Gate Strikes

[Arctic Fox]

According to today's rag (page C4), there were 130 gate strikes in January.

Is this a prediction, or very late reporting?

[DonH57]

Probably a typo. Maybe they meant to say since January?

[tophcfa]

Perhaps someone needs to set up a database that tracks gate strikes on a monthly basis and set up an over/under line to give people another thing to gamble on? The caveat being that you automatically lose your wager if you strike a gate.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

according to today's rag (page c4), there were 130 gate strikes in january.

Is this a prediction, or very late reporting?and your point,with this thead

[Number 10 GI]

I still can't fathom why people hit the gate arms. If you have only lived in TV for a week you know there are gate arms at the entrances to the individual villages. Maybe these drivers need to be reported to the state motor vehicle department to be called in for testing of their vision, physical and mental ability to drive a car. Maybe the next time instead of a gate arm it might be a pedestrian.

[njbchbum]

I still can't fathom why people hit the gate arms. If you have only lived in TV for a week you know there are gate arms at the entrances to the individual villages. Maybe these drivers need to be reported to the state motor vehicle department to be called in for testing of their vision, physical and mental ability to drive a car. Maybe the next time instead of a gate arm it might be a pedestrian.

I'd bet a lot of those 'strikes' are a result of the next car in line who opts to try to get thru the gate on the tail of the car in front rather than wait for that gate to close and then open again for that next car! And other 'strikes' might be from worker vehicles with a trailer in tow where the gate goes down after the truck passes thru but then is struck by the trailer or something on it.

[DonH57]

Perhaps someone needs to set up a database that tracks gate strikes on a monthly basis and set up an over/under line to give people another thing to gamble on? The caveat being that you automatically lose your wager if you strike a gate.

LOL. I like that idea! :coolsmiley:

[MDLNB]

I can understand it IF a commercial vehicle with a trailer busts the gate. However, when the gate strikes the impatient folks that attempt to slip past along with someone that opened the gate and it hits the gate, then I sincerely hope that it causes enough damage to the vehicle to make them think twice about doing it again. Had a beat up old car sneak in behind me just this week. For crying out loud, push the da*n red button if you don't have a card. How hard is that?

[villagetinker]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

[Arctic Fox]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

Mrs Fox has great difficulty seeing the arms at dusk and a brighter color would certainly be of benefit to her.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

Village Community Development Districts (http://districtgov.org/)

[CWGUY]

I still can't fathom why people hit the gate arms. If you have only lived in TV for a week you know there are gate arms at the entrances to the individual villages. Maybe these drivers need to be reported to the state motor vehicle department to be called in for testing of their vision, physical and mental ability to drive a car. Maybe the next time instead of a gate arm it might be a pedestrian.

Mrs Fox has great difficulty seeing the arms at dusk and a brighter color would certainly be of benefit to her.

:ohdear: Does she have great difficulty seeing pedestrians at dusk as well? How about golf carts, bikes or visiting Grandchildren? :shrug:

[Arctic Fox]

:ohdear: Does she have great difficulty seeing pedestrians at dusk as well? How about golf carts, bikes or visiting Grandchildren? :shrug:

Maybe, if the carts didn't have their lights on and the cyclists and grandchildren weren't wearing something light and preferably reflective.

That is why we do those things, and that is why VillageTinker's suggestion to make the gate arms more visible is a good one.

[bob47]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

That's a good idea. The other problem is that the exit gates don't all open at the same time. A perfect example is the exit gate at Cazaras Avenue onto El Camino Real. This gate doesn't open until a car is practically on top of it. If folks are used to approaching a gate at 5 mph and having it open when they reach it, they are in for a surprise at some gates.

It really shouldn't be that difficult to set them up so that you have a similar experience at all gates. Why set traps for people?

[Two Bills]

.......and as a very 'helpful' poster pointed out on a previous thread about gates, the things often move to another location without warning :icon_wink:

[Number 10 GI]

When a car stops at the gate to wave their card the gate arm can't be more than 8 feet in front of the car's windshield. If a driver can't see a gate bar at 8 feet they have absolutely no business operating a motor vehcile.

I agree with a previous poster that contractor vehicles do hit the gates frequently. I have also been tailgated through the gate a couple times but now I creep through the gate so the car following can't make it through without being hit by the bar.

[Arctic Fox]

When a car stops at the gate to wave their card the gate arm can't be more than 8 feet in front of the car's windshield. If a driver can't see a gate bar at 8 feet they have absolutely no business operating a motor vehcile.

But if they haven't seen the arm, they wouldn't know the gate was there, so why would they be stopping?

Many gates are staggered, such that the entrance gate is not always alongside the exit gate.

[asianthree]

Bright sun can cause a gate strike, especially if it’s not your regular route. I Almost got a gate when we first moved here. The sun was so bright, I couldn’t see the gate. I stopped in time, but car after me ran into it

[Number 10 GI]

But if they haven't seen the arm, they wouldn't know the gate was there, so why would they be stopping?

Many gates are staggered, such that the entrance gate is not always alongside the exit gate.

There is a big, usually white metal box, on the left side of the entrance just before the gate arm where you have to wave your card or push the red button. Also, there are big signs at the entrance telling you the name of the village you are entering. How do you miss that? There is a gate at the entrances to the different villages so how do you forget that?

[Annie66]

We went to the golf cart safety course and we were told that on average there are 2500 gate strikes per year.

[mike234]

so when you accidentally crash through the gate what next? I know you are on video. do you stay there? call community watch? the person behind you is watching you also. or if you are drunk, head home and blame the wife? if you call community watch, they may rat you out for boozing. such a decision......

[George Page]

There is a big, usually white metal box, on the left side of the entrance just before the gate arm where you have to wave your card or push the red button. Also, there are big signs at the entrance telling you the name of the village you are entering. How do you miss that? There is a gate at the entrances to the different villages so how do you forget that?

