Bike riding

[carlr28]

New to the villages....are the golf cart roadways shared with bike riders? If so what are the rules of the road....if not what is the best and safest way to bike ride?

[VApeople]

New to the villages....are the golf cart roadways shared with bike riders?

You can legally ride on the multimodal paths (i.e. golf cart roadways). The cart riders will decide how much they are willing to share the road with you.

If so what are the rules of the road.

No rules, to my knowledge.

if not what is the best and safest way to bike ride?

The new areas south of Route 44 have beautiful walking/riding paths that DO NOT ALLOW golf carts.

Other than that, put your bike on a carrier and drive to one of the many bike paths nearby. We went to Gemini Springs last week and had a great ride. I understand there are nice trails around Lake Apopka. There is a long bike trail going thru Inverness and the part we saw was beautiful. A lot of the old railroad grades have been converted into bike paths.

[SIRE1]

What are typically referred to as "Cart Paths" are actually "Multi-Modal Paths". And by that, it means those paved paths through The Villages are there for the use of most everything except cars (although you occasionally see one on the path as well). Therefore the paths are to be shared by walkers, joggers, bike riders, roller bladers, AND golf carts. And for the most part, the rules of the road on the Multi-Modal paths are the same as on the streets and roads. That means typically other than walkers who should walk facing traffic, the direction of travel is on the right side of the path. And the other rule of thumb, like on the streets and roads, is don't run over someone. Since the carts travel a lot faster than most of these other travel methods, there is some danger but that is true on the streets and roads as well. So, to answer your question, YES the "golf cart roadways ARE shared with bike riders" That is why a lot of serious bike riders choose to ride on the streets, including Morse Blvd and Buena Vista Blvd. They trust car drivers a lot more than they trust golf cart drivers.

[VApeople]

This is one of the many videos about Florida biking. I love living in Florida.

General Van Fleet Bike Trail - Cycling in Central Florida - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SJNiNoMiWo)

[vintageogauge]

I prefer to ride through neighborhood streets, much less traffic and more relaxing than looking over your shoulder constantly.

[Mortal1]

On the multi-modal paths/trails ride your bike as you would on the road...tada! That's it. If you expect to be treated as you would on the road then use signals and stop at stop signs(many bicyclists do not).

Scooters that are road legal you will see on the multi-modal trails, but legally they aren't allowed.

Bicycles(per Florida law)are allowed on sidewalks, but pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks.

To all you walkers...if there is a sidewalk present(right or left side of the roadway)you must use it per Florida law. So if you hear someone holler to get on the walk now you know why. :-)

[Polar Bear]

I ride a hybrid bike on the multi-modal paths. I like to have my safety in my own hands as much as possible. I don’t feel that way on Morse or Buena Vista, where my life is the hands of every car driving by at 40+/- mph.

On the path, I keep an eye out for carts. I can take my hybrid into the grass if needed for safety, especially if approaching or within the divided narrow sections. Appreciation is shown by most approaching cart drivers. That measure and typical standard bicycle safety measures will keep you very safe…and in control of your own safety…on the MMP’s. :)

[brianherlihy]

i was driving my golf cart to brown wood to day and stop to go over the street and a bike did not want to stop and hit the back of our cart

[dewilson58]

That is why a lot of serious bike riders choose to ride on the streets, including Morse Blvd and Buena Vista Blvd. .

"serious" is not the descriptor I would use.

[Toymeister]

There are a fair amount of bike haters on this forum, while not the norm you will find oblivious walkers and many cart drivers who are unaware of how fast a cyclist can ride. For these reason I recommend a bike bell as well as a loud warning device for the carts/cars such as this one Mega Horn - Bike Horn 105db : Police Bike Store (https://www.policebikestore.com/mega-horn.htm) also available on Amazon.

[Polar Bear]

…That is why a lot of serious bike riders choose to ride on the streets…

"serious" is not the descriptor I would use.
Totally agree, de. :)

[Topspinmo]

Well, There big sign that says share. IMO this don’t mean you can walk 2, 3, 4 abreast when traffic coming. If you do you are hogging the path you are obligated to share. You fall into single file for safety reason till traffic clears. And you don’t walk down the middle of the path like the lady was dong today with headsets on. That’s not sharing the path that hogging it and safety issue wearing headsets.

When a walker on you’re side of path in cart YOU have to yield to oncoming carts before you pass. Why you’re lane blocked and to pass safely you have to go out wide into the other lane.

don’t see big problem with biker’s on the shared path except some don’t stop at intersections or pull out to pass when traffic coming towards them.

IMO it’s the walkers that think the whole path is their And few WILL NOT budge. I think those few are looking for law suit or just won’t have no activity going on up stairs?

[Topspinmo]

i was driving my golf cart to brown wood to day and stop to go over the street and a bike did not want to stop and hit the back of our cart

Tailgater or drafting?

