New metal covering on sidewalk:tripping hazard

[acornhome]

This grate was installed behind my home and is a very dangerous tripping hazard for all walkers. Anyone know whom I should contact to rectify the situation? Thx.

[UsuallyLurking]

I would start with District Property Management (352-753-4022). It could be that it was put there by a utility, but DPM would be the place to start.

[retiredguy123]

Public Safety
3035 Morse Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32163
Phone: 352-205-8280 • Fax: 352-205-8290
Email Public Safety
Sharon Kryvanis: Sharon.Kryvanis@districtgov.org

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yowza. That should be a door with a recessed handle, and the hinges on the grass-side of the sidewalk.

[Road-Runner]

Thank you for your awareness and follow through, too many would just let a situation like that happen to someone else!

[I'm Popeye!]

Looks like no one wants to think anymore when doing jobs...
- The best generations are over, Zombies are taking over. -

[graciegirl]

What part of The Villages has sidewalks?? None in my area.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Looks like no one wants to think anymore when doing jobs...

That's what happens when you hire minimum wage with minimal training and limited supervisory / mgmt oversight

[graciegirl]

That's what happens when you hire minimum wage with minimal training and limited supervisory / mgmt oversight

Where is this sidewalk?

Quote from an article in the online news about sidewalks in The Villages, Fl.

"To the Editor:

We have just read the tragic story of a golf cart driver who died after swerving into traffic to avoid a pedestrian who was walking on the roadway. Why wasn’t that pedestrian walking on the sidewalk? Oh, that’s right – there are no sidewalks in most (any?) Villages! One can only wonder if the Developer decided against sidewalks because they would reduce the area available for cramming in more housing units.

This tragic result was inevitable and will probably be repeated in the future.

It may not be possible to retrofit existing properties with sidewalks (although that is a good idea), but there is no excuse for not putting them into new developments."

[DAVES]

Where is this sidewalk?

Quote from an article in the online news about sidewalks in The Villages, Fl.

"To the Editor:

We have just read the tragic story of a golf cart driver who died after swerving into traffic to avoid a pedestrian who was walking on the roadway. Why wasn’t that pedestrian walking on the sidewalk? Oh, that’s right – there are no sidewalks in most (any?) Villages! One can only wonder if the Developer decided against sidewalks because they would reduce the area available for cramming in more housing units.

This tragic result was inevitable and will probably be repeated in the future.

It may not be possible to retrofit existing properties with sidewalks (although that is a good idea), but there is no excuse for not putting them into new developments."

My view about most things posted. We only get one side. We do have side walks in our section on the main streets. Yet, walkers will walk on the multi modal paths. Some will stop on the path to gossip.

The golf cart driver. It seems he/she deserves some blame as well. Likely distracted or????? Did they not see the walkers? Were they not aware of the car?

Even the term accident is dismissive. Hey you should not have been doing that. Unfortunately there are not always do overs.

[acornhome]

This is near the corner of O’Dell and Canal St. My house backs up to O’Dell looking at the first hole at Mallory. Lots of sidewalks here😊
Thank you for responding with contact information. I will keep you posted.

[Topspinmo]

My view about most things posted. We only get one side. We do have side walks in our section on the main streets. Yet, walkers will walk on the multi modal paths. Some will stop on the path to gossip.

The golf cart driver. It seems he/she deserves some blame as well. Likely distracted or????? Did they not see the walkers? Were they not aware of the car?

Even the term accident is dismissive. Hey you should not have been doing that. Unfortunately there are not always do overs.

S.h.a.r.e. The MMP what sign says. If you walking two or more abreast, standing in middle lane talking, you’re not s.h.a.r.e. Ing the MMP you Hogging it.

[Topspinmo]

This grate was installed behind my home and is a very dangerous tripping hazard for all walkers. Anyone know whom I should contact to rectify the situation? Thx.

When I walk I am scanning for hazards ready to avoid them and not gawking, laughing and giggling like teenagers, on the iPhone, or have headsets on.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Golf Cart Driver is mostly to fault IMNSHO. Suddenly swerving to avoid someone walking? There could be extenuating circumstances, but if it was no more than that, then the driver of ANY vehicle is responsible to maintain the operation in a safe manner - speed and control based on conditions.