Not true at egress gates which are hit more frequently.

[Zenmama18]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

I agree, the one by my house is hard to see early in the morning when the sun is directly in my eyes. Sometimes the gate arms are left up which makes an interesting guessing game-will it or won't it go down?

[thevillages2013]

Perhaps someone needs to set up a database that tracks gate strikes on a monthly basis and set up an over/under line to give people another thing to gamble on? The caveat being that you automatically lose your wager if you strike a gate.

Awesome! I love it! There are cameras there so we could also wager on the make of vehicle that had the most whacks

[Byte1]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

Head lights work real well for seeing at night. All the gates that I have passed through have reflective tape on them, which glows when hit by headlights.

[thevillages2013]

Mrs Fox has great difficulty seeing the arms at dusk and a brighter color would certainly be of benefit to her.

Flashing lights on the gate arms and a loud speaker on the post that says YOU MAY ENTER NOW:)

[bonrich]

How about try changing a few of the arms that seem to be destroyed more than most to a flat bar instead of the tube type used and change the colors and give it a test run.

[Arctic Fox]

There is a big, usually white metal box, on the left side of the entrance just before the gate arm where you have to wave your card or push the red button. Also, there are big signs at the entrance telling you the name of the village you are entering. How do you miss that? There is a gate at the entrances to the different villages so how do you forget that?

Just for the record, neither I nor Mrs Fox have ever hit a gate arm, so there's no need to get excited and rude, Number 10, just read my posts more carefully.

All I said was that Mrs Fox finds some gate arms hard to see at dusk.

As an earlier poster pointed out, it is the exit gates that are more often damaged as there is no other "hardware" there. No white box; no "Thank you for visiting the Village of Dreams" sign.

[Byte1]

Yes, it is VERY difficult to see the front gate announcing the village name, the white building in the middle of the entrance and the activator box in front of the long arm of the gate. The gate arm that has reflective tape on it that shines when hit with headlights.
If you hit the gate, you need to reevaluate whether you should be operating a dangerous motor vehicle. Do you also hit your garage door, or do you park on the street?

[em8tee]

According to today's rag (page C4), there were 130 gate strikes in January.

Is this a prediction, or very late reporting?

I think I read this very article in February 2021. Do you think the paper repeats articles to fill space?

[Hackercraft]

How about putting solar powered led’s on the arms so the aged population can see them better.

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

[flgolfer]

Subscribing the the "rag" is optional

[dewilson58]

How about putting solar powered led’s on the arms so the aged population can see them better.

It's not a question of "seeing the gate".

[EastCoastDawg]

Yes, it is VERY difficult to see the front gate announcing the village name, the white building in the middle of the entrance and the activator box in front of the long arm of the gate.

You may want to read previous posts to learn that most damage is done to the automatic arms on leaving a village; not the user-operated arms on entering a village.

Regardless, I think we may assume that much of the damage is caused by service providers who may not know The Villages that well and are rushing to their next job.

Anything that can make the arms more visible TO EVERYONE should be tried. We are the ones paying to repair the arms, so if we can reduce the number of collisions that money can be used for other purposes. With a reported 2,500 collisions per year, even a 10% reduction would save a lot of unnecessary expense.

[fcgiii]

and your point,with this thead

entrance gates or exit? Or indeterminat? The exit gates are difficult for me as a new resident to figure out. It seems that if you are close to the car in front of you that the gate will let you through too. But I have hit the brakes too many times when following a car and the gate started to come down. If you sit and wait for the gate to come down then inch forward to make it rise again you are holding up traffic.

Entrance gates are another issue. But they aren't all passages on video? So someone can find out the license plate of gate crasher. Perhaps send them a bill?

[Byte1]

You may want to read previous posts to learn that most damage is done to the automatic arms on leaving a village; not the user-operated arms on entering a village.

Regardless, I think we may assume that much of the damage is caused by service providers who may not know The Villages that well and are rushing to their next job.

Anything that can make the arms more visible TO EVERYONE should be tried. We are the ones paying to repair the arms, so if we can reduce the number of collisions that money can be used for other purposes. With a reported 2,500 collisions per year, even a 10% reduction would save a lot of unnecessary expense.

Like I said, it's real difficult to recognize the exit by the white building, and the arm of the gate that has reflective tape on it..............:icon_wink:
Maybe if ALL slowed down instead of trying to beat it returning to the down position?
Of course, it is not the erratic and careless drivers fault, right?

[maistocars]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.
Does anyone know what department fixes them as ours has been down for over 2 months?

[bagboy]

entrance gates or exit? Or indeterminat? The exit gates are difficult for me as a new resident to figure out. It seems that if you are close to the car in front of you that the gate will let you through too. But I have hit the brakes too many times when following a car and the gate started to come down. If you sit and wait for the gate to come down then inch forward to make it rise again you are holding up traffic.

Entrance gates are another issue. But they aren't all passages on video? So someone can find out the license plate of gate crasher. Perhaps send them a bill?

Many drivers who break gates are identified, and they are billed for the damage.

[dewilson58]

entrance gates or exit? Or indeterminat? The exit gates are difficult for me as a new resident to figure out. It seems that if you are close to the car in front of you that the gate will let you through too. But I have hit the brakes too many times when following a car and the gate started to come down.

Stop Tailgating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ohdear::ohdear:

If you leave space between u & the car in front of you.......the gate WILL DROP DOWN, then proceed to the gate's electric eye and the gate will magically lift up. No tailgating = no hitting brakes "too many times".

[billethkid]

entrance gates or exit? Or indeterminat? The exit gates are difficult for me as a new resident to figure out. It seems that if you are close to the car in front of you that the gate will let you through too. But I have hit the brakes too many times when following a car and the gate started to come down. If you sit and wait for the gate to come down then inch forward to make it rise again you are holding up traffic.