[kcrazorbackfan]

"serious" is not the descriptor I would use.

Same here.

[Billy1]

Be careful, human beings are not super bright.

[Rich42]

From my observations, one rule of the road for bikers is that they are NOT allowed to obey stop signs!

[jswirs]

New to the villages....are the golf cart roadways shared with bike riders? If so what are the rules of the road....if not what is the best and safest way to bike ride?
I have been a semi serious to serious biker for many years up north, and all I can say, my friend, is be very careful biking down here in TV. There are LOTS of folks on medication, sight and hearing impaired, etc., including many drivers who have not driven in decades, until their spouse has passed. You NEED a bright headlight as well as a bright taillight.
I was almost killed by a driver who did not see me, she seemed to be on some sort of meds., or maybe drunk, I don't know. There seems to be some drivers down here that do not like bikers.
Ride defensibly, and BE CAREFUL!

[b0bd0herty]

New to the villages....are the golf cart roadways shared with bike riders? If so what are the rules of the road....if not what is the best and safest way to bike ride?

Here is the link:
Multi-Modal Path Information and Safety (https://www.districtgov.org/community/MultiModal.aspx)

[tsmall22204]

Welcome to the Villages, where bicyclists run stop signs, pull out in front of you, and ride down the middle of the lane. They do however complain that drivers must comply with the rules of the road because they dont.

[La lamy]

From my observations, one rule of the road for bikers is that they are NOT allowed to obey stop signs!

It seems that observation applies to golf carts and cars too! :ohdear:

[Windguy]

From my observations, one rule of the road for bikers is that they are NOT allowed to obey stop signs!

I guarantee you that motorists come to a complete stop no more than cyclists. Beware of what you ask for. Would you really like to be behind a group of 20 cyclists who each stop in turn at a stop sign?

[carlr28]

Thanks for responding to my original post...but i am still confused...what is the policy when riding on the street and you are competing with the the golf carts on the golf cart part of the roadway....do they go around the bike rider? Since the golf carts go faster than most bikers what happens when a golf cart comes up behind a biker on the roadway

[VApeople]

Thanks for responding to my original post...but i am still confused...what is the policy when riding on the street and you are competing with the the golf carts on the golf cart part of the roadway....do they go around the bike rider? Since the golf carts go faster than most bikers what happens when a golf cart comes up behind a biker on the roadway

I don't know the answers to your questions. We only rode once on a multi-modal path and did not enjoy the experience.

I suggest you take your bike out, ride on a multi-modal path if you have the courage, and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, today we are putting our bikes on our carrier, driving to St. Catherine, and riding to our hearts content like we did last Sunday. Hopefully we will see some armadillos.

[DAVES]

New to the villages....are the golf cart roadways shared with bike riders? If so what are the rules of the road....if not what is the best and safest way to bike ride?

I drive a car, drive a golf cart AND RIDE A BIKE. The rules of the road? Truth, read the posts actually nicer than I was expecting. Rules of the road assumes two things that people know what they are, which is a reach. Perhaps more important and more of a reach, that they know the rules and will follow the rules.

[Windguy]

I prefer to ride through neighborhood streets, much less traffic and more relaxing than looking over your shoulder constantly.

I was riding on a neighborhood street recently when a driver coming towards me turned left towards her driveway right in front of me. She saw me at the last second and stopped, leaving me just a few feet to squeeze by. I couldn’t come to a complete stop without going over my handlebars, so I was lucky she finally saw me. I had a bright blinking headlight and very colorful clothes, so there was no excuse for her not seeing me.

The safest places to ride are the dedicated trails like the rails-to-trails paths. There are no safe places to ride in TV. There are a LOT of cyclist haters here too and they can be very aggressive. The motorists hate us on THEIR roads like Morse and BV. The cart riders and walkers hate us on THEIR MMPs. I’ve had more close calls on the MMPs than I have had on the roads. Even the diamond lanes aren’t safe. One of our club members was run over in a diamond lane.

For those who think cyclists are stupid or foolish for riding on Morse and BV, who do you think has a better idea of what is safe? Someone who rides almost every day or someone who rarely or never does?

[Windguy]

Thanks for responding to my original post...but i am still confused...what is the policy when riding on the street and you are competing with the the golf carts on the golf cart part of the roadway....do they go around the bike rider? Since the golf carts go faster than most bikers what happens when a golf cart comes up behind a biker on the roadway
It’s just like riding in a car. If you approach someone slower than you in the diamond lane, you pull into the car lane when it is safe to do so and pass. That applies to carts passing slower carts or cyclists and cyclists passing slower cyclists or even carts. I occasionally pass carts on my bike when I have a tail wind and/or a downward slope to assist me.

