Walking in the Villages

[rwittig1]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.

[Velvet]

Amazing, why would you put yourself or others at risk?

[retiredguy123]

Amazing, why would you put yourself or others at risk?
Did you miss the part about Dan Newlin?

[JoMar]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.

Funny....intentionally trying to get hit to meet Dan Newlin :)

[JimJohnson]

Gotta love the new America. Care for no one and nothing but the almighty dollar!

[Bjeanj]

As far as I know, you are allowed to walk that way on streets with no sidewalks. I, too, have walked along Enrique facing traffic. I will move toward the curb if a cart comes along, but resist the idea of jumping into the grass if they insist on being horse’s rear ends. If they want to play chicken, I might jump out of the way, yell at them, and possibly wave my finger at them. I, personally, don’t want to meet Dan, and doubt whether I would survive to make that call.

[Velvet]

Did you miss the part about Dan Newlin?

Oh, of course.

[Polar Bear]

...I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.
So you’ll be disabled or possibly dead, but at least you...or your descendants...will have a few bucks.

Sheesh.

[Stu from NYC]

I would find a safer place to walk, do you really trust the drivers around here?

[BamaBoy451]

If I did walk the streets in the villages I would try to do so to avoid endangering myself, golf cart, or car drivers at any cost.

[Fredman]

Carts should move but by standing your ground u may meet your maker, not Dan

[bagboy]

We've had alot of bicycle and pedestrian traffic I guess due to the Covid virus. Between them, the golf carts, landscapers, delivery vans, and miscellaneous work vehicles, streets are on the dangerous side. We are using a treadmill for excercise, and an excercise bike is on the way.

[FenneyFanatic]

That’s another reason I love the southern villages, where we have dedicated walking paths..

[Gerald]

now let me understand what is being said. You want to walk in the way of golf carts . As I remember this is mostly an over 55 community some have poor vision, some can't hear, some with very poor reflex's. Some have the start of many physical problems. Sounds more like you are just looking to cause an accident.

[Number 10 GI]

You are living in a community that has an average age of 67 according to a Daily Sun article. How many of these senior drivers have poor eyesight or have trouble concentrating on their driving? I'm sure there are cart drivers who don't have a drivers license because of their physical or mental inability to safely operate a motor vehicle. And you want to play chicken with these drivers? What good will a large lawsuit award do you if you are dead or paralyzed because you wouldn't get out of the way?

[DDVeteran]

We've been looking at developments in the Sarasota area. All of them have sidewalks on every street, both sides. It is absolutely horrid that Morse and company have not, considering our age, we need sidewalks.

[Count'n the days]

Please remember some people may not see you because they are distracted, have poor vision, or poor judgement. I wish everyone followed Florida law and walk as you describe facing oncoming traffic. I've found it especially annoying when people walk with traffic and I have to cross the street to avoid them.

[thelegges]

Op you are very cavalier about life. I am guessing you live alone, and have no family members to worry about

[coffeebean]

We've had alot of bicycle and pedestrian traffic I guess due to the Covid virus. Between them, the golf carts, landscapers, delivery vans, and miscellaneous work vehicles, streets are on the dangerous side. We are using a treadmill for excercise, and an excercise bike is on the way.

There are countless exercise videos on YouTube for cardio workouts. There are plenty of beginner for seniors videos too. Most of them included walking and all sorts of other nice moves to keep you moving and walking. So nice and safe to exercise in air conditioning in your own living room. Win win.

[coffeebean]

now let me understand what is being said. You want to walk in the way of golf carts . As I remember this is mostly an over 55 community some have poor vision, some can't hear, some with very poor reflex's. Some have the start of many physical problems. Sounds more like you are just looking to cause an accident.

That is exactly what I was thinking. When hubby and I walk outside, we walk only on side streets and stay clear of the golf carts. Golf carts ALWAYS have right of way in our minds. Those golf carts can kill us.