[GrumpyOldMan]

When I walk I am scanning for hazards ready to avoid them and not gawking, laughing and giggling like teenagers, on the iPhone, or have headsets on.

Very true, we are each responsible for our own safety. But, a driver of a vehicle should not have gotten into the situation where they had to swerve suddenly, unless there were some extenuating circumstances.

This is also why one should ALWAYS walk facing traffic, so you can see and jump, walk, move (fall) out of the way.

[Aces4]

When I walk I am scanning for hazards ready to avoid them and not gawking, laughing and giggling like teenagers, on the iPhone, or have headsets on.


Yes, but what about the elderly who aren’t as perfect and tripping is a real possibility?

[Topspinmo]

Very true, we are each responsible for our own safety. But, a driver of a vehicle should not have gotten into the situation where they had to swerve suddenly, unless there were some extenuating circumstances.

This is also why one should ALWAYS walk facing traffic, so you can see and jump, walk, move (fall) out of the way.


Agree I was making general observations of what I see on MMP. I can tell you when I walk I make sure I’m out of any traffic safu. I won’t hesitate to get way off the MMP or out of diamonds lanes. I also stop when in golf cart if there is any change a cart, a person or person’s, and cart don’t meet all at same time.

But, the most outrageous situation I was in when 4 were walking the MMP blocking both lanes. I stopped and waited for them to pass and they looked at me like I was in there road. Those are the privilege ones.

[Topspinmo]

Yes, but what about the elderly who aren’t as perfect and tripping is a real possibility?

So, what about them?

[GrumpyOldMan]

Agree I was making general observations of what I see on MMP. I can tell you when I walk I make sure I’m out of any traffic safu. I won’t hesitate to get way off the MMP or out of diamonds lanes. I also stop when in golf cart if there is any change a cart, a person or person’s, and cart don’t meet all at same time.

But, the most outrageous situation I was in when 4 were walking the MMP blocking both lanes. I stopped and waited for them to pass and they looked at me like I was in there road. Those are the privilege ones.

Agree

[Aces4]

So, what about them?

The sidewalk needs a proper cover on it which is the subject of this post and not how well some people think they walk. That’s what about them!

[Topspinmo]

The sidewalk needs a proper cover on it which is the subject of this post and not how well some people think they walk. That’s what about them!

You’re opinion.

[Aces4]

You’re opinion.

It sure is and I like it. Too many elderly suffer deadly or life-changing, unnecessary falls due to negligence as this appears to be.

[EdFNJ]

Golf Cart Driver is mostly to fault IMNSHO. Suddenly swerving to avoid someone walking? There could be extenuating circumstances, but if it was no more than that, then the driver of ANY vehicle is responsible to maintain the operation in a safe manner - speed and control based on conditions.
On O'Dell walkers VERY OFTEN just step out into the diamond lane (often while talking on their cell phone) ignoring golf cart traffic so they don't have to pass too close to another person walking in the opposite direction on the sidewalk. That started with the pandemic. Never experienced it before that. That's why I now keep my cell phone on a mount on my GC windshield most of the time running video when driving between my home and Mallory CC (about 1.5miles) because one idiot stepped out right in front of me and I had to swerve into the road to avoid killing him. Fortunately there wasn't a car on the roadway. I thought I was going to flip over I swerved so hard. That's why there are sidewalks for the walkers there. Most areas don't have sidewalks.

[EdFNJ]

What part of The Villages has sidewalks?? None in my area. You need to leave your little bubble. :D While there aren't that many there are quite a few. One example is O'Dell Circle between Morse near Colony and Morse near Mallory. Probably about 3+ miles total.

[thevillages2013]

What part of The Villages has sidewalks?? None in my area.
Belvedere, O’Dell, Bailey, St Charles, Moyer, Hillsborough just to name a few

[golfing eagles]

On O'Dell walkers VERY OFTEN just step out into the diamond lane (often while talking on their cell phone) ignoring golf cart traffic so they don't have to pass too close to another person walking in the opposite direction on the sidewalk. That started with the pandemic. Never experienced it before that. That's why I now keep my cell phone on a mount on my GC windshield most of the time running video when driving between my home and Mallory CC (about 1.5miles) because one idiot stepped out right in front of me and I had to swerve into the road to avoid killing him. Fortunately there wasn't a car on the roadway. I thought I was going to flip over I swerved so hard. That's why there are sidewalks for the walkers there. Most areas don't have sidewalks.

