excuse anyone in or on any vehicle from not following the rules of the road or for not showing courtesy. In full disclosure, I do wear spandex pants because they eliminate any chaffing and I wear a colorful shirt so that I can be easily seen. So shake your fists at the idiots wherever they are and then let it go.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

i was not there so I cannot access exactly what the cyclist were doing. Reading OP's version (which I am not disputing), I am curious how many cyclist there were, riding one behind each other.

If it were 3-4+, then I can see how that would be harder to pass, but one or two? I have never been in a scenario where I can not pass anything going 12 mph safely on the multi modal paths.

PS. I do not have a "souped up" cart.

It was just the one cyclist. And you are also not envisioning what happened. He was going 9. I have a speedometer, so I can actually tell how fast I'm going. I had to slow down to 9mph from 16-ish, when I started getting too close to him.

I saw the opportunity to pass, so I sped up and started the process of passing him. THAT was when he chose to go faster.

When I saw that he was now going faster, and it would take me longer to pass him, I knew it would be unsafe to do so AT THAT POINT. So I had to pull back into my side of the road and slow down behind him again.

And then - he slowed down.

He continued this on and off the entire trip from the Savannah Center to Paige Place.
Every time it was clear and I had a chance to pass him while he was going slow - he would speed up. And as soon as we got to a curve in the road, or a split in the path where it would be *impossible* to pass - he would slow down again.

He was doing it on purpose. No one ahead of him, no one behind me.

[toeser]

Get ready for the E-Bike revolution coming soon.
These bikes do 20+ easily.
Will this help or exacerbate the situation?

My e-bike easily does 20+. I think that makes things safer. My normal riding speed on my e-bike is around 14-15 mph, but if I have carts piling up behind me or just one cart behind me in on a split trail, I speed up to 20 ending any conflict except with speeders. When I ride my hybrid (10-12 mph) I am getting passed constantly. With my e-bike, I am getting passed a lot less. That, to me, is safer.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Get ready for the E-Bike revolution coming soon.
These bikes do 20+ easily.
Will this help or exacerbate the situation?

If they're going around 16mph consistently in a 20mph zone, I'd be okay with that. It doesn't matter how fast a vehicle (of any kind) can go. It matters whether they are going with the general flow of traffic on a consistent basis, OR allowing others to pass them when they need/want to slow down.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My e-bike easily does 20+. I think that makes things safer. My normal riding speed on my e-bike is around 14-15 mph, but if I have carts piling up behind me or just one cart behind me in on a split trail, I speed up to 20 ending any conflict except with speeders. When I ride my hybrid (10-12 mph) I am getting passed constantly. With my e-bike, I am getting passed a lot less. That, to me, is safer.

I have a hybrid mountain/street bike (it has shock absorbing springs on the fork and a saddle seat, standard non-racing tires, and 21 speeds, of which I typically use only 5). I average around 8-10 mph when I'm not in a hurry, just cruising and enjoying the day. I average around 12-14 when I'm rushing to get somewhere, and as fast as 18-20 if I'm going downhill and there's an incline up ahead (to gather momentum because I hate shifting gears).

I get passed most of the time and it doesn't bother me at all. I expect it, and know how to accommodate for constant leans in and out of the edge of the road.

As for stopping at stop signs - accelerating from a full stop while on an incline is insanely difficult, and will usually cause traffic jams. So if I see that I need to go uphill, but stop in the process, I will do a rolling stop instead of a full stop. If there's someone coming toward the intersection either left, right, or ahead of me of course I will come to a full stop. If they're coming up from behind me well - I was there first, they can wait for me to get through, whether I stop completely or not.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I am a cyclist that uses the multimodal path exclusively. In the Villages, I think it is dangerous to use the street. Multimodal does not mean exclusively for golf carts. When there is a golf cart in front on me on a side street and I'm in a car, I slow down. When on the path, if there is enough room for a cart behind me to safely pass, I move over to allow it. Most people in carts are respectful of cyclists and observe the 3 foot rule. That being said, when cycling along split paths (e.g., 466, 466a, Buena Vista, etc.), there is only room for one vehicle, and that includes cyclists. Most carts stay a respectful distance behind, but a few will attempt to pass, and express displeasure when I refuse to let them pass. There have been two instances where a cart has hit my handlebar causing me to fall. I am in good shape and suffered only scratches, but for many people, it would cause serious injury. I have observed other cyclists suffer the same fate.
Also, when crossing the Lake Sumter bridge on Morse, there is a 10MPH limit for carts. I have yet to see a cart observe that limit. A few have been close. Some carts have passed me on the bridge. There is no way to pass and observe the 3 foot rule. I cycle around 10 MPH. Most of the time, if I'm halfway across the bridge, and I see a cart entering the bridge, it is right behind me several seconds later.
As far as using the street, I feel it is dangerous in the Villages unless you're in a group. A car traveling at least 30MPH has to slowdown significantly. All it takes is a small distraction to cause a fatal injury. People who live here have shorter reaction to braking, as well as shorted attention spans (not all, of course).
Just some thoughts to consider.