[justjim]

Our son jogs/walks about 5 - 6 miles a day five days a week. When he visited last fall, he made the comment that The Villages was a very dangerous place for him to exercise. Wife and I walk maybe a mile and half within the neighborhood and never considered it a problem. I suppose it’s different on a multi-modal path or jogging through a tunnel.

[tophcfa]

If I was driving the golf cart I would gladly move into the auto traffic lane and go around you, assuming there were no cars coming up behind me. However, if there were cars coming up behind me (which the walker should be able to clearly observe), I would expect the walker to move to the left, out of the golf cart lane, so I could safely pass.

And some good advise to the OP, it is a very bad idea to play chicken with anything that is bigger than you. The law of physics says you will not win.

[Stu from NYC]

You are living in a community that has an average age of 67 according to a Daily Sun article. How many of these senior drivers have poor eyesight or have trouble concentrating on their driving? I'm sure there are cart drivers who don't have a drivers license because of their physical or mental inability to safely operate a motor vehicle. And you want to play chicken with these drivers? What good will a large lawsuit award do you if you are dead or paralyzed because you wouldn't get out of the way?

You nailed it

[Travelingal702]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.
...........or you could just avoid Enrique Drive altogether and stick to those streets that have sidewalks?? Why put yourself in harms way, just to prove a point?

[coalminer]

Where theres a sidewalk, by law you are not permitted to walk on the street. When there isn't one, you better be more careful

[alfredpopcorn@gmail.com]

Cov-19 Villages psychosis?

[Two Bills]

Sometimes, acceptable adjectives, nouns etc. are not nearly as effective as a good expletive!

[Tomptomp]

You can’t win. When the lawyers are finished and the cast comes off your leg you will remember that you may be right for the rest of your life.

[Chrisw2366]

What happened to common respect. I to am a walker even on rec paths there is a problem of getting hit

[kenpoboy]

You might want to check the law regarding the multimodal paths.

[donassaid]

It seems to me that it would be infinitely more desirable to step into the grass and let the cart pass. There could be a car passing the golf cart as he is passing you. Would you do the same if there were a car coming instead of a golf cart? I have walked on the side of many roads without sidewalks or walking lanes and, whenever a car is coming towards me, I ALWAYS step off the road into the grass. C'mon folks, is that too much to ask? As a cart driver, I get frustrated at people walking in the cart lane because they dont want to be "close" to other walkers even though they are wearing masks.

[Drdoug49]

TV with a lack of sidewalks is not very walker friendly. An over reliance on golf carts, is a contributing factor why most villagers, like most Americans are overweight and out of shape.
Seems most village residents just accept it with the resulting health problems and shortened lifespan.

[MandoMan]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.

I recommend buying a bicycle bell with a sound you like and screwing it or wiring it to a piece of wood or a walking stick and carrying it around with you. If you aren’t sure an oncoming cart driver sees you, ring the bell to get the driver’s attention. Or get one of those ooga horns with a rubber bulb and carry that. Or a boat air horn attached to a can of compressed air if you really want to startle the driver. Or you could buy a hand bell like old night-watchmen used to carry and ring it when you see a cart coming. You could even start crying out “Unclean! Unclean!” like a biblical leper. As others have said, don’t assume that any driver is NOT on autopilot while driving a golf cart. Some are! One is all it takes to take your life.

[Cheapbas]

You are living in a community that has an average age of 67 according to a Daily Sun article. How many of these senior drivers have poor eyesight or have trouble concentrating on their driving? I'm sure there are cart drivers who don't have a drivers license because of their physical or mental inability to safely operate a motor vehicle. And you want to play chicken with these drivers? What good will a large lawsuit award do you if you are dead or paralyzed because you wouldn't get out of the way?

Not to change the subject, but I believe 67 is the average age in Sumter county. In the villages it’s in the 72-73 range and further supports your point.

[VApeople]

TV with a lack of sidewalks is not very walker friendly.

That’s another reason I love the southern villages, where we have dedicated walking paths..