Those idiots do that everywhere a sidewalk is adjacent to a cart/bike lane. In their tiny little pea brains they must think it is safer to play chicken with a 600 pound cart going 20 mph than to pass 3-4 feet away from another person, OUTDOORS, FOR 1/2 SECOND! Half of them are also wearing their (useless in this scenario) paper masks (and no, they don't all have "allergies", which is another lame excuse except for a very few select individuals). Actually, I find it amazing how many people have come down with "allergies" requiring a mask when walking, cycling, or driving a car alone JUST SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN. A great recipe----new virus=instant allergies and mask.

Now to quote Florida statute 316.130(3):

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

So next time anyone considers jumping off the sidewalk into a cart lane, realize that not only are you an idiot, you are breaking the law as well.

[Luggage]

Concrete cost big money and can easily add one or $2,000 to the price of a house if you have a sidewalk. That's why many townships will repair the sidewalk and then add it to the tax bill over a number of years

[chenault55]

If there is a path that’s where the walkers should be not the street. It’s a pet peeve of mine and also against the law.

Florida law 316.130(3) – Pedestrians Must Use the Sidewalks
Florida law 316.130(3) requires pedestrians to use sidewalks whenever they are available. If there’s a sidewalk, it’s against Florida law 316.130(3) for a pedestrian to walk in the street. The law says that there may be exceptions, so there can be some situations that still require a pedestrian to walk in the road, like in an emergency or when the sidewalk is inaccessible because of construction.

Florida law 316.130(4) – Walking on the Road Rules If There Are No Sidewalks
If there are no sidewalks by a road or highway, Florida law 316.130(4) specifies that pedestrians may walk by the side of the road. In all circumstances, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder of the road. They must walk against the flow of traffic, on the left side of the road. Like the rule for walking on the sidewalks, Florida law 316.130(4) creates an exception for when it’s not practical to comply with the requirements of the law.

[golfing eagles]

If there is a path that’s where the walkers should be not the street. It’s a pet peeve of mine and also against the law.

Florida law 316.130(3) – Pedestrians Must Use the Sidewalks
Florida law 316.130(3) requires pedestrians to use sidewalks whenever they are available. If there’s a sidewalk, it’s against Florida law 316.130(3) for a pedestrian to walk in the street. The law says that there may be exceptions, so there can be some situations that still require a pedestrian to walk in the road, like in an emergency or when the sidewalk is inaccessible because of construction.

Florida law 316.130(4) – Walking on the Road Rules If There Are No Sidewalks
If there are no sidewalks by a road or highway, Florida law 316.130(4) specifies that pedestrians may walk by the side of the road. In all circumstances, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder of the road. They must walk against the flow of traffic, on the left side of the road. Like the rule for walking on the sidewalks, Florida law 316.130(4) creates an exception for when it’s not practical to comply with the requirements of the law.

Wish I had said that

Oh, wait, I did----TWO POSTS AGO:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[graciegirl]

You need to leave your little bubble. :D While there aren't that many there are quite a few. One example is O'Dell Circle between Morse near Colony and Morse near Mallory. Probably about 3+ miles total.

My response to this was that that someone might have made it up in order to continue the harangue that we live in a place where there is a plethora of shoddy things and inferior stuff so that "THE DEVELOPERS" can wipe their fannies with hundred dollar bills.

That is what I thought at first. That it was from either those folks who want to keep more folks from moving here, or it was from someone who doesn't live here and is jealous. Or someone who is too young to live here, or someone who just likes to be negative. I didn't at first believe the post or the photo.

I now believe the post and the photo. It does indeed look like it could be a tripping hazard and I am wondering why it was left like that, as that is NOT the usual way of things in this lovely place that appears to ME to try to do things well above standards.

I now wonder what the "grate" is doing in the middle of the sidewalk that is near this poor fellow's back door. We need to all lend a hand and fix this problem. Usually Bogie Shooter has a telephone number of who to call. I just got a note in my box from those who try to keep us acting nicely. I hope he isn't in the corner.