I'm already considerate. I'm a cyclist. Once again (I feel like I'm repeating myself, again)...

There was no risk of violating a three-foot rule, at the time I saw that I could pass this guy. HE sped up, to prevent me from safely passing him. Up until he sped up, it was 100% safe for me to pass him, on a wide, sprawling multimodal path with grassy embankments on both sides, and no split in the middle. As soon as I went to pass him - since he was only going 9mph in a 20mph zone - he sped up to 12, and that meant it would take me longer to pass him if I wanted to maintain a safe and legal speed. As soon as I got back over to the right after realizing he would not allow me to pass him, he slowed down. He did this on purpose.

[DianeM]

Driving my car is so much easier.

[worcester]

I ride a bike occassionally. I feel far safer on the roads vs MMP especially under the tunnels

[ithos]

I'm not sure how a bicyclist is to "let" you pass them. If the multi-modal path is 2-lane, then you just pull out into the oncoming lane (assuming traffic allows) and pass them. If the multi-modal path is 1-lane (there are many areas where they split into two 1-lane paths), then there isn't room in that single lane for your golf cart, a bicyclist and the three feet of clearance that you are required to have by law to be able to pass them. Are you asking them to leave to path to allow you by? Usually, these single-lane sections are relatively short and even if a bicycle isn't going all that fast, you're surely not inconvenience by more than a minute or so. Are you in that much of a hurry?

By the way, the same thing is true for automobiles on roads. In areas where there is a single lane and no multi-modal (or "diamond") path, that lane isn't wide enough for a car or truck, a bicyclist and the minimum three feet of clearance. By law, the driver of the car or truck must yield to the bicyclist and not pass them until there is adequate room, which means either the road is back to two lanes or there is again a multi-model path or bicycle lane for the bicyclist to pull into.

And while there may be some jerks on bicycles who do actively slow down to frustrate drivers, they are in the minority I'm sure. If they are slowing down, it's usually because the road or path has changed inclination to become somewhat uphill. The differences may be so small as to be barely noticed in a motorized vehicle but on a vehicle powered by older human legs, it can definitely slow you down.

Let's face it the guy was being a Total Jerk. It isn't even debatable.

[Polar Bear]

Sorry but I disagree. I have been riding the MM path mentioned, several times a week for almost a year. I have a Cannondale road bike and I have never even begun to have a problem. I stay to the right of the path and let carts pass me on the left, of course when there are no other carts coming in the other direction. It is not necessary at all to ride up onto the grass to let carts pass. Doing so would be more dangerous as there could be tree debris, squirrels, etc., which could cause a bicyclist to lose their balance.
I respect your opinion, but stand by mine...

I've been riding the MM path for 7 years, average of at least 5 times per week on my Giant Cypress LX. I do not often need to go into the grass. You could say I never truly NEED to, but it often makes a potentially questionable situation into a non-issue...with zero risk.

I ride largely like you do, on the right allowing carts to pass me with little difficulty...usually. But on the relatively rare occasions when I go into the grass, it absolutely reduces risk. I reduce my speed as need. Cross at an angle to maintain stability. Avoid debris and such easily.

Occasionally (very infrequently) going into the grass when the situation warrants is definitely not "more dangerous". That's the only point from your post I absolutely disagree with.