DrDoug, you are absolutely correct. That is why we have stopped walking around our neighborhood of Osceola Hills.

Fortunately, we live close to the Southern Area. We go down there several times a week so we can walk or ride a bike without being concerned about being hit by a car or a golf cart.

[Cgunn]

You could carry an orange caution pillon with you as you walk and set it down in front of you as you wait for the golf cart to pass.?

[bonrich]

It's wonderful to walk, good for you, but please do not wear dark clothes!! Get something bright on so us cart drivers can see you before and not at the last minute. Also, for you cart drivers at dusk/dark, please, please, use your turn signal!! Don't stick your arm out to indicate a turn and expect the person coming up on you in a car or cart to see that arm sticking out. It's dark people!

[ithos]

It is by far safer and easier for you to walk a few steps on the grass than for a Cart to swerve into the middle of the path. I really can't comprehend such lack of consideration for others.

[stadry]

no sidewalks = 'horrid' - interesting observation
note to op - next time golf cart doesn't move out of your way, stick out a foot & trip it - that'll teach 'em manners

[Oregon47]

Paintball...

[jacksonbrown]

Amazing, why would you put yourself or others at risk?

Who are the "others" that are being put at risk.

The golf cart drivers / passengers?

Ridiculous!

[banjobob]

I think there are a few A—holes driving golf carts along with the incompetent ones that should never drive and don’t see ahead over 10 feet in front of them. As a walker maybe carry one of those hand held alert honkers to blow at them when they show their ignorance or incompetence.

[Villagesgal]

Walking is allowed and legal and is good exercise. Carts must move over for pedestrians and cyclists, it's the law. If you are in a cart and want to follow the law, you will move over for walkers and cyclists. If you don't want to follow the law then you have no right to complain about anyone else who doesn't follow the rules, you are just as bad as they are.

[Bethwill]

You are going to cause a serious accident. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in that situation. Hate to tell you but Dan Newlin will tell you that at your age, there is not a high dollar settlement in your future. The formula they use doesn't work for senior citizens.

[ldovermiller]

I was informed that the golf cart lane was for golf carts, bikes not walkers. I've seen walkers in the golf cart lane when right next to
them is a walk. You can't fix stupid if you want to play chicken with a car or golf cart.

[davem4616]

all I can say is WOW, talk about 'stand your ground....

what are you thinking OP?

playing Chicken with Golf Carts is akin to playing Russian Roulette

all the money that you could get from Dan wouldn't make up for the fact that you'd never be the same again, have had a lot of pain and gone through recovery therapy

[jacksonbrown]

Walking is allowed and legal and is good exercise. Carts must move over for pedestrians and cyclists, it's the law. If you are in a cart and want to follow the law, you will move over for walkers and cyclists. If you don't want to follow the law then you have no right to complain about anyone else who doesn't follow the rules, you are just as bad as they are.

You get my vote for best post.

BTW, all cart drivers roll through stop signs.

If you are a cyclist, DO NOT expect traffic to stop when they exit a MMP tunnel. NO cart driver stops, endangering cycling traffic that has the right of way.

[Bethwill]

Walking is allowed and legal and is good exercise. Carts must move over for pedestrians and cyclists, it's the law. If you are in a cart and want to follow the law, you will move over for walkers and cyclists. If you don't want to follow the law then you have no right to complain about anyone else who doesn't follow the rules, you are just as bad as they are.
In your scenario, the walker or biker must be going with the flow of traffic, not against it.

[GaryKoca]

I walk the side streets in Dunedin, stay away from Hillsborough. I can get 3 miles in by using side streets and cul de sacs.

[Leadbone1]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.

It sounds like you’re just looking for trouble! I often drive my cart or ride my bike in the golf cart lane on Southern Trace just to get to the multi modal path. Almost all the walkers that I encounter use common sense and are not out to try to prove a point. I go around them with a lot of room providing there are no cars right beside me. If there are cars coming beside me, many times those walkers will step up onto the grass because they have the intelligence to assess the situation. I’m not a walker, but if I was I certainly would make good choices as to where I chose to walk. Doesn’t sound like that’s the case with you!

