Bikes on the road

[Kelevision]

Just curious but I’ve noticed there are always bikers riding on the main road. IE Morse, or Buena Vista, when the Multi paths are literally running parallel. Why do they do this? :MOJE_whot:

[Topspinmo]

Cause they can.

[Toymeister]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.

[Topspinmo]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.

Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Really, biker’S are little angels.

[Kelevision]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.

That does answer it, thanks. i don’t drive my golf cart anywhere, as I’m in a newer section and there’s no place to go yet. I do however ride my bike and agree about momentum and really agree about walkers never knowing I’m coming up behind them. But I only ride my bike so much here because they have so many bike baths. I love it. No golf carts allowed. Thanks again.

[Davonu]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.
Wow, I'll address just a couple of the misconceptions conveyed here. I am a long-time bike rider in TV. I ride almost daily and I use the multimodal paths (MMPs) exclusively.

On my average 10-15 mile ride, I encounter a few stop signs. Other than that, it very rare I have to stop. My ride is almost non-stop riding the whole way.

Even more important, the MMPs are NOT dangerous for bikers. In my opinion, the streets are far more dangerous. When I ride on an MMP, I am totally in control of my own safety. On the street, a biker's life is in the hands of every driver of a car or truck going 40+ mph as they drive by. I will not yield my control of my own safety. I have a couple basic rules I abide by on the MMPs to maintain that control...

I ride a hybrid bike, so if I see a cart or pedestrian that I think might be a conflict somehow, I exit onto the adjacent grass as needed. A piece of cake. Almost all areas have those grass exit areas. If I approach an area without an exit area, I search for approaching carts and adjust my speed as needed if necessary to avoid any conflict. Again, no problem at all.

I have ridden my bike on streets in my previous lives. Now riding my bike on the MPs in TV is one of my favorite parts of living here. Safety is a big reason for that. All the beauty and nature in the environment I ride in is just icing on the cake.

[Dond1959]

Let’s just all agree that there are bad car drivers, cart drivers, bicyclists, and walkers. No matter where you ride, drive or walk you have to think defensively and look well ahead for potential issues (and behind for bikes and walkers). I am south of 44 and I also exclusively use the MMP’s when I bike. However, I am out at 5 am and there is very little traffic anywhere. I use 3 lights to be seen along with reflective clothing and always give a verbal warning to any pedestrian I come up on (though many never hear it because of ear buds). Personally, I like my chances to avoid a golf cart more than avoiding a car in the street. But I understand why bikers ride in the street to not have to stop all the time at tunnels or street crossings. I just don’t trust the car drivers. Let’s all just be a little more considerate of each other and it will be a much more pleasant place.

[bobeaston]

Not to mention that everywhere in the U.S. bikes are street legal and golf carts usually aren't. Bikers have a legal right to use the streets if they please.

[Glennjy]

You guys keep saying that golf carts are not allowed on the street making it sound like it is safely. But excuse me, cars are on the street. They are bigger, faster and there are alot more of them than golf carts. I don't see how you can say that it is safer on the road. Just this past year there were three accidents that bicyclists had with cars, not golf carts.

[banjobob]

Real bike riders can maintain speed and RPM on roads ,not possible on multimodal paths. Casual bike riders should use multi paths occasionally.

[Kelevision]

Not to mention that everywhere in the U.S. bikes are street legal and golf carts usually aren't. Bikers have a legal right to use the streets if they please.

Obviously, and no place else has MMP’s like here. There is no questioning the legality of it, but as a biker, I much prefer to use the MMP’s so was just curious the reasoning behind preferring the roads. Now that I’ve heard some reasons, I’m still convinced the MMP’s are much better for bikers. They might be legal on the roads but they certainly take up an entire lane at 10 mph so every car has to move over into the other lane to get around them. I bet that’s fun come jan. :MOJE_whot:

[tsmall22204]

You answered nothing. Bicycles should only be allowed where golf carts are allowed

[JMintzer]

You answered nothing. Bicycles should only be allowed where golf carts are allowed

Should and are are two different things...

[DaleDivine]

Wow, I'll address just a couple of the misconceptions conveyed here. I am a long-time bike rider in TV. I ride almost daily and I use the multimodal paths (MMPs) exclusively.


I have ridden my bike on streets in my previous lives. Now riding my bike on the MPs in TV is one of my favorite parts of living here. Safety is a big reason for that. All the beauty and nature in the environment I ride in is just icing on the cake.
Most of the people in TV have only had one life....
And I really prefer them to ride in the street. Don't want to encounter 10 to 20 bikes on MMPs.
:bigbow::popcorn::ohdear:

[Fastskiguy]

It's really nice to cruise along on your bike without constant stopping for sharp curves into tunnels and road crossings. Plus the speed limit on BV and almost all of Morse is 35 so a biker or group of bikers going 20mph is only going 15mph slower than the speed limit. All of BV and most of Morse have 2 lanes in each direction so it's easy for cars to just move into the L lane to pass. If there is traffic I would hope that going 20mph for a few moments vs. 35mph isn't too much of a burden for the automobile drivers....it is definitely appreciated by the cyclist so thanks in advance :)

Joe

[1couple]

Just curious but I’ve noticed there are always bikers riding on the main road. IE Morse, or Buena Vista, when the Multi paths are literally running parallel. Why do they do this? :MOJE_whot: just to be a pain in the ass. They whined until they got the path then they complain about the path so they ride on the road just to hold up traffic mainly because they are ********

[skippy05]

This isn't the fault of the bikers. It is the fault of the fool community planners that build the bike paths to begin with. This same thing happens in every city where bike paths are created and yet the fools keep using money to create more. Don't waste money on bike paths that bikers have the right to and WILL refuse to use. Use the money on something else and BAN them from any 'paths' you do create for golf carts or pedestrians becuase you CAN'T ban them from the streets.

[bowlingal]

I see a major problem with the bike riders, especially on Buena Vista. They take up the whole right hand lane and block traffic from using that lane. Sometimes, they are 2 or 3 across. They SHOULD be single file about 3 feet from the edge of the road.

[golfing eagles]

It's really nice to cruise along on your bike without constant stopping for sharp curves into tunnels and road crossings. Plus the speed limit on BV and almost all of Morse is 35 so a biker or group of bikers going 20mph is only going 15mph slower than the speed limit. All of BV and most of Morse have 2 lanes in each direction so it's easy for cars to just move into the L lane to pass. If there is traffic I would hope that going 20mph for a few moments vs. 35mph isn't too much of a burden for the automobile drivers....it is definitely appreciated by the cyclist so thanks in advance :)

Joe

It's really nice to cruise along in my car without having to stop/slow down/change lanes for cyclists. ONLY 15 mph slower than the speed limit?????? That's like a car doing 55 on the interstate. <sarcasm>

In reality, I have no problem with cyclists on the roads with one exception-----they ARE REQUIRED to follow vehicular traffic laws, but frequently do not. The best example is blowing through the yield signs at a RB in a pack of 20. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO YIELD. PERIOD. I don't care if it disturbs your "pedal cadence". Too bad. When I have to yield in a car or cart, it disturbs my rhythm as well. What disturbs me more is coming around a RB and having to brake as 20 cyclists continue to blow through a yield sign. And I mean come to a complete stop for these clowns. You are NOT a funeral procession. You have no special privileges. If you want to exercise your "right" to be on a main road, then you should obey the rules that accompany that right. And then God forbid you lean on your horn----note the one finger salutes en masse.

[Luggage]

I'd say many car drivers can be rude as well .