Ride safely.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I was behind you and let me say, you seemed to be looking to start something. You had ample opportunities to pass the cyclist and instead you chose to tailgate . He tried twice to let you pass and only after you didn't did he speed up. You made me so nervous with your tirade that I ended up passing both of you. The cyclist had the right of way as long as he was in front and you took it upon yourself to harass him for whatever reason. Are you just bored or just mad at cyclist. They have a right to be there and you could have passed many times. I was so angry at you when I finally passed you both that I wanted to call the police on you. You could have gone on up the road in the beginning and avoided all that tension. You were a real jerk!

No idea if you're making this up or were dealing with someone else, but that wasn't me - OR the cyclist. No one passed him.

edited for further clarity: no one passed me either. There was no one to pass either of us, no one behind me, no one ahead of him. There were a couple of golf carts that approached from the opposite direction and one lady was walking a dog on the grassy edge of the MM path. Other than that, it was clear.

So whoever you're talking about - it wasn't me. Or the cyclist.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OBB, I agree completely. As a lifetime member of Adventure Cycling, I was ecstatic (almost) to move to TV & flat FL where there are innumerable biking opportunities. Personally, I ALWAYS slow down when a cart is behind me so that it can pass - common sense as I cannot pedal as fast as the cart wants to go. Cars & carts weigh a lot more than my bike & I don't want to meet any of them.

I know the rules of the road but ALWAYS allow for the possibility 1)the other guy doesn't know the rules or 2) chooses not to follow the rules. Let's be safe out there. And thank you for your patience with this annoying cyclist.

I don't always slow down when I'm cycling, nor do I expect anyone else to. What I DO expect, is that if the person behind you has taken steps already in order to pass you, that you do NOT speed up to intentionally prevent them from doing so.

[Topspinmo]

That is the reason my cart will do 32mph. not that I drive that fast I drive 20/22 mph just to be able to pass at will for so called hot shoe cart and cyclist that can ride 20+ mph

You’re not hottest shoe in golf cart. I got pass in car by cart in diamond lane on right side of me and I was going 33, and yes hav golf clubs loaded.

[coffeebean]

If you can’t pass a bike with your golf cart, you either need a new golf cart or you need to learn how to drive the one you have. Really? You couldn’t pass a bicycle??.??

Up hill, I can easily pass a bicyclist in my golf cart. On the downhill, is another story. The bicyclist gains momentum and my golf cart doesn't go fast enough. I have an electric cart and the maximum it will go is 20MPH.

[Dennys37Packard]

I think the right thing would be to slow down, wave them around and go on with your day. Sounds like this person was just being a jerk if he in fact sped up just to keep you from passing and then slowed down again. I bike also but I’m in it for fun, not training for the olympics... I gladly wave people by. They wave, everyone is happy, and we each go about our wonderful day. But that’s just me.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think the right thing would be to slow down, wave them around and go on with your day. Sounds like this person was just being a jerk if he in fact sped up just to keep you from passing and then slowed down again. I bike also but I’m in it for fun, not training for the olympics... I gladly wave people by. They wave, everyone is happy, and we each go about our wonderful day. But that’s just me.

He didn't need to slow down, he was already going slow enough for me to pass him safely. That's why it was so frustrating, when he sped up WHILE I was in the process of passing him.

[tsmall22204]

I think you need to stay at home with your golf cart that will not pass a bicycle going 12 mph. You sound like Rainman

[jswirs]

I'm glad there are nicer cyclists out there that will get over to the right to let a golf cart pass. My experience, however, is that most cyclists DO speed up just as I am going to pass them ...especially if there is a divide coming up, and then they slow down. It's aggressive on their part, and frustrating for the cart driver..I'm sure they drive a cart too...and I'm sure they are pretty aggressive in the cart when confronted with the same situation. Just be nice!
I'm a bicyclist, I've been here almost a year now and I have never seen a biker speed up a as you say. I can not imagine why any biker would do that, the biker can not keep up with a cart, and can only lose and chance getting hurt, or even killed. I just simply have never seen it.

[Starfire]

That being said, when cycling along split paths (e.g., 466, 466a, Buena Vista, etc.), there is only room for one vehicle, and that includes cyclists. Most carts stay a respectful distance behind, but a few will attempt to pass, and express displeasure when I refuse to let them pass. There have been two instances where a cart has hit my handlebar causing me to fall. I am in good shape and suffered only scratches, but for many people, it would cause serious injury. I have observed other cyclists suffer the same fate.