[Windguy]

I would find a safer place to walk, do you really trust the drivers around here?
Good point. I seem to remember the story about three women who were walking side by side. The sidewalk was too narrow, so one was walking in the cart path WITH the traffic, so she couldn’t see what was coming. An (apparently) inattentive cart driver came along and killed her.

As for walking against traffic, I’ve seen evidence on Hillsborough where a car swerved off the right side of the road, up onto the sidewalk, into people’s yards, back into the street, and then up onto the curb on the left side of the road before it stopped. Had someone been walking with traffic on that sidewalk, they could have been killed.

I find it really annoying that sidewalks are only on one side of the road. When I walk on Hillsborough, I walk against traffic, which means I have to walk in the cart path or even in the road if I’m going east. When a cart approaches, I move to the grass until they pass.

[LG999]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.
Why not choose a different route. Some of us have a hard time driving even in a golf cart. Also with the increase in traffic it might not be possible to move into the traffic lane

[BlkBlt6]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.. Obviously, this route is to dangerous! Pick another route. I think the Villages should re-enforce rules of walking. Lol

[Jtcoggin@bellsouth.net]

You won't be calling Dan Newlin. when you are hit. You will be dead.

[joseppe]

That’s another reason I love the southern villages, where we have dedicated walking paths..

And there all you have to worry about is getting run down by a bicyclist weaving through the people walking at a high rate of speed. The increased bicycle traffic has made even those walking paths somewhat dangerous.

[sloanst]

Your post would be used as exhibit A by the defense.

[xcaligirl]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.
I too walk a lot of miles in the Villages however I will not try to jeopardize my life or anyone else especially for the sake of getting $$$$. My life is more important than having a boat load of money however could be dead or paralized for life... not worth it! I avoid the streets as much as possible. Whenever I do HAVE to take a street, I will jump up on the lawn and come to a complete stop to let a golf cart go by. I will also do the same on the multimodal paths if there is a lot of golf cart traffic. There are the few inconsiderate, "much more important than anyone else around here", I will get out of their way, probably say few things that not anyone else can even hear and continue on with my walk! For the rude people, there luck will be running out however for the people in golf carts and cars who cannot see, they need to park it! Unfortunately, they just don't understand!

[ts12755]

Remember, about 10% of Villages residents are just A-Holes. They are angry at everything and hate their life. No changing them, just remember, 10%.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Gotta love the new America. Care for no one and nothing but the almighty dollar!

That’s what these ambulance chasers have done; given people this mentality to take on heavy weight moving mass with their bodies in hopes of surviving their lack of common sense to make a payday for their survivors while they become a vegetable, burdening the family.

[asiebel]

All of the big rec centers, Lake Miona Eisenhower,SeaBreeze, Rohan all have nice walking paths all the way around them. Paved and only for walkers. I dint know about Savannah or LaurelManor. Much safer and a more comfortable walk.

[Joe C.]

Here's a good idea: Carry a baseball bat when you walk. If it looks like the cart isn't going to move, then assume the batter's position.

There are a lot of rude and crabby people here in the villages, but I think they are that way because they are unhappy or have severe aches and pains that make them that way.

[glsatterlee]

It is common in rural America that people, pedestrians, walk streets because there are no sidewalks. We were all taught to walk facing traffic and not leave your life in the hands of a vehicle driver.

Bicycles are also considered vehicles in Florida, even if they are on a sidewalk. In Florida pedestrians always have the right of way.

[NYMAN]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.

now that you have given your intentions of a lawsuit ,if you do get hit the person who hit you might just back up over you repeatedly until you're dead

[17362]

To me it’s simple. Why? Because I know the rules-laws ( I looked them up)... golf carts yield to cars, cars have right of way. Walkers yield to golf carts, carts have right of way.
Now, IF I can, do I get over into the cars lane if there are walkers blocking the multi path? Or even bikers. Yes. Common courtesy. Again though it’s IF I can.
No reason to get emotional. It’s a matter of laws and common sense.