[ithos]

When there is a shoulder then bicycles are fine. But for roads like BV and Morse it is dangerous especially with all the circles.

Riders should get a bike rack and travel to a proper starting point if they desire to go on long rides on streets. Sort of like going to the gym. Cars should not have to change lanes for bicycle going a small fraction of the speed limit.

You do not see bicycles on interstate because it would be near suicide. As the speed limit is decreased the differential in speed makes it less dangerous but it is still a significant risk.

[golfing eagles]

I'd say many car drivers can be rude as well .

You do realize that they are the same drivers?

[Gac57]

In my first two months in the Villages I wouldn't want to ride a bike on the rode. Drivers here pass people in the roundabouts, drive like they are going to a fire. They do what they want, doesn't matter about anyone. Bikers also do what they want. I pulled up to a stop sign yesterday along with a cyclist, he never slowed down or stopped just went on through like wasn't there. My rant is over and this is just IMO.

[Topgun 1776]

Cyclists have and will always have a legal right to any road. Why? Because it's the law. Any interference, intimidation, or reckless driving by motorists is a violation of the law. Considering motorists don't give that right of way, leading to a cyclist being hit or losing control leading to death or injury...these motorists can be prosecuted for vehicular murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault.

Embrace cyclists being on the road as part of your daily driving experience just like stop signs, traffic lights, and traffic. We live in The Villages, why is anyone in such a hurry not to respect the life and legal right of others to use our roadways if they wish? RELAX!

[Billy1]

Bikers that want to ride on the road ways should be required to have a license plate (so they can be identified) and insurance to cover their massive injuries and damage to the other vehicle. The bike groups ride aggressively and blame the larger vehicles. Backing up traffic due to slow speed is dangerous.

[DianneLoneWolf]

Just curious but I’ve noticed there are always bikers riding on the main road. IE Morse, or Buena Vista, when the Multi paths are literally running parallel. Why do they do this? :MOJE_whot:

Most likely because the bikers trust the cars more than they trust the cart drivers. From experience I will note also that a bike in Florida cannot go on the grass to get around a dicey situation, the grass here stops a bike and you immediately fall off.
Many bike riders also go faster than the carts

[Topgun 1776]

just to be a pain in the ass. They whined until they got the path then they complain about the path so they ride on the road just to hold up traffic mainly because they are ********

Because it's their legal right. It's the law. Motorists actions leading to cyclists injury or death are fully prosecutable as felonies, including vehicular homicide.

[golfing eagles]

Cyclists have and will always have a legal right to any road. Why? Because it's the law. Any interference, intimidation, or reckless driving by motorists is a violation of the law. Considering motorists don't give that right of way, leading to a cyclist being hit or losing control leading to death or injury...these motorists can be prosecuted for vehicular murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault.

Embrace cyclists being on the road as part of your daily driving experience just like stop signs, traffic lights, and traffic. We live in The Villages, why is anyone in such a hurry not to respect the life and legal right of others to use our roadways if they wish? RELAX!

Cyclists have to stop at stop signs and yield at yield signs. Why?. Because it's the law. Considering cyclists don't yield the right of way, leading to them getting hit by a car, who are they going to "prosecute" then. Besides, prosecuting drivers for an accident is a pipe dream unless they are impaired, speeding, or acted intentionally.

So how about cyclists embrace cars as part of their "daily driving experience", but don't ignore them like they ignore stop signs and yield signs, and not be in a "hurry" and respect the rights of other vehicles instead of maintaining their "pedal cadence".

[Joeint]

Just curious but I’ve noticed there are always bikers riding on the main road. IE Morse, or Buena Vista, when the Multi paths are literally running parallel. Why do they do this? :MOJE_whot:

Death wish!

[golfing eagles]

Because it's their legal right. It's the law. Motorists actions leading to cyclists injury or death are fully prosecutable as felonies, including vehicular homicide.

Dream on. You hit a cyclist that blew through a stop sign and you think the car driver will be charged with a felony? Well, Disney did open Fantasyland again.

[Girlcopper]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.
Perfect accurate answer

[Topgun 1776]

Cyclists have to stop at stop signs and yield at yield signs. Why?. Because it's the law. Considering cyclists don't yield the right of way, leading to them getting hit by a car, who are they going to "prosecute" then. Besides, prosecuting drivers for an accident is a pipe dream unless they are impaired, speeding, or acted intentionally.

So how about cyclists embrace cars as part of their "daily driving experience", but don't ignore them like they ignore stop signs and yield signs, and not be in a "hurry" and respect the rights of other vehicles instead of maintaining their "pedal cadence".

I know of 3 motorists prosecuted for major felonies including vehicular homicide when the motorist "close shaved" a group of cyclists leading to one's death. The motorist is still in prison. I've witnessed the arrest of a motorist who injured a cyclist during a ride.

Yes, cyclists should obey the laws like anyone else. That goes without question.

Respect others with right to the road. RELAX ..we live in The Villages!!!

[Girlcopper]

You answered nothing. Bicycles should only be allowed where golf carts are allowed
Thats your opinion. Not the law

[Topgun 1776]

It's really nice to cruise along in my car without having to stop/slow down/change lanes for cyclists. ONLY 15 mph slower than the speed limit?????? That's like a car doing 55 on the interstate. <sarcasm>

In reality, I have no problem with cyclists on the roads with one exception-----they ARE REQUIRED to follow vehicular traffic laws, but frequently do not. The best example is blowing through the yield signs at a RB in a pack of 20. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO YIELD. PERIOD. I don't care if it disturbs your "pedal cadence". Too bad. When I have to yield in a car or cart, it disturbs my rhythm as well. What disturbs me more is coming around a RB and having to brake as 20 cyclists continue to blow through a yield sign. And I mean come to a complete stop for these clowns. You are NOT a funeral procession. You have no special privileges. If you want to exercise your "right" to be on a main road, then you should obey the rules that accompany that right. And then God forbid you lean on your horn----note the one finger salutes en masse.

If the cyclists are in the roundabout first, they have the right away as any car does. That is the law. Motorists actions (no matter how frustrated they are the cyclists are using the road) leading to a cyclist injury or death can be prosecuted as a major felony.

[Topgun 1776]

Dream on. You hit a cyclist that blew through a stop sign and you think the car driver will be charged with a felony? Well, Disney did open Fantasyland again.

If a motorist had the opportunity to stop to prevent hitting the cyclist...regardless of fault...yes, they can be prosecuted. It happens every day.

I live in a happy world of fact. I don't let emotion rule my interpretation of right vs wrong. Enjoy your day!

[frank1975]

What you're seeing is mainly road bikers. There the bikes with skinny tires that are designed to go fast. These bikers don't want to be on trails where you have walkers, runners, golf carts and slower bikers. Please keep in mind they have a right to be on the road.

[JanetMM]

You answered nothing. Bicycles should only be allowed where golf carts are allowed

Third hole? (That’s a joke, son. I say, that’s a joke)

[frank1975]

First of all you calling these bikers CLOWNS tells me you don't like them and don't want them there PERIOD. Which makes you the problem. When a group of bikers goes through a ROUND
-ABOUT the WHOLE group has the right away until the WHOLE group goes through. That's the law!!!! Get a grip BOZO!!!!

[golfing eagles]

If the cyclists are in the roundabout first, they have the right away as any car does. That is the law. Motorists actions (no matter how frustrated they are the cyclists are using the road) leading to a cyclist injury or death can be prosecuted as a major felony.