Entrance gates are another issue. But they aren't all passages on video? So someone can find out the license plate of gate crasher. Perhaps send them a bill?

Which is what one is supposed to do!!!!!!

[DAVES]

I can understand it IF a commercial vehicle with a trailer busts the gate. However, when the gate strikes the impatient folks that attempt to slip past along with someone that opened the gate and it hits the gate, then I sincerely hope that it causes enough damage to the vehicle to make them think twice about doing it again. Had a beat up old car sneak in behind me just this week. For crying out loud, push the da*n red button if you don't have a card. How hard is that?

Trying to project what others are thinking, if they are thinking is clearly a waste of time.
Solutions are far more productive. I seems to me that not all the gates work the same.

Clearly the gates in work differently that the gates on the way out.

Far a security, does anyone think someone with criminal intent could not get through the gates. If, no other way than to drive through the gates. If, the car is stolen they do not care about a few scratches.

One SOLUTION is to have an opener trigger installed in your car and golf cart. We don't have one but it is available. Aside, perhaps because of type of windows, our card does not work through the glass. I understand some do. That makes the gates more of a pain in the rain.

[DAVES]

I have noticed that depending on lighting conditions and the background that gate arms can be hard to see. I would like the villages to try an experiment, take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

Wow SOLUTIONS. I expect like most things someone or something makes money repairing the gates, Our gate, perhaps, a newer version, simply snaps back into the actuator. You can bet whoever gets PAID for this does not mention how simple it is.
They, it is fairly regulatory knocked down, have someone put up a stop sign then send out a truck to snap it back in.

In the end no matter what people will complain rather than having solutions to offer.

[Bogie Shooter]

Gate crasher videos…..
VCDD Risk Management (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Risk-Management/golf-cars-vs-gates.aspx)

[DAVES]

Does anyone know what department fixes them as ours has been down for over 2 months?

Easy enough to find out, call the Villages offices. "Ours has been down of over 2 months?"
I would expect there is a reason. Construction? Older system being updated? Perhaps, someone just lost track of it? Lost track of it? About 10-15 years ago they found a steam locomotive a an abandoned station under ground in Brooklyn, NY. In today's dollars it was work millions. Hey Louie what happened to engine 2172. I'll get back to you. Louie, retired and 2172 was forgotten.

[IADCathy]

According to today's rag (page C4), there were 130 gate strikes in January.

Is this a prediction, or very late reporting?

Stilting is that you call The Daily Sun, "RAG". Shame on you, Villager!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Mrs Fox has great difficulty seeing the arms at dusk and a brighter color would certainly be of benefit to her.

I would suggest that she not drive at dusk, if she is unable to see well enough to do so safely. There are stop signs at all the gates - surely she would notice those, and stop - and then have time to also notice that there's a gate directly in front of her? Especially considering that she should have her lights on at dusk. And glare-resistant sunglasses are a must around here, that might help immensely if "dusk" means "the sun is setting right in my field of vision." (Every freakin afternoon in the winter here!)

[toeser]

I don't know how many of the gate strikes happen at night but the reflectorized material that is used on some of the gate arms is borderline useless. I'm glad I know the arms are there or I might take out one myself.

[Bill14564]

Which is what one is supposed to do!!!!!!

(sit and wait for the gate to come down then inch forward to trigger it to raise again)

That would mean stopping about where the golf carts cross, prior to the electric eyes, while the car in front exits. Then waiting there for several seconds for the system to determine no other cars are present and lower the gate.

Many (most? all?) the exit gates I go through seem to be adjusted to keep the arm up for a steady stream of cars to pass; the gate only goes back down a few seconds after the final car has gone by. I assume this was done intentionally to facilitate exiting traffic flow.

However, when I venture to other areas I occasionally encounter a gate that doesn't wait and comes down immediately and between cars. This unexpected behavior has caused me to hit the brakes in a hurry. I can understand how this might result in some gate strikes. k

Just as all the reader plates should be at the same height and same distance from the vehicles, all the exit gates should operate the same so drivers know what to expect.

[Bill14564]

Gate crasher videos…..
VCDD Risk Management (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Risk-Management/golf-cars-vs-gates.aspx)

I couldn't see the gate being hit in the Belvedere video.

Interesting that all those videos are of golf carts crashing the gates, not cars. None of them seem to be accidents, they all seem to be drivers that chose to push through the gates rather than stop and use the card or red button. And in the Antrim video it appears the cart is entering via the exit lane!

We can discuss how to reduce accidents but none of that will prevent people from intentionally hitting the gates.

[spubear2]

I noticed one gate arm was very hard to see. They should make sure that all gate arms have reflectors on them.

[DAVES]

We went to the golf cart safety course and we were told that on average there are 2500 gate strikes per year.

It is usually safe drivers that attend a golf cart safety course. Read the posts. While all using pseudo names you can guess those that are a problem.

[DAVES]

Just for the record, neither I nor Mrs Fox have ever hit a gate arm, so there's no need to get excited and rude, Number 10, just read my posts more carefully.

All I said was that Mrs Fox finds some gate arms hard to see at dusk.

As an earlier poster pointed out, it is the exit gates that are more often damaged as there is no other "hardware" there. No white box; no "Thank you for visiting the Village of Dreams" sign.

I have a friend who moved to the villages before us. A sort of quote from him. In terms of rude. It is the same people. They don't get better they get worse as they age.

[Bogie Shooter]

I couldn't see the gate being hit in the Belvedere video.

Interesting that all those videos are of golf carts crashing the gates, not cars. None of them seem to be accidents, they all seem to be drivers that chose to push through the gates rather than stop and use the card or red button. And in the Antrim video it appears the cart is entering via the exit lane!

We can discuss how to reduce accidents but none of that will prevent people from intentionally hitting the gates.

Maybe because these are unsolved incidents....no license plate.
The ones involving licensed vehicles most likely get solved.