[jklfairwin]

I find it amazing that TV is such a pedestrian-unfriendly place. Seems like a little effort and money could rectify the problem and provide a safe and pleasant walking/jogging experience for everyone. I do recall that a woman walker was killed by a golf cart while walking on the golf cart track a couple of years ago. Trying to cross intersections when the sidewalk ends and you must choose between trying to run across the traffic or risk getting run over in the golf cart tunnel is a very unpleasant, unsafe choice.

[Carla B]

As far as "walkability", on a scale of 1 to 10 The Villages scores about 3, in my opinion.

[Lindadogmom2]

There so many beautiful walking paths and such in the Villages!!! U may have to drive there but what else do u have to do?? I am thinking of getting off this site because all people do is complain! There r people who would give anything to live here and can't! Why not share something good like a great walking path or area u have found instead of bitching about one road that YOU can't walk on!!!!! Some will never change no matter how good a life they have!! Could we just share happy things on here???

[vintageogauge]

TV with a lack of sidewalks is not very walker friendly. An over reliance on golf carts, is a contributing factor why most villagers, like most Americans are overweight and out of shape.
Seems most village residents just accept it with the resulting health problems and shortened lifespan.

Not true south of 44, miles and miles of hike & bike trails and they are heavily used by walkers and bike riders as well where allowed

[Curtisbwp]

If you enjoy walking so much why would you risk not being able to walk.

[sallybowron]

I have been taking some long walks recently but find it is getting very dangerous. I try to use the residential streets and intermodal paths as much as possible but part of my walk takes me onto Enrique Drive where I have to use the golf cart lane because there are no sidewalks. I walk against traffic so I can see what is coming at me. 90% of the carts move over into the car lane to go around me but there is a brutal 10% who like to play "chicken" and don't want to move over. They drive right right at me and when they see I am not moving they swerve at the last second to avoid hitting me. Some yell insults as they go by. I believe walkers are entitled to use our streets just as much as the golf carts are. They seem to think that it is I who should jump off the street so they don't have to move. I will stand my ground on this and when I get hit my first call will be to Dan Newlin who I am confident will get me a bundle like he advertises.

I do believe you are right to think that a multi modal path should Include walkers, who are in fact moving. However just because you are right doesn't mean you should do it. Don't be Dead Right! I would suggest you step off the path and keep walking in play to keep your heart up.

[JoeinFL]

Funny....intentionally trying to get hit to meet Dan Newlin :)
Dan got me $47,000,000.
Thank you Dan! Lol

[sktb888]

thank you

[Mumbles]

We've been looking at developments in the Sarasota area. All of them have sidewalks on every street, both sides. It is absolutely horrid that Morse and company have not, considering our age, we need sidewalks.

I agree wholeheartedly. Even inner cities (Manhattan for example) PLAN for sidewalks. Do the Powers that Be think we will walk through fields and over golf courses as a way to keep healthy? Or do they think we will all sign up for MVP time?

It is way past time to have the developers make sidewalks.

[Mumbles]

I recommend buying a bicycle bell with a sound you like and screwing it or wiring it to a piece of wood or a walking stick and carrying it around with you. If you aren’t sure an oncoming cart driver sees you, ring the bell to get the driver’s attention. Or get one of those ooga horns with a rubber bulb and carry that. Or a boat air horn attached to a can of compressed air if you really want to startle the driver. Or you could buy a hand bell like old night-watchmen used to carry and ring it when you see a cart coming. You could even start crying out “Unclean! Unclean!” like a biblical leper. As others have said, don’t assume that any driver is NOT on autopilot while driving a golf cart. Some are! One is all it takes to take your life.

T O T A L L Y :1rotfl:

[Rosebud1949]

Poor eyesight, souped up carts,( some doing 35mph+) Driving fast as they think there are not many folk around. I would not chance walking in the cart lane.