No kidding. I'm referring to cyclists in packs blowing through the yield sign to ENTER the RB. I hope you are stating that any individual cyclist already in the RB has the right of way, NOT that the first cyclist in a RB gives the right of way to the other 30 cyclists behind him.

[b0bd0herty]

Just curious but I’ve noticed there are always bikers riding on the main road. IE Morse, or Buena Vista, when the Multi paths are literally running parallel. Why do they do this? :MOJE_whot:

I've spoken to several serious bikers (not the road racer ones) and the main reason seem to be that it is safer for them on the main road. Was told that the multimodal path was much more dangerous. They'd all been almost hit & some run off the path by carts while those driving autos (for the most part) were more considerate.

[golfing eagles]

If a motorist had the opportunity to stop to prevent hitting the cyclist...regardless of fault...yes, they can be prosecuted. It happens every day.

I live in a happy world of fact. I don't let emotion rule my interpretation of right vs wrong. Enjoy your day!

Agree. In any accident, at least in civil law, it generally considered the fault of the last person with a reasonable opportunity to avoid it.

[Walker1990]

You are correct. I ride a bike on some paths but not on others. When on the paths there are many walkers wearing earbuds and don’t here you when indicate your going to pass. Maybe one ear bud only might help

[golfing eagles]

First of all you calling these bikers CLOWNS tells me you don't like them and don't want them there PERIOD. Which makes you the problem. When a group of bikers goes through a ROUND
-ABOUT the WHOLE group has the right away until the WHOLE group goes through. That's the law!!!! Get a grip BOZO!!!!

First of all, some people need to learn how to read. I referred ONLY to cyclists who blow through a yield sign as clowns. I also stated I have no problem with cyclists on the roads. So YOU get a grip.

Now, IF, and it's a big IF the law recognizes a pack of cyclists as a single entity and gives them the right to go through a RB, or intersection or whatever as a whole, thank you for correcting me. I will check it out, since I have my doubts that the law would consider a pack of cyclists a protected class that doesn't have to obey the same traffic laws as all other vehicles.

[Bill14564]

First of all you calling these bikers CLOWNS tells me you don't like them and don't want them there PERIOD. Which makes you the problem. When a group of bikers goes through a ROUND
-ABOUT the WHOLE group has the right away until the WHOLE group goes through. That's the law!!!! Get a grip BOZO!!!!

That doesn't appear to be the law in Florida:
316.2065 Bicycle regulations. (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/0316.2065)

As you seem so sure of your assertion, can you point to the Florida Statute that supports it?

[JMintzer]

You do realize that they are the same drivers?

https://c.tenor.com/0GfM33yDAuAAAAAC/nathan-fillion-uhm.gif

[JMintzer]

I know of 3 motorists prosecuted for major felonies including vehicular homicide when the motorist "close shaved" a group of cyclists leading to one's death. The motorist is still in prison. I've witnessed the arrest of a motorist who injured a cyclist during a ride.

Yes, cyclists should obey the laws like anyone else. That goes without question.

Respect others with right to the road. RELAX ..we live in The Villages!!!

That is because THAT driver broke the law. Not a difficult concept to differentiate between drivers who do/don't obey the traffic laws...

[richb9v]

Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Really, biker’S are little angels.

That is so wrong.

[JMintzer]

That is so wrong.

I think your sarcasm meter need adjustment... :icon_wink::icon_wink::icon_wink:

[toeser]

Wow, I'll address just a couple of the misconceptions conveyed here. I am a long-time bike rider in TV. I ride almost daily and I use the multimodal paths (MMPs) exclusively.

On my average 10-15 mile ride, I encounter a few stop signs. Other than that, it very rare I have to stop. My ride is almost non-stop riding the whole way.

Even more important, the MMPs are NOT dangerous for bikers. In my opinion, the streets are far more dangerous. When I ride on an MMP, I am totally in control of my own safety. On the street, a biker's life is in the hands of every driver of a car or truck going 40+ mph as they drive by. I will not yield my control of my own safety. I have a couple basic rules I abide by on the MMPs to maintain that control...

I ride a hybrid bike, so if I see a cart or pedestrian that I think might be a conflict somehow, I exit onto the adjacent grass as needed. A piece of cake. Almost all areas have those grass exit areas. If I approach an area without an exit area, I search for approaching carts and adjust my speed as needed if necessary to avoid any conflict. Again, no problem at all.

I have ridden my bike on streets in my previous lives. Now riding my bike on the MPs in TV is one of my favorite parts of living here. Safety is a big reason for that. All the beauty and nature in the environment I ride in is just icing on the cake.


I am largely in agreement with your post except "the MMPs are NOT dangerous for bikers." MMP's are less dangerous than the roads, but they are not without risk. There are a minority of cart drivers that simply will not stay on their side of the road (or pass you 1-2 feet to your left), and that is particularly dangerous around blind corners. There have been at least one-half dozen times when I have come around a corner only to be head to head with a golf cart coming right at me. One day, I even saw a golf cart slam into a pedestrian and knock her flat on the pavement. Fortunately, the driver was going slow and I think the pedestrian ended up being only stunned.

Please, golf cart drivers, imagine a center line and stay on your side of it.

[GypsyRoseGracie]

Long time pedal pusher here…just my opinion but no way do I ride my bike in the streets of FL….Exception being my immediate neighborhood. FL has the highest bicyclist fatalities per capital. As we age so do our reactions behind the wheel.

[ChicagoNative]

Common sense and common courtesy, neither of which are common anymore, would go a long way when it comes to sharing the golf cart paths and roads.

I’ve heard tale of cart drivers buzzing pedestrians and cyclists, but have never personally seen such an incident. The overwhelming majority of passive-aggressive rudeness I’ve witnessed has come from cyclists and walkers who absolutely refuse to move out of the way for faster moving traffic.

When I see cyclists or walkers on the paths, I get the same feeling that most car drivers get when they see a golf cart or cyclists on BV or Morse.

As an aside, I’m thrilled to start seeing more Atomic Carts on the paths. Last week a lady actually stopped and gave me a look that was a cross between rage and constipation. I just smiled and waved as I made my turn.

[Number 10 GI]

Not to mention that everywhere in the U.S. bikes are street legal and golf carts usually aren't. Bikers have a legal right to use the streets if they please.

Just because it is legal for you to cycle on the roads doesn't make it any safer for you. In an area where there is a large concentration of older diminished capability drivers, this should the last place a bicycle rider would want to ride their bicycle. I give bicyclists room and consideration when driving but I cringe when thinking about riding my bike on the main roads.
One day I watched a pickup truck intentionally come as close to a cyclist as he could, I was expecting the truck to hit the cyclist. I wish I could have gotten the license plate of the truck but he was traveling too fast for me to safely try and catch up to get it. Being legal doesn't make you any less dead.

[dewilson58]

Just because it is legal for you to cycle on the roads doesn't make it any safer for you. In an area where there is a large concentration of older diminished capability drivers, this should the last place a bicycle rider would want to ride their bicycle. I give bicyclists room and consideration when driving but I cringe when thinking about riding my bike on the main roads.

Being legal doesn't make you any less dead.

:bigbow:

[golfing eagles]

First of all you calling these bikers CLOWNS tells me you don't like them and don't want them there PERIOD. Which makes you the problem. When a group of bikers goes through a ROUND
-ABOUT the WHOLE group has the right away until the WHOLE group goes through. That's the law!!!! Get a grip BOZO!!!!

First of all, some people need to learn how to read. I referred ONLY to cyclists who blow through a yield sign as clowns. I also stated I have no problem with cyclists on the roads. So YOU get a grip.