[DAVES]

How about putting solar powered led’s on the arms so the aged population can see them better.

This is not at all a new problem. Coast guard orange is the traditional color seen best in all lighting situations. It is available where it works as a reflector for use where headlights are involved. A simple SOLUTION to an obvious problem. Might even save some money.

There are many gated crossings where you are dealing with golf carts, walkers, and the gate.

[golfing eagles]

Awesome! I love it! There are cameras there so we could also wager on the make of vehicle that had the most whacks

Prius, of course:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[vb993]

So here we go again. What is the purpose of the gates. They don't prevent anyone from entering that knows the magic button. The guards just smile and wave everyone through. One argument is traffic control at the golf cart crossings. But what purpose do they serve at not golf car crossings. Besides, wouldn't a 4-way stop sign be just as effective. Some would argue that it is just a marketing ploy to imply that the Villages is a gated secure community as they ride potential gullible buyers around in the tour bus. The only benefit is that gates may act as a deterrent to stop those from entering that don't know the magic button option.

[golfing eagles]

So here we go again. What is the purpose of the gates. They don't prevent anyone from entering that knows the magic button. The guards just smile and wave everyone through. One argument is traffic control at the golf cart crossings. But what purpose do they serve at not golf car crossings. Besides, wouldn't a 4-way stop sign be just as effective. Some would argue that it is just a marketing ploy to imply that the Villages is a gated secure community as they ride potential gullible buyers around in the tour bus. The only benefit is that gates may act as a deterrent to stop those from entering that don't know the magic button option.

Another "this is not a true gated community" post. Yes, it is not truly gated, and no, the gates are NOT there to "dupe" gullible potential buyers. But there is 24/7 video surveillance and 3x/day community watch passes by each house. Gee, maybe there's a reason that 32162 and 3 are among the safest zip codes in the country, despite not being truly "gated"

[Bill14564]

So here we go again. What is the purpose of the gates. They don't prevent anyone from entering that knows the magic button. The guards just smile and wave everyone through. One argument is traffic control at the golf cart crossings. But what purpose do they serve at not golf car crossings. Besides, wouldn't a 4-way stop sign be just as effective. Some would argue that it is just a marketing ploy to imply that the Villages is a gated secure community as they ride potential gullible buyers around in the tour bus. The only benefit is that gates may act as a deterrent to stop those from entering that don't know the magic button option.

- Not everyone knows about the magic button
- Waving cars through, after answering questions, is what the attendant is there for
- At non-golf-cart crossings they still may take photos of the cars coming in
- While some don't stop at the gate (the subject of this thread) fewer would stop at a stop sign
- Some will find a conspiracy in everything - it makes for interesting reading the first dozen or so times

[Arctic Fox]

I would suggest that she not drive at dusk, if she is unable to see well enough to do so safely.

Never fear, OBB. Mrs Fox hasn't driven at dusk for some time, and I do so as little as possible.

We don't have a car so almost all of our golf-carting is on roads without gates anyway. We are fortunate to have kind neighbors who drive should we be heading out in the evening.

[CWGUY]

I noticed one gate arm was very hard to see. They should make sure that all gate arms have reflectors on them.

:shocked: In my 18th. year here. Full time. This place is not a golf vacation destination for me...... it's my home. In those 18 years I've NEVER seen a gate arm without reflectors. Could you please point out to me where you have? I won't post about it.....I'd call the appropriate people and have it replaced or repaired. :ho:

[bioman419]

Strikes most often happen in day light hours. Community Watch tracks strikes and if struck by automobiles / trucks, a photo is taken. Hopefully they're able to contact the "striker" and issue an invoice for trpair.

[DOGSAREKEEPERS]

(sit and wait for the gate to come down then inch forward to trigger it to raise again)

That would mean stopping about where the golf carts cross, prior to the electric eyes, while the car in front exits. Then waiting there for several seconds for the system to determine no other cars are present and lower the gate.

Many (most? all?) the exit gates I go through seem to be adjusted to keep the arm up for a steady stream of cars to pass; the gate only goes back down a few seconds after the final car has gone by. I assume this was done intentionally to facilitate exiting traffic flow.

However, when I venture to other areas I occasionally encounter a gate that doesn't wait and comes down immediately and between cars. This unexpected behavior has caused me to hit the brakes in a hurry. I can understand how this might result in some gate strikes. k

Just as all the reader plates should be at the same height and same distance from the vehicles, all the exit gates should operate the same so drivers know what to expect.

Exit gates have you pull up and when you trip the sensor the gate opens. If you pull up in a hurry that gate may not have time to lift before you hit it. Entrance gates are waiting for you to push the button or swipe your card. Once you do the gate lifts and as you pass the sensor it then comes back down. If you don't move forward and trip the sensor the gate will stay open until it times out. (which isn't very long unless you are in a hurry, then it seems forever) If you are behind a car that starts to go & you don't wait for the car to clear the sensor before you swipe your card, your card will not register. If you proceed, that gate will come down when it is timed out & you will be a piggy backer. Regarding the statement that all gate post card card readers should be at the same height...the posts were here before the business got started of wanting to install cards in the mirrors. Therefore, not all vehicle mirrors will be at the same height as the post sensors so not all may work the same.

[CWGUY]

Another "this is not a true gated community" post. Yes, it is not truly gated, and no, the gates are NOT there to "dupe" gullible potential buyers. But there is 24/7 video surveillance and 3x/day community watch passes by each house. Gee, maybe there's a reason that 32162 and 3 are among the safest zip codes in the country, despite not being truly "gated"

:icon_wink: No need....... uninformed/ignorant buyers "dupe" themselves. :duck:

[Garywt]

I read that there are about 2500 broken gates a year. What is that about once a year per gate, lol. Anyone know how many gates there are?

[LianneMigiano]

Probably a typo. Maybe they meant to say since January? I think that they meant NOVEMBER. Once recently they showed 120+ strikes in a single month!