I tried to slow a cart down yesterday heading to Heron/Pelican Golf Courses, as there were Sandhill Cranes crossing the road... IF LOOKS COULD KILL I WOULD BE DEAD. No wonder we have so little natural wild life left.. yes I hear you, plenty of human wild life..... You MUST NOT separate anyone from their golf, even if it means killing a creature.... SHAME ON YOU MADAM......

[VApeople]

south of 44, miles and miles of hike & bike trails and they are heavily used by walkers and bike riders as well where allowed

Very true.

In case you have not visited Bradford and St. Catherine, those trails are even better for walkers/bikers. Absolutely beautiful.

[golfing eagles]

Walking is allowed and legal and is good exercise. Carts must move over for pedestrians and cyclists, it's the law. If you are in a cart and want to follow the law, you will move over for walkers and cyclists. If you don't want to follow the law then you have no right to complain about anyone else who doesn't follow the rules, you are just as bad as they are.

Not sure that makes sense. Do you have a citation for that "law"?

Cyclists are traveling in the same direction as carts, therefore you either have to stay behind them or safely pass. Anyone walking in the cart lane when there is a sidewalk available is in violation of Florida statute 316.130 sec 3. When there is no sidewalk, you may walk in the road facing traffic, vehicles need to pass safely, but I still wouldn't play chicken as a walker.

[golfing eagles]

Good point. I seem to remember the story about three women who were walking side by side. The sidewalk was too narrow, so one was walking in the cart path WITH the traffic, so she couldn’t see what was coming. An (apparently) inattentive cart driver came along and killed her.

As for walking against traffic, I’ve seen evidence on Hillsborough where a car swerved off the right side of the road, up onto the sidewalk, into people’s yards, back into the street, and then up onto the curb on the left side of the road before it stopped. Had someone been walking with traffic on that sidewalk, they could have been killed.

I find it really annoying that sidewalks are only on one side of the road. When I walk on Hillsborough, I walk against traffic, which means I have to walk in the cart path or even in the road if I’m going east. When a cart approaches, I move to the grass until they pass.

That is AGAINST THE LAW!!!! Florida statute 316.130 sec 3 states "no pedestrian may walk on any paved area intended for vehicular use if a sidewalk is available" Cross the street, walk on the sidewalk, and get the heck off the CART AND BIKE LANE

[golfing eagles]

Here's a good idea: Carry a baseball bat when you walk. If it looks like the cart isn't going to move, then assume the batter's position.

There are a lot of rude and crabby people here in the villages, but I think they are that way because they are unhappy or have severe aches and pains that make them that way.

There's a term for that in civil law (actually a tort), it's called ASSAULT

[eremite06]

Where are these located? Re: Bradford and St. Catherine?

[Number 10 GI]

Where are these located? Re: Bradford and St. Catherine?

South of 44 in the wasteland of no golf, no shopping, no restaurants, no golf cart bridges to the promised land and where even the sunlight is piped in. Horrid, horrid place!

[pcacace]

What good are millions if you are paralyzed or a vegetable? Don’t play chicken! ]

[eremite06]

South of 44 in the wasteland of no golf, no shopping, no restaurants, no golf cart bridges to the promised land and where even the sunlight is piped in. Horrid, horrid place!

Could you narrow it down just a bit more?

[Number 10 GI]

Could you narrow it down just a bit more?

About a mile and a half north of Hell.

I'll be serious now, drive south on Morse Blvd and cross SR 44. About 3/4 of a mile after crossing SR 44 you will see an entrance on the left to Bradford Village and I believe Catherine is southwest of Bradford. Just before the entrance to Bradford is the entrance to Chitty Chatty, a nice area also.