I strongly suggest that if you are a biker and do not feel it is safe to let a cart pass on a split path, that you ride IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE and not to the right side. If you give room to pass, carts will think you are being courteous and take the pass (rightly or wrongly).

[kcrazorbackfan]

So you're on a multi-modal path. That's great. You should have a helmet on, but hey that won't affect me one way or another if you lose control or crash into a car at an intersection, so that's all good.

HOWEVER

if I'm behind you, in a golf cart, and the speed limit is 20, and I'm going at a reasonable pace of 16-18mph, then please let me pass you. You were going only around 9mph when I got close. I went to pass you and instead of letting me, you sped up to over 12mph. That meant it would take me a lot longer to pass you, and that's unsafe since it's a 2-way multi-modal and only enough room on it for 2 golf carts passing each other - not 2 golf carts and a bicycle.

It wouldn't have been TOO bad, if it was just as far as the stop sign.

But you went all the way from Buena Vista on the Camino Real path, all the way to Paige Place, refusing to allow me to pass you while you continued to speed up and slow down - almost as if you were daring me to go fast enough to succeed safely (which was not possible). You also rode your bike RIGHT THROUGH those stop signs. Every single one of them. On one, you didn't even slow down. You were going 12 mph right through it. That was the entry to one of the villages near the Savannah center.

Don't do that, guy. And wear a helmet if you value your safety because one of these days, the person behind you won't be me. It'll be someone who doesn't give a damn about anyone but his own convenience.

Did he/she have Spandex on? 😄

That seems to make them think they’re above the law and invincible.

They can’t win a collision with cart or vehicle.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Unless you're at a section of MM path that is divided, there is usually no need for a bicyclist to move over to allow a golf cart to pass. Assuming that there are no vehicles coming the the opposite direction, the cart simply moves into the left hand lane. I've seen a problem when there are multiple cyclist riding together in a group and they don't ride single file. As I said I came across this once and every time I went to pass several of them would move out to the left to prevent me from passing. They were traveling at around 13-15 mph but they refused to let me pass.
There was also an area that I used to travel quite frequently where a group of bicyclist would often be stopped for a rest. The problem was that some of them had a section of their bikes still on the cart path. This particular spot was on a pretty severe curve and you really couldn't well in front of you.
I don't think that all bicyclists are arrogant but certainly some are. Some of those that are serious riders seem to feel that they are superior to the rest of us. Or, they seem to feel that they have a right to be doing whatever it is they're doing. It's too bad because that kind of attitude is going to get someone seriously injured or killed some day. I've seen the same attitude with people that walk on the paths. I ride my bike every day and I try to use common sense. That's all that is really required to keep everyone safe.
The Florida law states that if someone is trying to pass you on a four lane road, you must move over to the right hand lane to allow them to pass. This applies regardless of your speed or their speed. It also states that a vehicle is not allowed to impede another vehicle that is attempting to pass. Now this law applies to motor vehicles, but I would assume that it also might apply to bicycles.
The reason that these laws have been passed is that it has been shown that impeding a vehicle that is trying to pass causes more accidents than does speeding.

[Lblueocala]

We have a walker down here south of 44 who walks on the multi-purpose paths with her earbuds in walking with traffic weaving back and forth to both sides of the whole path. She does it in the tunnels also. Carts, bikes, and other walkers have to stop for her as she doesn’t always pay attention to people around her. Waiting for her to get splattered because her head isn’t where the sunshines. Some people just don’t seem to have common sense

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm a bicyclist, I've been here almost a year now and I have never seen a biker speed up a as you say. I can not imagine why any biker would do that, the biker can not keep up with a cart, and can only lose and chance getting hurt, or even killed. I just simply have never seen it.

I hadn't ever seen it before, not here or anywhere else. Until the other day. That's why I posted. It was such an unusual experience.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think you need to stay at home with your golf cart that will not pass a bicycle going 12 mph. You sound like Rainman

I think you need to read what people post, before responding. What part of "he was going 9mph at the time I tried to pass him" are you not understanding?

[prntxpresn]

Disrespect at its finest. Helmets, gloves & rear view mirrors should be a law. I've seen too many of them mangled.