[Crazyladycruz]

I’m sure many of the strikes are about timing also. There is a “loop” system in the ground. first opens it, middle keeps it open and the third closes it once past.

Trailers aren’t the problem.
I’ve been in the parking industry over 30 years dealing with “gates”.
Making the arms stand out would be the best idea! Reflective tape, a different color, or multiple colors would be an excellent idea. Peoples eye sight with some of the background can be a problem. 😊

[Papa_lecki]

I am pretty sure they use the colors required by the Department of Transportation. If they use a different color, and an accident happens, they couldn’t defend why they went with a different color, unless a lot of money is spent researching why one color is safer than the other. Now they defend the colors by saying its the DOT requirement.

[JMintzer]

How about putting solar powered led’s on the arms so the aged population can see them better.

We just got back from a wedding in Palm Beach Gardens at Mirasol (a golf club community). They have rectangular beam gates with lit up RED led lights that are IMPOSSIBLE to miss...

Don't know if they're solar powered, but they're on day and night...

[CWGUY]

We just got back from a wedding in Palm Beach Gardens at Mirasol (a golf club community). They have rectangular beam gates with lit up RED led lights that are IMPOSSIBLE to miss...

Don't know if they're solar powered, but they're on day and night...

:icon_wink: Any properties "For Sale"......asking for a friend. :)

[JMintzer]

(sit and wait for the gate to come down then inch forward to trigger it to raise again)

That would mean stopping about where the golf carts cross, prior to the electric eyes, while the car in front exits. Then waiting there for several seconds for the system to determine no other cars are present and lower the gate.

Many (most? all?) the exit gates I go through seem to be adjusted to keep the arm up for a steady stream of cars to pass; the gate only goes back down a few seconds after the final car has gone by. I assume this was done intentionally to facilitate exiting traffic flow.

However, when I venture to other areas I occasionally encounter a gate that doesn't wait and comes down immediately and between cars. This unexpected behavior has caused me to hit the brakes in a hurry. I can understand how this might result in some gate strikes. k

Just as all the reader plates should be at the same height and same distance from the vehicles, all the exit gates should operate the same so drivers know what to expect.

You assumed wrong...

[JMintzer]

:icon_wink: Any properties "For Sale"......asking for a friend. :)

Plenty. But if you're used to TV prices, you'll have a freakin' heart attack there!

[Papa_lecki]

Plenty. But if you're used to TV prices, you'll have a freakin' heart attack there!

There’s an article in Golf Digest this month about Jupiter Island. Since COVID, 30 homes in Palm Beach have sold for more than $30 million. That is driving development north.
If you sell your house in the Villages, you might be able to pay the entrance fees for most of the country clubs between Palm Beach and Boca.

[twoplanekid]

I am pretty sure they use the colors required by the Department of Transportation. If they use a different color, and an accident happens, they couldn’t defend why they went with a different color, unless a lot of money is spent researching why one color is safer than the other. Now they defend the colors by saying its the DOT requirement.

Yes!

[twoplanekid]

I read that there are about 2500 broken gates a year. What is that about once a year per gate, lol. Anyone know how many gates there are?

The District owns and maintains approximately 93 gate facilities, of which 23 are staffed with Gate Attendants.

Information from District website below ->
VCDD Risk Management (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Risk-Management/district-gate-information.aspx)

I believe most would have two gates in and one out with several one in and one out. A few have two in and two out. So, total gate count would be ?? I can ask.

[thevillages2013]

You may want to read previous posts to learn that most damage is done to the automatic arms on leaving a village; not the user-operated arms on entering a village.

Regardless, I think we may assume that much of the damage is caused by service providers who may not know The Villages that well and are rushing to their next job.

Anything that can make the arms more visible TO EVERYONE should be tried. We are the ones paying to repair the arms, so if we can reduce the number of collisions that money can be used for other purposes. With a reported 2,500 collisions per year, even a 10% reduction would save a lot of unnecessary expense.
The previous posts ARE WRONG. The exit gate arms are in the minority for being struck and knocked off by a long shot. Rarely have I ever seen an exit gate with the arm missing. Entry gates all the time

[dewilson58]

The previous posts ARE WRONG. The exit gate arms are in the minority for being struck and knocked off by a long shot. Rarely have I ever seen an exit gate with the arm missing. Entry gates all the time

:bigbow:

[DaleDivine]

The previous posts ARE WRONG. The exit gate arms are in the minority for being struck and knocked off by a long shot. Rarely have I ever seen an exit gate with the arm missing. Entry gates all the time

I agree, I've seen the exit gate at Pinellas Place to Morse knocked off a few times, but have seen the entrance gate broken several times.
:ohdear::boom:

[Laker14]

So here we go again. What is the purpose of the gates. They don't prevent anyone from entering that knows the magic button. The guards just smile and wave everyone through. One argument is traffic control at the golf cart crossings. But what purpose do they serve at not golf car crossings. Besides, wouldn't a 4-way stop sign be just as effective. Some would argue that it is just a marketing ploy to imply that the Villages is a gated secure community as they ride potential gullible buyers around in the tour bus. The only benefit is that gates may act as a deterrent to stop those from entering that don't know the magic button option.

One useful purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down. This is especially useful and obvious when one is in a golf cart trying to get across a busy street near a roundabout. Without the gate arm coming down and staying down for a beat or two, it would get really dangerous to try to get across two lanes of cars coming into a village.
I get annoyed when the inside gate is left in the "up" position, and I'm trying to cross in my cart. It's hard to see around the gate house and shrubbery, and you really have to creep slowly to be sure you are safe.

Can you imagine how fast cars would go without the need to stop and wait for a gate to open? Golf carts as a significant source of travel in TV would be dangerous to the point of being impractical. A consequence of that would be doubling (or more) the number of cars on the streets. That would be a total snarl.