[jimjamuser]

As far as I know, you are allowed to walk that way on streets with no sidewalks. I, too, have walked along Enrique facing traffic. I will move toward the curb if a cart comes along, but resist the idea of jumping into the grass if they insist on being horse’s rear ends. If they want to play chicken, I might jump out of the way, yell at them, and possibly wave my finger at them. I, personally, don’t want to meet Dan, and doubt whether I would survive to make that call.
I would move onto the grass for 2 reasons. The cart drivers may be distracted and NOT playing "chicken". 2ndly I prefer to walk on grass as opposed to hard street surfaces because the grass is easier on your feet. I would especially NEVER jog on a road surface with no give. Many people do and that's their business.

[jimjamuser]

We've been looking at developments in the Sarasota area. All of them have sidewalks on every street, both sides. It is absolutely horrid that Morse and company have not, considering our age, we need sidewalks.
Living in the kingdom of profits.

[jimjamuser]

Paintball...
That was seriously funny!!!!!

[bpascani]

It's sharing the road...when necessary, the cars have to share with golf carts, when the "merging" happens, or on roads that have no golf cart path. With regards to pedestrians, still....share the road. I would think it would be easier or the walkers to 'step to the left' (i.e. up on the curb or grass), in order to keep yourself safe. Sounds to me like your the one that's playing chicken. No one owns the roads, but cars and golf carts aren't supposed to hop up the curb and onto the grass, to go around walkers, I'm pretty sure.

[valuemkt]

There's suicide by cop, and Suicide by IDIOT. Advise Op to find a short pier for that long walk, as the old saying goes

[Bellavita]

technically you are on the correct side and they should share, I think lots of people cannot see you. Old people can't see, and are not used to walkers. I would walk on the lawn if you can. Besides it is far better for your knees than a hard surface. I was over a year ago but a woman got stuck by a golf cart and she later died. When you are dead no attorney can bring you back.

[Velvet]

I definitely would step to the grass as a pedestrian when a cart or car is near by. I know some drivers who would never consider even slowing down in the full expectation that you as a pedestrian WILL get out of their way.

[VApeople]

South of 44 in the wasteland of no golf, no shopping, no restaurants, no golf cart bridges to the promised land and where even the sunlight is piped in. Horrid, horrid place!

Very funny answer!

Yes, they are horrid places at the present unless you want to take a walk or a bike ride on long beautiful trails that will never allow a car or a stupid golf cart.

Right now, they are as barren as Pine Hills and Osceola Hills were five years ago.

[PugMom]

It's wonderful to walk, good for you, but please do not wear dark clothes!! Get something bright on so us cart drivers can see you before and not at the last minute. Also, for you cart drivers at dusk/dark, please, please, use your turn signal!! Don't stick your arm out to indicate a turn and expect the person coming up on you in a car or cart to see that arm sticking out. It's dark people!
omg, you hit on a topic that drives me nuts too! there's hardly any lights on some of these roads, and when somebody is walking or even on a bike with dark clothes, they have no idea how invisible they are to me. if i didn't have on my high def night glasses i probably wouldn't even see them @ all. God forbid i want to hit some poor soul who is just trying to get home

[Quixote]

Gotta love the new America. Care for no one and nothing but the almighty dollar!

Ya think this is 'the new America'? The Almighty Dollar has been an integral part of 'the old America,' and I suspect this will not change....

[Kenswing]

Man... This was the ultimate troll. This person's first and only post and it gets 94 replies.. :1rotfl: :clap2: :1rotfl:

[TomJH72]

Are you kidding? Really? Your whole scenario is absurd. Sure, go ahead & walk in the golf cart lane but you should move to the grass or side area off the path. Your persistence to stay in the lane may cause an accident with a golf cart & car/truck. If that cart driver moves into the traffic lane to avoid your resistance to move, he/she may miss a car in the traffic lane and then what? - I'll tell you, the cart driver is at fault. Yes, they should look to see if there is traffic but it's possible to miss it. So if a car was approaching you'd have them stop, let any traffic pass & then go around you. How rude of you. The responsibility to get off the road is yours. Last I remember, it's a golf cart & bicycle lane. If you want freedom & respect go to a multi-modal path. I know 99% of cart drivers are very courteous to walkers - I am.