Now, IF, and it's a big IF the law recognizes a pack of cyclists as a single entity and gives them the right to go through a RB, or intersection or whatever as a whole, thank you for correcting me. I will check it out, since I have my doubts that the law would consider a pack of cyclists a protected class that doesn't have to obey the same traffic laws as all other vehicles.

Looks like we are BOTH right and BOTH wrong:

2021 Florida Statutes

316.2065 Bicycle regulations.—

(b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

So 10 or fewer---you are correct
More than 10, I am correct

Call it a draw.

[JMintzer]

Looks like we are BOTH right and BOTH wrong:

2021 Florida Statutes

316.2065 Bicycle regulations.—

(b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

So 10 or fewer---you are correct
More than 10, I am correct

Call it a draw.

https://c.tenor.com/yF364NL0HfoAAAAC/montypython-draw.gif

[Alicia]

They have a death wish.

[Topgun 1776]

First of all, some people need to learn how to read. I referred ONLY to cyclists who blow through a yield sign as clowns. I also stated I have no problem with cyclists on the roads. So YOU get a grip.

Now, IF, and it's a big IF the law recognizes a pack of cyclists as a single entity and gives them the right to go through a RB, or intersection or whatever as a whole, thank you for correcting me. I will check it out, since I have my doubts that the law would consider a pack of cyclists a protected class that doesn't have to obey the same traffic laws as all other vehicles.

I get it ..you don't want them on the road ... especially a group. Here's the reality....they are safer in a group and it's not against the law for them to do so. Cyclists riding as a group is actually safer and more convenient for motorists than riding single file.

You don't want to wait on a cycling group as a whole in a RB? Seriously???!! So, you want each individual cyclist to go independently between separate cars???!!! How completely unsafe and obtrusive is that for everyone? How long do you want everyone to wait for 30 cyclists to enter a busy RB just because you don't want to wait 10 seconds?
Calm down... relax...take a deep breath. What are you in such a hurry to do in The Villages that you can't be delayed a few seconds?

SMH 😁

SMH

[pacjag]

Looks like we are BOTH right and BOTH wrong:

2021 Florida Statutes

316.2065 Bicycle regulations.—

(b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

So 10 or fewer---you are correct
More than 10, I am correct

Call it a draw.

In reality, and according to that statute, treating a group of 10 or less as a single entity only applies to stop signs. The prior reference was to groups ignoring yield signs at roundabouts. This statute does not apply and, therefore, the individuals must yield to any vehicle already in the roundabout.

[Skeety]

Because they can

[gettingby]

Not to mention that everywhere in the U.S. bikes are street legal and golf carts usually aren't. Bikers have a legal right to use the streets if they please.

True but it’s not always the smartest thing to do. 3,000 lb car driven by a senior will walk away without a scratch however the slow hard to see bike won’t.

[golfing eagles]

I am largely in agreement with your post except "the MMPs are NOT dangerous for bikers." MMP's are less dangerous than the roads, but they are not without risk. There are a minority of cart drivers that simply will not stay on their side of the road (or pass you 1-2 feet to your left), and that is particularly dangerous around blind corners. There have been at least one-half dozen times when I have come around a corner only to be head to head with a golf cart coming right at me. One day, I even saw a golf cart slam into a pedestrian and knock her flat on the pavement. Fortunately, the driver was going slow and I think the pedestrian ended up being only stunned.

Please, golf cart drivers, imagine a center line and stay on your side of it.

The most interesting aspect of this thread is how posters split into "tribes". I would think most cyclists also drive a car, a golf cart, and at some point are pedestrians as well. Human nature is such that a cyclist is annoyed when coming up on a slow pedestrian on a MMP. When driving his cart, the same cyclist is annoyed at a slow cyclist. When driving his car on BV or Morse, he is annoyed at so called "street legal" carts. And on the interstate he is annoyed at a car driving 50 in the left lane. It all looks like a matter of perspective, but it is all the same people just driving different vehicles at different times.

As far a cyclists on the roads go, I'm fine with it as long as they follow the applicable laws. It just seems from these threads when they come up that at least some cyclists are very knowledgeable of what the law states about cars, but don't seem to want to know what the law says about the cyclists. Also, there are cyclists and there are cyclists. There are some who are very serious and have even passed me in my cart. Then there are quite elderly riders who are wobbling around at 4 mph---and it's very frightening to see one of them headed out onto BV, especially considering some pedestrians could pass them on the MMPs

However, on the MMPs, even though I don't ride I would vote that the cyclists are the best behaved group. Both pedestrians and cart drivers act like they own the path---I just love to be on the MMP and have 3 pedestrians across the whole path walking right at me, yacking away and not moving 1 inch. Likewise, I've seen carts go full speed around a blind curve in the oncoming lane. At least cyclists seem to have a head on their shoulders.

[golfing eagles]

In reality, and according to that statute, treating a group of 10 or less as a single entity only applies to stop signs. The prior reference was to groups ignoring yield signs at roundabouts. This statute does not apply and, therefore, the individuals must yield to any vehicle already in the roundabout.

I couldn't find anything that specifically related to yield signs. Do they have to stop individually like cars? Do they get to go in groups of 10 like a stop sign? I don't know, but it would seem odd that the law would allow groups of 10 through stop signs but hold them individually at a yield sign.

[golfing eagles]

I get it ..you don't want them on the road ... especially a group. Here's the reality....they are safer in a group and it's not against the law for them to do so. Cyclists riding as a group is actually safer and more convenient for motorists than riding single file.

You don't want to wait on a cycling group as a whole in a RB? Seriously???!! So, you want each individual cyclist to go independently between separate cars???!!! How completely unsafe and obtrusive is that for everyone? How long do you want everyone to wait for 30 cyclists to enter a busy RB just because you don't want to wait 10 seconds?
Calm down... relax...take a deep breath. What are you in such a hurry to do in The Villages that you can't be delayed a few seconds?

SMH 😁

SMH

No, you STILL don't get it. I don't care if they are on the road, I only want them to obey the law. I cited the law that allows groups of 10 through stop signs. Surely you're not suggesting they should go 30 and disobey the law?

But to answer your question, NO, I don't want to wait "10 seconds" at a dead stop in a RB when I have the right of way----some "bozo" may plow right into my rear. How about those cyclists wait 5 seconds to enter the RB, in accordance with the law? I don't think I'm the one who needs to calm down and relax.

[brick010207]

As these regular posters are want to do they've taken a legitimate comment/question and turned it into a slam against one group or another: Bikers vs carters, vs walkers, vs runners.

In my opinion there are two issues as it relates to bikers: Single riders and group riders. Don't know if I've seen group riders on the MMPs but if there are, they ought not be there eventhough it's legal to do so. Legal or not, it is unsafe. Single riders on the other hand should ride where they are most comfortable.

I use MMP a lot and have yet to encounter an issue with a biker. Sure, I have to slow down until I can get safely around them but "them's the rules of the road" and wht common courtesy demands. Likewise with walkers/runners though for these folks it's much easier and safer for them to step off the road than for a biker to pull off and stop. Yet,I am always ready to stop if I can not safely swing wide to give them plenty of room whether in cart lane or on MMP.

The main problem with walkers/runners early AM and Late PM is being able to see them as many wear dark clothes and do not carry any kind of light or reflective vest. In the AM on my way to play golf I avoid the MMP where I can for this very reason and remain vigilant for walkers. I drive in the street as long as there are no cars behind me so I don't have to worry about a "pop-up" walker that I couldn't see. Though I know sense is not common, if we all practice it along with the golden rule these and many other issues would go away.