So, the lesson here is that "The gate is your friend".

I agree that the arms can be hard to see at times, and a simple improvement would be to put optic green reflective tape rather than the red. Also, many people should just slow the F*&# down.

[Primera199]

I thought maybe painting some gates neon!!

[Byte1]

Very simple process: If you come upon a little white building with a lane or two on each side, SLOW down and prepare to stop. It does not matter if you can see the gate from a distance, just slow down and come to a stop. After stopping at the building and still can't see the gate, then proceed with caution to the nearest eye testing facility and get examined for new glasses. Been here for almost ten years and have never come close to crashing a gate. And I wear glasses. Saying "I didn't see the gate" is a lame excuse for being oblivious to your surroundings. The gates are NOT camouflaged. If you can't see the gate, then either quit driving or get yourself a seeing eye dog that will warn you when you near an entrance/exit. On second thought, don't put your dog in this dangerous situation. Just stay home or hire a taxi.

[JMintzer]

There’s an article in Golf Digest this month about Jupiter Island. Since COVID, 30 homes in Palm Beach have sold for more than $30 million. That is driving development north.
If you sell your house in the Villages, you might be able to pay the entrance fees for most of the country clubs between Palm Beach and Boca.

Funny, 2 years ago, you could buy 3-5K sq foot homes for well under $100/sq ft in those "Country Club Communities" in West Boca and West Palm...

The $70-$100K initiation fees, and the $50-$75K annual fees, and only 1-2 golf courses were enough for me to look elsewhere...

With all of the recent activity, I'd think they've rebounded, but I'm happy here...

[JMintzer]

There’s an article in Golf Digest this month about Jupiter Island. Since COVID, 30 homes in Palm Beach have sold for more than $30 million. That is driving development north.
If you sell your house in the Villages, you might be able to pay the entrance fees for most of the country clubs between Palm Beach and Boca.

Well, Jupiter Island is home to many of the PGA players, who are building HUGE mansions with serious water frontage...

[nn0wheremann]

That's a good idea. The other problem is that the exit gates don't all open at the same time. A perfect example is the exit gate at Cazaras Avenue onto El Camino Real. This gate doesn't open until a car is practically on top of it. If folks are used to approaching a gate at 5 mph and having it open when they reach it, they are in for a surprise at some gates.

It really shouldn't be that difficult to set them up so that you have a similar experience at all gates. Why set traps for people?
Also, the gates don’t close at the same rate. Some stand open, presumably to allow work trailers to pass under, encouraging motorists to go through without renewing the open-close cycle.

[swilkinson]

Attention Developer: Eliminate gate strikes this way:
Install a solar powered LED flashing light on every gate arm - problem solved.
Solution provided by Rapid Lean Coach your productivity and efficiency consultant.

[Bogie Shooter]

Also, the gates don’t close at the same rate. Some stand open, presumably to allow work trailers to pass under, encouraging motorists to go through without renewing the open-close cycle.

How does the gate know when a trailer is coming thru?

[DrHitch]

....take the top 5 or 6 locations for gate strikes, and paint these arms bright yellow or orange, and then see if the number of strikes drops.

I suppose it's against some "rule" to add reflective tape to the arm at your own village entrance...sounds like being the gate replacement technician is a secure career?

[KYtoTV2021]

Probably a typo. Maybe they meant to say since January?Ahhhh?? Does this really make sense to you?

[DonH57]

One useful purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down. This is especially useful and obvious when one is in a golf cart trying to get across a busy street near a roundabout. Without the gate arm coming down and staying down for a beat or two, it would get really dangerous to try to get across two lanes of cars coming into a village.
I get annoyed when the inside gate is left in the "up" position, and I'm trying to cross in my cart. It's hard to see around the gate house and shrubbery, and you really have to creep slowly to be sure you are safe.

Can you imagine how fast cars would go without the need to stop and wait for a gate to open? Golf carts as a significant source of travel in TV would be dangerous to the point of being impractical. A consequence of that would be doubling (or more) the number of cars on the streets. That would be a total snarl.

So, the lesson here is that "The gate is your friend".

I agree that the arms can be hard to see at times, and a simple improvement would be to put optic green reflective tape rather than the red. Also, many people should just slow the F*&# down.

The reason reason you state is correct, traffic control, required by the state of Florida. Some people think it's all about the Morse's.

[twoplanekid]

As we enter and leave gates at the same percentage (50%) of the time , I wonder why we don't need to use gate cards to leave?:icon_wink:

District staff says that "The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians."

OK, but why the need of a gate card when going in one direction and not the other?

I am just trying to understand the rationale for the use of gate cards when using public roads.

[golfing eagles]

As we enter and leave gates at the same percentage (50%) of the time , I wonder why we don't need to use gate cards to leave?:icon_wink:

District staff says that "The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians."

OK, but why the need of a gate card when going in one direction and not the other?

I am just trying to understand the rationale for the use of gate cards when using public roads.

Sure, that would also help control cart/bike traffic that is crossing, but you would have to move most exit gates to BEFORE the MMP crossing.

[DonH57]

Ahhhh?? Does this really make sense to you?

Since January 2021, not 2022. Only that many gate strikes so far indicates a very slow year of bone head moves!

[twoplanekid]

As we enter and leave gates at the same percentage (50%) of the time , I wonder why we don't need to use gate cards to leave?:icon_wink::icon_wink:
District staff says that "The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians."
OK, but why the need of a gate card when going in one direction and not the other?
I am just trying to understand the rationale for the use of gate cards when using public roads.


Sure, that would also help control cart/bike traffic that is crossing, but you would have to move most exit gates to BEFORE the MMP crossing.

I was making a comment in jest -. kind of. If not using a gate card assess system for exiting a gate facility (a Village of houses) is safe then why not have the same system for entering (a Village of houses)? Having gates to slow traffic for users of the MM paths is understandable.