[daca55]

What are typically referred to as "Cart Paths" are actually "Multi-Modal Paths". And by that, it means those paved paths through The Villages are there for the use of most everything except cars (although you occasionally see one on the path as well). Therefore the paths are to be shared by walkers, joggers, bike riders, roller bladers, AND golf carts. And for the most part, the rules of the road on the Multi-Modal paths are the same as on the streets and roads. That means typically other than walkers who should walk facing traffic, the direction of travel is on the right side of the path. And the other rule of thumb, like on the streets and roads, is don't run over someone. Since the carts travel a lot faster than most of these other travel methods, there is some danger but that is true on the streets and roads as well. So, to answer your question, YES the "golf cart roadways ARE shared with bike riders" That is why a lot of serious bike riders choose to ride on the streets, including Morse Blvd and Buena Vista Blvd. They trust car drivers a lot more than they trust golf cart drivers.

A few weeks ago I saw two kids skate boarding on the multimodal paths. Is that legal on those paths? They whizzed by me and scared the you know what out of me.

[DaleDivine]

I guarantee you that motorists come to a complete stop no more than cyclists. Beware of what you ask for. Would you really like to be behind a group of 20 cyclists who each stop in turn at a stop sign?
AGREE..
:ohdear::popcorn::popcorn:

[Pamelah]

It is imperative all cyclists have a mirror to see what or who is approaching from the rear. Many times I’ve been made aware of poor drivers approaching

[Scorpyo]

i was driving my golf cart to brown wood to day and stop to go over the street and a bike did not want to stop and hit the back of our cart

Morgan and Moran :1rotfl:

[roscoguy]

Welcome to the Villages, where bicyclists run stop signs, pull out in front of you, and ride down the middle of the lane. They do however complain that drivers must comply with the rules of the road because they dont.

And if you exchange the two word highlighted above, it is even more prevalent. In my <3 years of actual experience here in TV, I have seen dozens of bicyclists roll through stop signs and probably at least a couple thousand car/cart drivers doing so. That would include a dozen or more golf cart drivers who have looked me square in the eye & then ran, or pulled out from, a stop sign directly in front of me while riding my bike on a through street. These anti-bike rants are so one-sided...

To OP: I only ride on neighborhood streets as I feel there is way too much traffic on either multi-modal paths or shared roadways.

[Polar Bear]

…For those who think cyclists are stupid or foolish for riding on Morse and BV, who do you think has a better idea of what is safe? Someone who rides almost every day or someone who rarely or never does?
I’m one of those that rides every day…on the MMPs. And riding with the normal cautions I described earlier, I definitely feel safer…and much more in control of my own safety…on the MMOs.

Your sarcastic question implying one group of riders is so superior to another comes across as very elitist imo.

[Windguy]

i was driving my golf cart to brown wood to day and stop to go over the street and a bike did not want to stop and hit the back of our cart

lol. Could that be because the cyclist had never seen a cart come to a stop to cross the street and was caught by surprise? :) Unless there is traffic, almost no one stops to cross the street, whether it’s a car, cart, or bike.

[Windguy]

I’m one of those that rides every day…on the MMPs. And riding with the normal cautions I described earlier, I definitely feel safer…and much more in control of my own safety…on the MMOs.

Your sarcastic question implying one group of riders is so superior to another comes across as very elitist imo.

As someone who never rode on the highways until last year, I mistakenly thought the MMPs would be safer. Once I started riding with the club, I realized I was wrong. It was NOT a sarcastic question. Seriously, wouldn’t you expect someone who has done both would have a better idea of what is safer than someone who has not. What is elitist about that?

[hal195z]

Yes, the multi-modal paths are shared BUT the paths on the golf courses are for golfers only

[Polar Bear]

As someone who never rode on the highways until last year, I mistakenly thought the MMPs would be safer. Once I started riding with the club, I realized I was wrong. It was NOT a sarcastic question. Seriously, wouldn’t you expect someone who has done both would have a better idea of what is safer than someone who has not. What is elitist about that?
Fair enough. But we will have to agree to disagree.

I have ridden both. A lot. I will never feel as safe with fast moving automobiles buzzing by me fully relying on them for my safety. I avoid that on the MMPs and am much more in control of my own safety. For me, nothing overrides that.

[carlr28]

I was riding on a neighborhood street recently when a driver coming towards me turned left towards her driveway right in front of me. She saw me at the last second and stopped, leaving me just a few feet to squeeze by. I couldn’t come to a complete stop without going over my handlebars, so I was lucky she finally saw me. I had a bright blinking headlight and very colorful clothes, so there was no excuse for her not seeing me.

The safest places to ride are the dedicated trails like the rails-to-trails paths. There are no safe places to ride in TV. There are a LOT of cyclist haters here too and they can be very aggressive. The motorists hate us on THEIR roads like Morse and BV. The cart riders and walkers hate us on THEIR MMPs. I’ve had more close calls on the MMPs than I have had on the roads. Even the diamond lanes aren’t safe. One of our club members was run over in a diamond lane.