[Darcue]

I almost hit one driving down Buena Vista. I went to the sheriffs office on 466 to ask that very question. And the response from the sheriff said because They can. And it’s worldwide. I don’t understand why bikers are allowed to be put themselves in such a dangerous ride. The recreation trails would be perfect for them to use

[Villagesgal]

Wow, I'll address just a couple of the misconceptions conveyed here. I am a long-time bike rider in TV. I ride almost daily and I use the multimodal paths (MMPs) exclusively.

On my average 10-15 mile ride, I encounter a few stop signs. Other than that, it very rare I have to stop. My ride is almost non-stop riding the whole way.

Even more important, the MMPs are NOT dangerous for bikers. In my opinion, the streets are far more dangerous. When I ride on an MMP, I am totally in control of my own safety. On the street, a biker's life is in the hands of every driver of a car or truck going 40+ mph as they drive by. I will not yield my control of my own safety. I have a couple basic rules I abide by on the MMPs to maintain that control...

I ride a hybrid bike, so if I see a cart or pedestrian that I think might be a conflict somehow, I exit onto the adjacent grass as needed. A piece of cake. Almost all areas have those grass exit areas. If I approach an area without an exit area, I search for approaching carts and adjust my speed as needed if necessary to avoid any conflict. Again, no problem at all.

I have ridden my bike on streets in my previous lives. Now riding my bike on the MPs in TV is one of my favorite parts of living here. Safety is a big reason for that. All the beauty and nature in the environment I ride in is just icing on the cake.

You have been lucky. My husband was hit by golf carts from behind 4 times on the multi modal lane and hospitalized each time by careless cart drivers over a 11 year period and only once while driving on the roads, again from behind by a reckless driver. Be was a professional racer, so knows the rules and how to ride. The cart drivers all said that they didn't see him in his bright yellow or orange bike shirt. Be careful out there, there is no fully safe place for bike riders, and on a bike you are never fully in control of your own safety anywhere.

[Bpduffey]

I see nothing wrong with bicyclists in the road. It is when you have multiple bikes on the roan and take the entire lane. They need to stay to the side of the road.

[Number 10 GI]

You have been lucky. My husband was hit by golf carts from behind 4 times on the multi modal lane and hospitalized each time by careless cart drivers over a 11 year period and only once while driving on the roads, again from behind by a reckless driver. Be was a professional racer, so knows the rules and how to ride. The cart drivers all said that they didn't see him in his bright yellow or orange bike shirt. Be careful out there, there is no fully safe place for bike riders, and on a bike you are never fully in control of your own safety anywhere.

It is very possible that they didn't see him. I have seen so many drivers, cart and automobile, that absolutely shouldn't be operating anything more complicated than a tricycle.

[JMintzer]

I couldn't find anything that specifically related to yield signs. Do they have to stop individually like cars? Do they get to go in groups of 10 like a stop sign? I don't know, but it would seem odd that the law would allow groups of 10 through stop signs but hold them individually at a yield sign.

You only stop at yield signs if you have to yield to oncoming traffic...

So, the comparison isn't really there...

[JMintzer]

I see nothing wrong with bicyclists in the road. It is when you have multiple bikes on the roan and take the entire lane. They need to stay to the side of the road.

One bike, or multiple bikes, they still are entitled to their lane...

You may pass them, in your car when it's safe to go around them...

[golfing eagles]

You only stop at yield signs if you have to yield to oncoming traffic...

So, the comparison isn't really there...

Let's just assume I'm talking about yield signs when traffic IS approaching. If there is no traffic then does a tree falling in the forest make a sound??????

[JMintzer]

Let's just assume I'm talking about yield signs when traffic IS approaching. If there is no traffic then does a tree falling in the forest make a sound??????

I don't know... But the corollary to that is, "If a man speaks in the forest and his wife isn't there to hear him, is he still wrong?"

I think we ALL know the answer to that one! :icon_wink::icon_wink::icon_wink:

[Davonu]

You have been lucky. My husband was hit by golf carts from behind 4 times on the multi modal lane and hospitalized each time by careless cart drivers over a 11 year period and only once while driving on the roads, again from behind by a reckless driver. Be was a professional racer, so knows the rules and how to ride. The cart drivers all said that they didn't see him in his bright yellow or orange bike shirt. Be careful out there, there is no fully safe place for bike riders, and on a bike you are never fully in control of your own safety anywhere.
I’m sorry for your husband’s misfortune.

But I think I’ve been “lucky” at least partially due to the riding habits I detailed in my post. I am not on the pavement when a cart is anywhere near me. If that’s luck, I plan to maximize it every time I ride.

[Fredster]

Yes, cyclists should obey the laws like anyone else. That goes without question.


Yes they should obey laws and rules of the road, but unfortunately the majority don’t!

[Topgun 1776]

No, you STILL don't get it. I don't care if they are on the road, I only want them to obey the law. I cited the law that allows groups of 10 through stop signs. Surely you're not suggesting they should go 30 and disobey the law?

But to answer your question, NO, I don't want to wait "10 seconds" at a dead stop in a RB when I have the right of way----some "bozo" may plow right into my rear. How about those cyclists wait 5 seconds to enter the RB, in accordance with the law? I don't think I'm the one who needs to calm down and relax.

I'm totally calm...lol! Enjoying the absurdity of comments. Cyclists are here to stay...in fact, we're growing in numbers everyday.
The majority of owners are cyclists in the new areas south.
They are below 65 and cycle into all areas of TV. How do I know...because I'm one of them.
Whether you let 10 or 30 through at a RB doesn't matter. Just remember, you hit or cause a cyclist to be injured...there's going to be witnesses (a lot of us wear GoPros) and if you could have avoided them...you are going to be held responsible. That's not conjecture...it's fact...and the law.
Enjoy your day ..I'm going out to ride!!!

[Bill14564]

There seem to be several on here, both motorists and cyclists, who aren't aware of the bicycle laws - that's unfortunate.

What's worse are the few who imply/suggest/state/brag they will knowingly break the law because they can get away with it. It's no wonder groups get a bad reputation.

[JMintzer]

[QUOTE=Topgun 1776;2006057]I'm totally calm...lol! Enjoying the absurdity of comments. Cyclists are here to stay...in fact, we're growing in numbers everyday.
The majority of owners are cyclists in the new areas south. /QUOTE]

The majority? I highly doubt that...

A higher percentage than North of 44? Possibly, but the MAJORITY? Sure...

[DAVES]

Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Really, biker’S are little angels.

Why does this remind me of third grade. Caught, cheating. Defense but you didn't catch Johnny. I am not perfect. Sadly, people object to what others do. Our major control is what we do.

[HORNET]

Bicycles are street legal by State Laws. Although they have become rude to traffic, it’s a good thing that stay off of the golf cart paths!

[Rodneysblue]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.

We were stuck behind a group of about a dozen cyclist on a multimodal path other day and they wouldn’t let us pass. So much for better behavior from cyclists.

[golfing eagles]

We were stuck behind a group of about a dozen cyclist on a multimodal path other day and they wouldn’t let us pass. So much for better behavior from cyclists.