We have auto opening gates for 50% of the time when driving thru gate facilities (exiting) so why not 100% of the time?

[CWGUY]

As we enter and leave gates at the same percentage (50%) of the time , I wonder why we don't need to use gate cards to leave?:icon_wink::icon_wink:
District staff says that "The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians."
OK, but why the need of a gate card when going in one direction and not the other?
I am just trying to understand the rationale for the use of gate cards when using public roads.




I was making a comment in jest -. kind of. If not using a gate card assess system for exiting a gate facility (a Village of houses) is safe then why not have the same system for entering (a Village of houses)? Having gates to slow traffic for users of the MM paths is understandable.

We have auto opening gates for 50% of the time when driving thru gate facilities (exiting) so why not 100% of the time?

:icon_wink: I have an idea on how to get rid of a few gates. Next time you take the plane up, bring a few hand grenades with you...... just be sure you don't take PennBF with you, if you know what I mean. :oops:

[Byte1]

As we enter and leave gates at the same percentage (50%) of the time , I wonder why we don't need to use gate cards to leave?:icon_wink:

District staff says that "The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians."

OK, but why the need of a gate card when going in one direction and not the other?

I am just trying to understand the rationale for the use of gate cards when using public roads.

Well, it would be a bit difficult or too late to help any golf carts, bike and pedestrians, since you would have already run them over by the time you got to the place to wave your key card to open the gate when you are using the exit.

[twoplanekid]

Well, it would be a bit difficult or too late to help any golf carts, bike and pedestrians, since you would have already run them over by the time you got to the place to wave your key card to open the gate when you are using the exit.

The only change from the current gate system would be to replace the card reader gates with similar auto open gates that are now used when you exit the gate system. If the current auto open gates on exit work safely now for golf carts, use the same system for entry thus doing away with cards. Just something to thing about.

[Byte1]

The only change from the current gate system would be to replace the card reader gates with similar auto open gates that are now used when you exit the gate system. If the current auto open gates on exit work safely now for golf carts, use the same system for entry thus doing away with cards. Just something to thing about.

I like having a card-gate system. Anyone that can't handle it, should be in assisted living where someone can keep them safe. :icon_wink:
At least the gate gives the "appearance" of security. Other communities require a lot more for entry, including checking in with the security shack before being allowed into the community. I think they should do away with the button for entry and use the button to call security to open the gate, so they can keep track of entry.

[twoplanekid]

I like having a card-gate system. Anyone that can't handle it, should be in assisted living where someone can keep them safe. :icon_wink:
At least the gate gives the "appearance" of security. Other communities require a lot more for entry, including checking in with the security shack before being allowed into the community. I think they should do away with the button for entry and use the button to call security to open the gate, so they can keep track of entry.

Remember we are talking about public roads that everyone can access. And, according to the District " In addition, the entry and exit lanes at our gate facilities have multiple cameras that are continuously gathering data. The Gate Operations Division of Community Watch remotely scans the video and immediately acts to begin restoration when a gate strike occurs. The video is also available to assist local law enforcement agencies."

[dewilson58]

I like having a card-gate system. Anyone that can't handle it, should be in assisted living where someone can keep them safe. :icon_wink:
At least the gate gives the "appearance" of security.

Agree.

Some just like to complain and feel entitled for an explanation.

Enjoy the Journey!!!

[John Quenell]

Gate strikes: A couple of years ago I struck a gate. The attendants were angry. I was sober and calm and admitted I made a mistake. I was not tying to cheat, I only misunderstood the flow of traffic through the gate. It was a $250 bill. I continue to wonder, why don't they use foldable gates? No damage -- they just fold and let you go through; and no damage to the vehicle. Does the Developer have some kind of kickback arrangement with a contractor who repairs these gates? Just wondering.

John Quenell (unafraid to use real name)

[CWGUY]

Gate strikes: A couple of years ago I struck a gate. The attendants were angry. I was sober and calm and admitted I made a mistake. I was not tying to cheat, I only misunderstood the flow of traffic through the gate. It was a $250 bill. I continue to wonder, why don't they use foldable gates? No damage -- they just fold and let you go through; and no damage to the vehicle. Does the Developer have some kind of kickback arrangement with a contractor who repairs these gates? Just wondering.

John Quenell (unafraid to use real name)

:icon_wink: Shirley, you jest? You do know that the gates are owned by the District Gov. NOT THE DEVELOPER. :popcorn:

[fdpaq0580]

Gate strikes: A couple of years ago I struck a gate. The attendants were angry. I was sober and calm and admitted I made a mistake. I was not tying to cheat, I only misunderstood the flow of traffic through the gate. It was a $250 bill. I continue to wonder, why don't they use foldable gates? No damage -- they just fold and let you go through; and no damage to the vehicle. Does the Developer have some kind of kickback arrangement with a contractor who repairs these gates? Just wondering.

John Quenell (unafraid to use real name)

Thinking if there was no consequences for ramming a gate, it might become standard practice for some to not bother even slowing down to smash their way through.

[twoplanekid]

I like having a card-gate system. Anyone that can't handle it, should be in assisted living where someone can keep them safe. :icon_wink:


Yes, I can understand that some will still use their security blanket (gate card) as they always have. :icon_wink::icon_wink:

After clearly learning the system in and out through emails to and from District staff who are very responsive and great to work with, I am using my own cloned chip installed in a side mirror in place of the old Village gate card. I have people standing in line on my street to have me clone their old gate card for free. The cost of the RFID device to clone the cards is around $17 and the chips (new card) is around $.75 . So, my cost to make for neighbors is around $1 per card. For those that what to do this but are willing to pay, there are people who will do everything plus install for between $30 ~ $40.

It's your choice to stay the same or try something different and maybe better.