For those who think cyclists are stupid or foolish for riding on Morse and BV, who do you think has a better idea of what is safe? Someone who rides almost every day or someone who rarely or never does?
New to the villages...how do I find these paths you suggest?

[DAVES]

A few weeks ago I saw two kids skate boarding on the multimodal paths. Is that legal on those paths? They whizzed by me and scared the you know what out of me.

As I've posted before. Legal makes a likely false assumption that others know the law and more important will follow it.

The term accident is at best misleading. Over 90% of,"accidents," are avoidable.

[DAVES]

I’m one of those that rides every day…on the MMPs. And riding with the normal cautions I described earlier, I definitely feel safer…and much more in control of my own safety…on the MMOs.

Your sarcastic question implying one group of riders is so superior to another comes across as very elitist imo.

Communication, by e-mail by posts, the same thing, has limits. To be honest communication has limits. It is sadly, reality, that people assume they are right and anyone that doesn't agree with them is wrong.

Perhaps, my current mood.

[Jeanne wilson]

I moved to the Villages mainly for the multi-purpose paths. I was hit by a car at 50 mph and 7 operations later bike riding is my only pain-free exercise. I own a very heavy stand-up bike and can no longer lift it to put it in or on my car. I ride several times a week and try to stay close to the right side of the path. I wave at the carts to pass me not to hold them up but here are a few things that scare me: a cart that beeps its horn when behind me, carts that take wide turns on the curves as they are going full speed, passing me so close I can reach out and touch them (written law gives 3' when passing). The Villages a beautiful place to ride, let's all enjoy our surrounding together and safely.

[Polar Bear]

…
The term accident is at best misleading. Over 90% of,"accidents," are avoidable.
With all due respect, the term “accident” includes avoidable incidents. It just means it wasn’t intentional. Almost all accidents are avoidable…but it’s still accurate to call them accidents.

[stadry]

i was driving my golf cart to brown wood to day and stop to go over the street and a bike did not want to stop and hit the back of our cart
what ???a bicycle was following but, when you stopped it didn't?

[Keninches]

You can legally ride on the multimodal paths (i.e. golf cart roadways). The cart riders will decide how much they are willing to share the road with you.



No rules, to my knowledge.



The new areas south of Route 44 have beautiful walking/riding paths that DO NOT ALLOW golf carts.

Other than that, put your bike on a carrier and drive to one of the many bike paths nearby. We went to Gemini Springs last week and had a great ride. I understand there are nice trails around Lake Apopka. There is a long bike trail going thru Inverness and the part we saw was beautiful. A lot of the old railroad grades have been converted into bike paths.
It’s called “fin” for yourself around here. Good Luck.

[Windguy]

New to the villages...how do I find these paths you suggest?

Here are some:


Biking at the Cross Florida Greenway | Florida State Parks (https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/biking-cross-florida-greenway)
Withlacoochee State Trail | Florida State Parks (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/withlacoochee-state-trail)
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail | Florida State Parks (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/general-james-van-fleet-state-trail)


You can also ask your friendly bike shop or search online for more trails.

[LG999]

My advice is BE CAREFUL
I was riding a bike with 3 others - not abreast but in a line that was loose enough for carts or other bikes to pass thru so we were not interfering w anyone and we were adhering to all signs & protocols. We were on a MM path which went through a tunnel. In the tunnel carts purposely & maliciously drove me into the side of the tunnel where my arm was scraped badly against the cement wall. I was not in their way. They thought hurting me was fun. I am athletic enough that I didn’t fall or crash, which is what they probably wanted to see. I really could hardly believe people were being so nasty & vile towards me in TV where I was used to ppl being so friendly & nice. I do think the carts would have hurt me even more if I had been alone. It was February so these may have been tourists.

[Villages Kahuna]

They’re called “multi-modal paths”, open to pedestrians, bikes, and golf carts. Rules for their use? Don’t hit anyone or anything and don’t get hit yourself.

Whatever you do or whatever happens, stay polite and calm. Others you may encounter may not act accordingly. Remember, it takes two to tango!

[DiandJay]

I ride many enjoyable miles each week on my road bike. I use the MMP and find them smooth and safe compared to the roads themselves.
It is wise to ride defensively and keep your attention from wandering. I have had a few unpleasant near misses with a distracted golf cart driver.
Even so, I have enjoyed getting off busy roads of my last city and onto relatively less busy and safer MMP.

[eremite06]

I prefer to ride through neighborhood streets, much less traffic and more relaxing than looking over your shoulder constantly.
Same here.

[davem4616]

just be a defensive rider....and expect that the other fellow doesn't see you