Seems to be a thing now on TOTV----taking one incident and extrapolating it to a whole group

"I knew a nurse who refused to get vaccinated, so the vaccine must not be good"
"I saw a guy driving down Morse at 60 mph, all Villagers must speed"
"I went to a show at Savannah and no one was wearing a mask"---oops, looks like the crowd got that one right:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Well, you get the idea

[Fastskiguy]

It's really nice to cruise along in my car without having to stop/slow down/change lanes for cyclists. ONLY 15 mph slower than the speed limit?????? That's like a car doing 55 on the interstate. <sarcasm>

In reality, I have no problem with cyclists on the roads with one exception-----they ARE REQUIRED to follow vehicular traffic laws, but frequently do not. The best example is blowing through the yield signs at a RB in a pack of 20. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO YIELD. PERIOD. I don't care if it disturbs your "pedal cadence". Too bad. When I have to yield in a car or cart, it disturbs my rhythm as well. What disturbs me more is coming around a RB and having to brake as 20 cyclists continue to blow through a yield sign. And I mean come to a complete stop for these clowns. You are NOT a funeral procession. You have no special privileges. If you want to exercise your "right" to be on a main road, then you should obey the rules that accompany that right. And then God forbid you lean on your horn----note the one finger salutes en masse.

Well I'm sure you aren't suggesting that cyclists (who are within the law on the road) get in the way of an auto driver trying to speed (which is not within the law). And I'm also sure you aren't saying speeding is fine but rolling a stop sign could be considered a vigilante enforced capital offense.

But hey, I can help you define the roundabout problem. I'm guessing you've experienced coming around a roundabout with a pack of riders incoming. The first few riders...they have plenty of room to go in front of you, no problem. Somewhere in the middle of the pack it's looking like it's going to get close. So you, as a normal and reasonable person, slow down. The riders in the middle of the pack see this and assume you are "letting them go" so they gun it and get into the circle in front of you, forcing you to wait.

When you are riding at the front of the group, you can't determine what the scenario is going to be like at the middle of the group. When you are in the middle of the group, if the car doesn't slow down then you yield, as you should. The problem is when the car slows down....then you often end up with the really awkward situation of everybody stopping. Yes the group should split but if the car stops too then everybody is stopped, the car often won't take the right of way and the cyclists can't really get moving very fast so everybody ends up sitting there frustrated.

I'm not entirely sure how to avoid this problem but I'm with you, both riders and cars should follow the rules, that's for sure.

Joe

[golfing eagles]

Well I'm sure you aren't suggesting that cyclists (who are within the law on the road) get in the way of an auto driver trying to speed (which is not within the law). And I'm also sure you aren't saying speeding is fine but rolling a stop sign could be considered a vigilante enforced capital offense.

But hey, I can help you define the roundabout problem. I'm guessing you've experienced coming around a roundabout with a pack of riders incoming. The first few riders...they have plenty of room to go in front of you, no problem. Somewhere in the middle of the pack it's looking like it's going to get close. So you, as a normal and reasonable person, slow down. The riders in the middle of the pack see this and assume you are "letting them go" so they gun it and get into the circle in front of you, forcing you to wait.

When you are riding at the front of the group, you can't determine what the scenario is going to be like at the middle of the group. When you are in the middle of the group, if the car doesn't slow down then you yield, as you should. The problem is when the car slows down....then you often end up with the really awkward situation of everybody stopping. Yes the group should split but if the car stops too then everybody is stopped, the car often won't take the right of way and the cyclists can't really get moving very fast so everybody ends up sitting there frustrated.

I'm not entirely sure how to avoid this problem but I'm with you, both riders and cars should follow the rules, that's for sure.

Joe

I don't know how "speeding" entered into this post, but I agree with you about the problems in a RB. Actually, I don't really have a problem with cyclists who have already started entering the RB, my problem is when I'm coming around and a pack of cyclists just blow through the yield sign right in front of me so that I have to brake hard---I always hope the car behind me is paying attention

[GrumpyOldMan]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.

This is about the most complete accurate response to this question, which comes up often in various forms, I have ever seen. It may be counterintuitive to non-bikers, but on the road traveling with traffic is the safest place a biker can ride.

Thank you for the clear, accurate informative post. I hope people read and think about it.

[JMintzer]

Bicycles are street legal by State Laws. Although they have become rude to traffic, it’s a good thing that stay off of the golf cart paths!

Well, since they're not playing golf, I do believe they have to...:icon_wink:

[Katieburr]

Good question

[tomwoodworker]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.

You're a thoughtful person, Toymeister, I couldn't have said it as well.

[Billy1]

Bicyclist endanger themselves, don't blame others. On the interstate I don't drive my car in packs of Semi trucks.

[frank1975]

You answered nothing. Bicycles should only be allowed where golf carts are allowed. You forgot to take your meds!!!!

[tvbound]

There seem to be several on here, both motorists and cyclists, who aren't aware of the bicycle laws - that's unfortunate.

What's worse are the few who imply/suggest/state/brag they will knowingly break the law because they can get away with it. It's no wonder groups get a bad reputation.

Cyclists who want motorists to strictly obey the law, but they themselves don't want to be bothered by stop signs, red lights or yield signs, is not just a TV problem, as it is an 'entitlement mentality' that happens everywhere. The big difference with TV versus most other places, is that cyclists have the option of being able to use miles and miles of MMP's around The Villages, thereby avoiding the more dangerous vehicular traffic on roads. I plan on using my bike a lot when we get there, but after seeing all of the issues in roundabouts with just automobiles, I think I'll take my chances on MMP's whenever possible.

[mydavid]

That does answer it, thanks. i don’t drive my golf cart anywhere, as I’m in a newer section and there’s no place to go yet. I do however ride my bike and agree about momentum and really agree about walkers never knowing I’m coming up behind them. But I only ride my bike so much here because they have so many bike baths. I love it. No golf carts allowed. Thanks again. To be a safe walker, walk facing on coming traffic, bikers should ride with the traffic, problem solved.:ho:

[superzcomputerz]

the multi-paths have walkers, gawkers, and carts all over them. Bikes have access to the roads too, please share the road!:
bigbow:

[Beyond The Wall]

It would be nice if they rode in tantrum ,not parallel across the road blocking cars. Very little conversation happening so why ride side by side.? Speaking of physics , when a 2 ton object strikes a 150 lb object, it always wins. Be careful out there. Winter is coming and it will get crowded!

[BEETHOVENMIKEY]

Like a couple others replied, there's bad walkers, car drivers, bikers, walkers...
However, being a polite and safety conscious car driver, I have found a good number of bikers, who seem to purposely driven to aggravate car traffic.
I agree that they have as much right to the road as everyone, but there is common courtesy, when car traffic is traveling 2 - 4 times faster and the bikers insist on blocking the road (not riding close to the curb) or hugging the lane divider on a 4 lane or poor signaling.
In TV... there is definitely bad everyone on the road...enough to go around, but the bad bikers create the most dangerous risk to themselves and vehicle traffic.

[superzcomputerz]

Bikes, just like cars are allowed on the road so, please share the road with your Village bikers!

[Topgun 1776]

If nothing else, all this conversation should have caused everyone - regardless of travel mode - to be more aware of cyclists. Cyclists should obey the law - as motorists and cart drivers should. Cyclists have a legal right to the road ..within the law...as much as anyone else.

I want to reiterate something because I've been a competitive race cyclist for many years. I follow the law. Whether or not I'm entitled to the whole lane or not, I choose to ride within 3ft of the road stripe/curb...I stop and yield when I'm supposed to....that being said, I've had beer cans/bottles thrown at me, motorists get so close they've bumped my leg as they drove by - even when they had no oncoming traffic and plenty of lane to maneuver around me.