WHY is that grate there? Is it just the beginning of a lot of mistakes and shoddy things?
I am so glad ED you corrected me. I don't get out as much as I used to and the dearest doctor in the world told me yesterday I really needed to use a walker from the golf cart to the art room at Laurel Manor. sigh.

I need facts now. And for God's sake, y'all be careful where you walk. We all are getting older.

[larrycrilley@gmail.com]

This is the wrong choice of cover for that underground facility. You need to find out which utility installed it and let them know it is a safety hazard.
I am certain a work permit was issued by local or county authorities. They can tell you who the owner is and force them to bring it up to code. The permit should state the completed work site is to be left in a safe condition.
Most of this type of work is contracted to a third party vendor. The utility might not even be aware this substandard unsafe work was completed in this manner.
The owner could be electric, gas, cable, or water. Once you can confirm the owner they can be notified.

[La lamy]

Agreed, that's a really dangerous tripping hazard.

[DaleDivine]

Belvedere, O’Dell, Bailey, St Charles, Moyer, Hillsborough just to name a few

Pinellas place from Morse to Pinellas Plaza...
:bigbow:

[DaleDivine]

On O'Dell walkers VERY OFTEN just step out into the diamond lane (often while talking on their cell phone) ignoring golf cart traffic so they don't have to pass too close to another person walking in the opposite direction on the sidewalk. That started with the pandemic. Never experienced it before that. That's why I now keep my cell phone on a mount on my GC windshield most of the time running video when driving between my home and Mallory CC (about 1.5miles) because one idiot stepped out right in front of me and I had to swerve into the road to avoid killing him. Fortunately there wasn't a car on the roadway. I thought I was going to flip over I swerved so hard. That's why there are sidewalks for the walkers there. Most areas don't have sidewalks.
That's why I have a verrrry loud horn on my cart...
:popcorn::popcorn:

[MandoMan]

This grate was installed behind my home and is a very dangerous tripping hazard for all walkers. Anyone know whom I should contact to rectify the situation? Thx.

How do I politely and respectfully say that people should walk with their eyes open and pick up their feet when they are walking? We walk on streets that have little bumps and cracks and sometimes sewer grates. We dodge cars parked on the street now and then, and water sprinklers, and Sandhill cranes out for a stroll. In my neighborhood there are height differences bigger than that between sections of the cart path on the golf course. This is not a big deal. Have you ever walked over the giant grates in NYC? The margins between my carpet and my tile offer a better way to trip than those tiny hinges.

[Aces4]

How do I politely and respectfully say that people should walk with their eyes open and pick up their feet when they are walking? We walk on streets that have little bumps and cracks and sometimes sewer grates. We dodge cars parked on the street now and then, and water sprinklers, and Sandhill cranes out for a stroll. In my neighborhood there are height differences bigger than that between sections of the cart path on the golf course. This is not a big deal. Have you ever walked over the giant grates in NYC? The margins between my carpet and my tile offer a better way to trip than those tiny hinges.


This is a perfect example why this cover needs to be changed. They are not tiny little hinges, there is a locking machanism and a handle which weren’t even noticed by the poster. There is a law barring sidewalk encumbrances for a reason.

[Ken D.]

What part of The Villages has sidewalks?? None in my area.
Every main road i.e. Canal, Odell, Pinellas, etc. have sidewalks

[Bill14564]

How do I politely and respectfully say that people should walk with their eyes open and pick up their feet when they are walking? We walk on streets that have little bumps and cracks and sometimes sewer grates. We dodge cars parked on the street now and then, and water sprinklers, and Sandhill cranes out for a stroll. In my neighborhood there are height differences bigger than that between sections of the cart path on the golf course. This is not a big deal. Have you ever walked over the giant grates in NYC? The margins between my carpet and my tile offer a better way to trip than those tiny hinges.

You are right about the hazards that exist and that walkers should be aware of their surroundings. However, that does not excuse intentionally introducing a tripping hazard where a smooth path should be expected.

The hinges are an issue for those walking but are even more of an issue for bicycles.

The locking mechanism is more of an obstruction than the hinges but the lock that should eventually be added will be even worse.

Simply not the right type of cover to be placed on a sidewalk. Thank you to the OP or whoever reports it and asks that it be replaced.

[Carlsondm]

I swerve for people and kids, but not always .. squirrels.

[HORNET]

There is a lot of sidewalks in The Villages

[HORNET]

Remember, the North won the war!