[CWGUY]

Yes, I can understand that some will still use their security blanket (gate card) as they always have. :icon_wink::icon_wink:

After clearly learning the system in and out through emails to and from District staff who are very responsive and great to work with, I am using my own cloned chip installed in a side mirror in place of the old Village gate card. I have people standing in line on my street to have me clone their old gate card for free. The cost of the RFID device to clone the cards is around $17 and the chips (new card) is around $.75 . So, my cost to make for neighbors is around $1 per card. For those that what to do this but are willing to pay, there are people who will do everything plus install for between $30 ~ $40.

It's your choice to stay the same or try something different and maybe better.

:shrug: I get very confused at times..... this is one of them. Why is this NOT considered tampering with a traffic control device? Gates in the Villages are traffic control devices that are owned, installed and maintained by our Government. I hope GWN pipes in with his vast knowledge of how things work around here. :)

[buzzy]

Yes, I can understand that some will still use their security blanket (gate card) as they always have. :icon_wink::icon_wink:

After clearly learning the system in and out through emails to and from District staff who are very responsive and great to work with, I am using my own cloned chip installed in a side mirror in place of the old Village gate card. I have people standing in line on my street to have me clone their old gate card for free. The cost of the RFID device to clone the cards is around $17 and the chips (new card) is around $.75 . So, my cost to make for neighbors is around $1 per card. For those that what to do this but are willing to pay, there are people who will do everything plus install for between $30 ~ $40.

It's your choice to stay the same or try something different and maybe better.

How do you get the chip into the mirror housing? I checked the amount of adjustment, and I don't think the opening is big enough.

[twoplanekid]

:shrug: I get very confused at times..... this is one of them. Why is this NOT considered tampering with a traffic control device? Gates in the Villages are traffic control devices that are owned, installed and maintained by our Government. I hope GWN pipes in with his vast knowledge of how things work around here. :)

and "How do you get the chip into the mirror housing? I checked the amount of adjustment, and I don't think the opening is big enough."

From District staff -> "Thank you for the email. The gate cards that are issued to you when you purchase a home are assigned to you and that property. The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians. There is no law that would prohibit you from installing a third party proximity card in you mirror. While we certainly don’t condone or encourage the use of cards issued by third parties, all of the roads within The Villages are public and we cannot restrict access. The gate cards issued by third parties are also not guaranteed to work in the future as upgrades and improvements are made to the gates. "

It comes with a sticky mount side but I add mounting tape to it for the inside of the mirror.
see picture on how I insert the chip that is about a quarter in size ->

P.S. If you feel uncomfortable installing this yourself, please hire (not me as I am retired) someone mentioned in this thread to do it.

[Byte1]

Yes, I can understand that some will still use their security blanket (gate card) as they always have. :icon_wink::icon_wink:

After clearly learning the system in and out through emails to and from District staff who are very responsive and great to work with, I am using my own cloned chip installed in a side mirror in place of the old Village gate card. I have people standing in line on my street to have me clone their old gate card for free. The cost of the RFID device to clone the cards is around $17 and the chips (new card) is around $.75 . So, my cost to make for neighbors is around $1 per card. For those that what to do this but are willing to pay, there are people who will do everything plus install for between $30 ~ $40.

It's your choice to stay the same or try something different and maybe better.

I do have the chip cloned and inside my mirror. That is not what I was referring to when I said I like the "card gate system." I was referring to the idea of a gate requiring some sort of key to allow entry.
And the cloned chip inside the mirror does NOT work for all gates, because some gate readers are too high. I have been through about 15 gates using my cloned chip in the mirror and only one gate reader (so far) has not worked for me. It's a great idea and even better when it is raining and you do not need to open your window.

[twoplanekid]

I do have the chip cloned and inside my mirror. That is not what I was referring to when I said I like the "card gate system." I was referring to the idea of a gate requiring some sort of key to allow entry.
And the cloned chip inside the mirror does NOT work for all gates, because some gate readers are too high. I have been through about 15 gates using my cloned chip in the mirror and only one gate reader (so far) has not worked for me. It's a great idea and even better when it is raining and you do not need to open your window.

Remember, the District says "all of the roads within The Villages are public and we cannot restrict access." and " The cameras installed at each entrance & exit captures faces and license plates." As gate cards are used I believe as a marketing tool , they may never be eliminated for this reason alone.

I have installed two chips at different locations in the mirror to try to improve the activation of the gate. Thanks for your comments as they help everyone.

[TheVillageBlacksmith]

How do you get the chip into the mirror housing? I checked the amount of adjustment, and I don't think the opening is big enough.

Adjusting the driver's side mirror outwards allows for access to the inside of the mirror housing where the transponder is installed. That's how I do it.

[TheVillageBlacksmith]

and "How do you get the chip into the mirror housing? I checked the amount of adjustment, and I don't think the opening is big enough."

From District staff -> "Thank you for the email. The gate cards that are issued to you when you purchase a home are assigned to you and that property. The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians. There is no law that would prohibit you from installing a third party proximity card in you mirror. While we certainly don’t condone or encourage the use of cards issued by third parties, all of the roads within The Villages are public and we cannot restrict access. The gate cards issued by third parties are also not guaranteed to work in the future as upgrades and improvements are made to the gates. "

It comes with a sticky mount side but I add mounting tape to it for the inside of the mirror.
see picture on how I insert the chip that is about a quarter in size ->

P.S. If you feel uncomfortable installing this yourself, please hire (not me as I am retired) someone mentioned in this thread to do it.

Twoplanekid, Thank you for saying that! I have been a Villager since 2014. I moved here to be a caretaker and now I am still working. I very much appreciate the support of the community.

I offer this service to residents of The Villages and I have hundreds of successful transponder installations. I install the transponders with a strong focus on functionality and aesthetics. I also offer a lifetime guarantee and other aftercare services to my clients, such as reprogramming and swapping the transponders from your old vehicle to your new one.
Anyone reading this is welcome to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Ellie✌