I have turned motorists in and they have been ticketed and prosecuted. I will NOT hesitate to do that here. Remember, many of us cycle in groups...for safety and for WITNESSES! Many of us use GoPros. If you willfully endanger us when we are abiding by the law - just because you don't like us being there - you can and will be prosecuted.

I know this doesn't apply to the majority of folks who read this...thank God! But, there are some - and I have witnessed them purposely try to scare or endanger cyclists because they don't like us.

The above is for you.

[RealtorKaren]

Wow, I'll address just a couple of the misconceptions conveyed here. I am a long-time bike rider in TV. I ride almost daily and I use the multimodal paths (MMPs) exclusively.

On my average 10-15 mile ride, I encounter a few stop signs. Other than that, it very rare I have to stop. My ride is almost non-stop riding the whole way.

Even more important, the MMPs are NOT dangerous for bikers. In my opinion, the streets are far more dangerous. When I ride on an MMP, I am totally in control of my own safety. On the street, a biker's life is in the hands of every driver of a car or truck going 40+ mph as they drive by. I will not yield my control of my own safety. I have a couple basic rules I abide by on the MMPs to maintain that control...

I ride a hybrid bike, so if I see a cart or pedestrian that I think might be a conflict somehow, I exit onto the adjacent grass as needed. A piece of cake. Almost all areas have those grass exit areas. If I approach an area without an exit area, I search for approaching carts and adjust my speed as needed if necessary to avoid any conflict. Again, no problem at all.

I have ridden my bike on streets in my previous lives. Now riding my bike on the MPs in TV is one of my favorite parts of living here. Safety is a big reason for that. All the beauty and nature in the environment I ride in is just icing on the cake.
I live near Spanish Springs, and there is a male biker in my area that rides fast, and only in the street. He almost wiped me out while I was crossing the street from my house, with my dogs in a leash! You can’t hear or see bikers who ride fast, and there is no where to go once they are on your heels! I wish the fast bikers would bike in an unpopulated area. One of these days either he or I will get hurt.

[golfing eagles]

If nothing else, all this conversation should have caused everyone - regardless of travel mode - to be more aware of cyclists. Cyclists should obey the law - as motorists and cart drivers should. Cyclists have a legal right to the road ..within the law...as much as anyone else.

I want to reiterate something because I've been a competitive race cyclist for many years. I follow the law. Whether or not I'm entitled to the whole lane or not, I choose to ride within 3ft of the road stripe/curb...I stop and yield when I'm supposed to....that being said, I've had beer cans/bottles thrown at me, motorists get so close they've bumped my leg as they drove by - even when they had no oncoming traffic and plenty of lane to maneuver around me.

I have turned motorists in and they have been ticketed and prosecuted. I will NOT hesitate to do that here. Remember, many of us cycle in groups...for safety and for WITNESSES! Many of us use GoPros. If you willfully endanger us when we are abiding by the law - just because you don't like us being there - you can and will be prosecuted.

I know this doesn't apply to the majority of folks who read this...thank God! But, there are some - and I have witnessed them purposely try to scare or endanger cyclists because they don't like us.

The above is for you.

As you know I agree with a lot of what you say, and really only disagree on one thing. But I find it hard to believe that law enforcement would ticket someone much less prosecute them unless the LEO witnessed it. I don't think the word of someone "turning them in" or even a go pro video would do that. And if it did, even a mediocre lawyer would have that case dismissed in about 2 seconds, since you would have to prove intent.

However, it's ridiculous that someone would endanger a cyclist on purpose.

[rferg40]

Just curious but I’ve noticed there are always bikers riding on the main road. IE Morse, or Buena Vista, when the Multi paths are literally running parallel. Why do they do this? :MOJE_whot:

Bicycles have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities on the road as a motor vehicle. That said, some riders do not live up to them. I have ridden roads on over 35 tours in more than 30 states and have experienced good riders and good drivers as well as bad examples of both. Respect is a two way street - pun intended.

It is my understanding that if there are three or more riders in a group TV wants you riding on the streets. So when you see a group of 8 or 10 riders they are most likely in one of the bike clubs and will ride properly.

Some states allow a bicyclist to treat a stop sign as a yield sign, but all states require riders to stop at stop lights. Most police departments follow this as a matter of policy, but riders should visibly slow down and not just roll the stop sign. I have seen riders pulled over for rolling a stop sign when traffic conditions warranted it. Have also seen a rider pulled over for speeding. (Now there is a ticket to be proud of. Over 40 in a 30 on a nice downhill into town.)

[Topgun 1776]

As you know I agree with a lot of what you say, and really only disagree on one thing. But I find it hard to believe that law enforcement would ticket someone much less prosecute them unless the LEO witnessed it. I don't think the word of someone "turning them in" or even a go pro video would do that. And if it did, even a mediocre lawyer would have that case dismissed in about 2 seconds, since you would have to prove intent.

However, it's ridiculous that someone would endanger a cyclist on purpose.

Mr....I know of one person in prison today because of vehicular homicide involving a cyclist. I've helped others receive citations and I've personally seen another arrested by an officer at the scene after he almost ran over 3 of us.

Believe what you want ...or better yet...Google prosecutions involving endangering cyclists, etc.

You obviously haven't kept up with the legal rights of cyclists on the road mean just as much as someone in a vehicle.

By the way...these incidents happened in States not nearly as cyclist friendly as Florida.

[golfing eagles]

Mr....I know of one person in prison today because of vehicular homicide involving a cyclist. I've helped others receive citations and I've personally seen another arrested by an officer at the scene after he almost ran over 3 of us.

Believe what you want ...or better yet...Google prosecutions involving endangering cyclists, etc.

You obviously haven't kept up with the legal rights of cyclists on the road mean just as much as someone in a vehicle.

You may be right, I just don't know. All I know is that in general tickets are only issued when an infraction is witnessed by a LEO or captured on an official traffic cam. Any LEO's out there that could shed light on this?????? Are the situations you are referring to involving personal injury or just someone with their undies in a bunch over a near miss????

Here's a quote from "googling" it:

"A cyclist who regularly submits videos of close passes to police has described the force’s attitude towards such footage as “absolutely vile” after he was told in an email that it would only consider referring drivers filmed endangering cyclists for prosecution when injury or damage had happened – and then, only where there is “concrete evidence and that the matter is in the public interest.” The police force has since said that “often education is the most suitable option.”

[justjim]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.

Excellent post and spot on. Riding a bike on any of the main roads in TV is not for the “faint of heart”.

[Topgun 1776]

You may be right, I just don't know. All I know is that in general tickets are only issued when an infraction is witnessed by a LEO or captured on an official traffic cam. Any LEO's out there that could shed light on this?????? Are the situations you are referring to involving personal injury or just someone with their undies in a bunch over a near miss????

Here's a quote from "googling" it:

"A cyclist who regularly submits videos of close passes to police has described the force’s attitude towards such footage as “absolutely vile” after he was told in an email that it would only consider referring drivers filmed endangering cyclists for prosecution when injury or damage had happened – and then, only where there is “concrete evidence and that the matter is in the public interest.” The police force has since said that “often education is the most suitable option.”

What decade are you living in? What obscure link did you get that from...or did you invent it? I googled "Motorist charged with endangering cyclists" and got 100s of hits...like this one...of criminally negligent homicide...

"The teenage driver who ran a red light in Brooklyn earlier this month and smashed into another car, which then struck and killed 52-year-old cyclist Jose Alzorriz, has been charged with eleven crimes, including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Both of those charges are felonies.".

Running the red light didn't cause the CNH charge, killing the cyclist did.