[Chi-Town]

You have 53 homes on a dead end street. Walk down Belvedere one day; you'll be on a sidelwalk.

[I'm Popeye!]

Where is this sidewalk?

Quote from an article in the online news about sidewalks in The Villages, Fl.

"To the Editor:

We have just read the tragic story of a golf cart driver who died after swerving into traffic to avoid a pedestrian who was walking on the roadway. Why wasn’t that pedestrian walking on the sidewalk? Oh, that’s right – there are no sidewalks in most (any?) Villages! One can only wonder if the Developer decided against sidewalks because they would reduce the area available for cramming in more housing units.

This tragic result was inevitable and will probably be repeated in the future.

It may not be possible to retrofit existing properties with sidewalks (although that is a good idea), but there is no excuse for not putting them into new developments."

Adding sidewalk gets Dogs closer to your front door... :popcorn:

[I'm Popeye!]

That's what happens when you hire minimum wage with minimal training and limited supervisory / mgmt oversight
So then, Who's at fault:
A) The Villages
B) The Contractor, supervising and allowing this awful work as per The Villages building regulations.
C) The Worker who is going by contractor's order and materials.

[EdFNJ]

Concrete cost big money and can easily add one or $2,000 to the price of a house if you have a sidewalk. That's why many townships will repair the sidewalk and then add it to the tax bill over a number of years Yes, that and the homeowner is responsible for any sidewalk repairs in front of their property. (Not sure about HERE but that is how it was in NJ).

[MACH7SS]

"No Trip Hazards
A sidewalk or walkway cannot have a sudden height differential of 1/4″ or more."

ADA policy on sidewalks. The hinges and handle in the photo clearly shows that a trip hazard exists.

[Two Bills]

I had to stop for a pedestrian walking in diamond lane next to a sidewalk near Caroline post station.
I asked why not walk on side walk, and I was informed the road was softer on the feet! :shrug:

[golfing eagles]

I had to stop for a pedestrian walking in diamond lane next to a sidewalk near Caroline post station.
I asked why not walk on side walk, and I was informed the road was softer on the feet! :shrug:

Did you remind them that a moving golf cart is NOT softer on the legs?:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[graciegirl]

Has the OP found the person responsible for this tripping hazard??

We can all help him/her by messaging said person to fix the tripping hazard.

[acornhome]

I really didn’t think my original post would create this many responses. The only ones that bother me are the ones that said, basically, too bad. Watch where your walking. Don’t talk, listen to music or have fun on your walk .” I hope you are walking on the other side of the villages.
Everyone else the problem is being rectified this morning.
Happy walking!!

[Bogie Shooter]

I really didn’t think my original post would create this many responses. The only ones that bother me are the ones that said, basically, too bad. Watch where your walking. Don’t talk, listen to music or have fun on your walk .” I hope you are walking on the other side of the villages.
Everyone else the problem is being rectified this morning.
Happy walking!!


And it only took 49 posts…including sidewalk superintendents.:1rotfl:

[graciegirl]

i really didn’t think my original post would create this many responses. The only ones that bother me are the ones that said, basically, too bad. Watch where your walking. Don’t talk, listen to music or have fun on your walk .” i hope you are walking on the other side of the villages.
Everyone else the problem is being rectified this morning.
Happy walking!!

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

[Aces4]

I really didn’t think my original post would create this many responses. The only ones that bother me are the ones that said, basically, too bad. Watch where your walking. Don’t talk, listen to music or have fun on your walk .” I hope you are walking on the other side of the villages.
Everyone else the problem is being rectified this morning.
Happy walking!!


Good work, acornhome! I’m sending you a virtual pat on the back.:coolsmiley:

[I'm Popeye!]

I really didn’t think my original post would create this many responses. The only ones that bother me are the ones that said, basically, too bad. Watch where your walking. Don’t talk, listen to music or have fun on your walk .” I hope you are walking on the other side of the villages.
Everyone else the problem is being rectified this morning.
Happy walking!!

Post a picture of the final work, I'm sure we'll find something to complain about..:icon_wink:. Thanks!

[stadry]

[QUOTE=UsuallyLurking;1990814]I would start with District Property Management (352-753-4022). It could be that it was put there by a SECO to protect & access underground vault?