While a criminal court may be limited to a fine or jail time...a civil court case will bankrupt you. If me or my fellow cyclists are obeying the law...and someone threatens us in with/in a motor vehicle, I will use both remedies to the utmost of my ability.

My advice is simply learn to live with us on the road...and don't take your preferences and anger out on us...because we're here to stay.

[HORNET]

Bikes have as much right to be on the road as you automobile, paths are for walkers and carts!

[JMintzer]

What decade are you living in? What obscure link did you get that from...or did you invent it? I googled "Motorist charged with endangering cyclists" and got 100s of hits...like this one...of criminally negligent homicide...

"The teenage driver who ran a red light in Brooklyn earlier this month and smashed into another car, which then struck and killed 52-year-old cyclist Jose Alzorriz, has been charged with eleven crimes, including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Both of those charges are felonies.".

Running the red light didn't cause the CNH charge, killing the cyclist did.

While a criminal court may be limited to a fine or jail time...a civil court case will bankrupt you. If me or my fellow cyclists are obeying the law...and someone threatens us in with/in a motor vehicle, I will use both remedies to the utmost of my ability.

My advice is simply learn to live with us on the road...and don't take your preferences and anger out on us...because we're here to stay.

No, the running a red light most certainly led to the CNH charges...

If the cyclist had run the light and had been hit, there would have been no charges filed...

[JMintzer]

Bikes have as much right to be on the road as you automobile, paths are for walkers and carts!

And bicycles... Hence the term "Multi-Modal"

[xcaligirl]

When bikes stop they lose momentum. On multimodal paths you stop, a lot.

On multimodal paths there are many types of vehicles and walkers which travel at different speeds creating obstacles. Walkers are generally unaware that bikes are behind them no matter how much you signal, speak, or yell. They fail to yeild

Golf carts are unaware of physics, that on four wheels you take corners very slowly and bikes do not. Many golf cart operators are rude and operate their carts in dangerous ways.

Roads do not have tunnels. No tunnels mean you can maintain cadence. Pedal cadence is important to cyclists.

Finally, and some what obvious by now: multimodal paths are dangerous for cyclists. It is legal for cyclists to operate on the road, not so for most golf carts, and not so for walkers when a sidewalk is available.

I hope this answers the question.
I agree except the walkers and runners should be in the opposite lane of the cyclists and golf carts. Many walkers and runners do NOT know the rules and they're going to get hit!

[golfing eagles]

What decade are you living in? What obscure link did you get that from...or did you invent it? I googled "Motorist charged with endangering cyclists" and got 100s of hits...like this one...of criminally negligent homicide...

"The teenage driver who ran a red light in Brooklyn earlier this month and smashed into another car, which then struck and killed 52-year-old cyclist Jose Alzorriz, has been charged with eleven crimes, including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Both of those charges are felonies.".

Running the red light didn't cause the CNH charge, killing the cyclist did.

While a criminal court may be limited to a fine or jail time...a civil court case will bankrupt you. If me or my fellow cyclists are obeying the law...and someone threatens us in with/in a motor vehicle, I will use both remedies to the utmost of my ability.

My advice is simply learn to live with us on the road...and don't take your preferences and anger out on us...because we're here to stay.

Again, you cite cases of personal injury and death. I am referring to the claim that LEO's would issue "tickets" for "near misses" because the cyclist claimed it was true or had a personal video recording. IT IS NOT THE SAME THING.

[Bosoxfan]

I was knocked off my bike 6 months back exiting the roundabout near the McClure gate at Fenney Way. The driver of the car who entered the roundabout from warm springs never stopped after clipping my rear tire. I was lucky enough to land in the grass. Even though it's my right to be on the road I avoid them and stay on the mmp's

[VApeople]

Even though it's my right to be on the road I avoid them and stay on the mmp's

Even though it's my right as a cyclist to be on the MMP, I avoid them and stay on the walking/biking paths.

[Kelevision]

Even though it's my right as a cyclist to be on the MMP, I avoid them and stay on the walking/biking paths.

Some of us have to use them to get to the walking/bike trails though.

[Fastskiguy]

It's really nice to cruise along in my car without having to stop/slow down/change lanes for cyclists. ONLY 15 mph slower than the speed limit?????? That's like a car doing 55 on the interstate. <sarcasm>

In reality, I have no problem with cyclists on the roads with one exception-----they ARE REQUIRED to follow vehicular traffic laws, but frequently do not. The best example is blowing through the yield signs at a RB in a pack of 20. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO YIELD. PERIOD. I don't care if it disturbs your "pedal cadence". Too bad. When I have to yield in a car or cart, it disturbs my rhythm as well. What disturbs me more is coming around a RB and having to brake as 20 cyclists continue to blow through a yield sign. And I mean come to a complete stop for these clowns. You are NOT a funeral procession. You have no special privileges. If you want to exercise your "right" to be on a main road, then you should obey the rules that accompany that right. And then God forbid you lean on your horn----note the one finger salutes en masse.

I don't know how "speeding" entered into this post, but I agree with you about the problems in a RB. Actually, I don't really have a problem with cyclists who have already started entering the RB, my problem is when I'm coming around and a pack of cyclists just blow through the yield sign right in front of me so that I have to brake hard---I always hope the car behind me is paying attention

When that happens the group of cyclists are 100% not following the rules and in the wrong, I hope it's not a common occurrence. It would irritated me too...and I'm a cyclist.

On a different subject, I've seen a few posts complaining of cyclists taking up the whole lane and need to comment. The size of the lanes in TV are such that if you are riding 2' left of the white line and a car needs at least 3' to safely pass. So the right side of your car needs to be at least 5 feet left of the white line and the lane simply isn't wide enough to fit your car around a single cyclist without moving into the L lane. Since you need to move into the L lane anyway, does it really matter if two cyclists are riding side by side?

Joe

[biker1]

You are correct and this is actually addressed in the statute. The statute makes reference to "sub-standard width roads". These are roads that are too narrow to allow for a car and a bike to be in the same lane adjacent to each other. The roads in The Villages are "sub-standard width roads". The net result is that cars need to pass cyclists in the oncoming lane on a two lane road (one lane in each direction), when it is safe to do so, and in the passing lane on a four lane road (two lanes in each direction). Cyclists should avoid occupying both lanes on a four lane road since they could be impeding traffic and in violation of the statute.

When that happens the group of cyclists are 100% not following the rules and in the wrong, I hope it's not a common occurrence. It would irritated me too...and I'm a cyclist.

On a different subject, I've seen a few posts complaining of cyclists taking up the whole lane and need to comment. The size of the lanes in TV are such that if you are riding 2' left of the white line and a car needs at least 3' to safely pass. So the right side of your car needs to be at least 5 feet left of the white line and the lane simply isn't wide enough to fit your car around a single cyclist without moving into the L lane. Since you need to move into the L lane anyway, does it really matter if two cyclists are riding side by side?

Joe

[vison34]

On Buena Vista and Morse there is not enough room on the right side of the road to safely ride on as there is a big curb. Whenever I ride my bicycle on them I reserve the whole lane as there is not three feet from that curb that a car and bicycle can safely go side by side. I have to compliment the drivers that have passed me on these roads for always respecting that, never honking or shouting. simply changing lanes without ever really having to slow down. I believe that for a motorist to know where I am and what my intentions are removes doubts as to what they think and therefore makes a decision easier for them. Again I want to say that I have found motorists exceptional here in the villages. I have found golf cart drivers much worse on the MMP, especially where there are islands and tunnels.