Walkers and lack of common sense

[Full-timer]

Walking is great exercise for anyone at any age. But, people need to use some common sense while out walking.

In the last rain storm (dark out, 6:45 am.) last week, I drove by 3 walkers (on my golf cart).

2 were on modal path, one was on street cart path. ALL 3 had no reflective clothing or lights.

Not very (bright) LOL! of any of them.

Thoughts for ALL walkers:

Remember;
It is NOT how well YOU can see others. It is how well others can see YOU.

Most folks drive around with windshields up. Very poor visibility looking through them. (you know that if you own one).

Many people driving carts already have vision issues. (poor vision, glasses on or off.)
Again, we all know that, we live in The Villages.

Many people here think they drive just fine while on cell phones driving in a cart (or car). Answer is: NO your driving sucks. WE ALL KNOW THAT right?

So, for all the walkers out there, try to use more common sense when out. You see all these problems every day yourself even in day light!!!

Wake up.

[RICH1]

I love the “ side by side “ walkers!

[dhdallas]

I either ring the bell on my bike or call out to walkers as I approach from behind (and use the horn on my cart) but so many are listening through their headphones/ear buds that they don't hear me. If you insist on plugging your ears with these things then don't blame the cyclist or golf cart that runs you over when you step sideways into their path.

[MrFlorida]

I only walk on roads that have sidewalks, because I know how people drive around here.....

[Bill14564]

I either ring the bell on my bike or call out to walkers as I approach from behind (and use the horn on my cart) but so many are listening through their headphones/ear buds that they don't hear me. If you insist on plugging your ears with these things then don't blame the cyclist or golf cart that runs you over when you step sideways into their path.

If you are in a golf cart and approaching a walker from behind then someone is on the wrong side of the road or path. Fixing that will make things much safer. Yes, I know there have been multiple threads on this topic and no, I don't know why it is so hard to understand.

Bicyclists could approach someone from behind on a sidewalk or walking/biking only trail. Bicyclists demand that cars and carts give them at least three feet of space when passing so why not do the same? Why not give the walker three feet of space when passing them on a bicycle? Sure, the walker could take a step sideways but three feet would take a big step.

[Arctic Fox]

It is NOT how well YOU can see others. It is how well others can see YOU.

Wise words.

Whatever you are doing, you may legally have "right of way" but that will be cold comfort if a vehicle runs into you.

[Bill14564]

I only walk on roads that have sidewalks, because I know how people drive around here.....

Unless your house backs up to a main road (most do not), how do you get from your house to the sidewalk?

(Edit: corrected "now" to "not")

[MrFlorida]

Unless your house backs up to a main road (most do now), how do you get from your house to the sidewalk?

My house has sidewalks.

[Toymeister]

I either ring the bell on my bike or call out to walkers as I approach from behind (and use the horn on my cart) but so many are listening through their headphones/ear buds that they don't hear me. If you insist on plugging your ears with these things then don't blame the cyclist or golf cart that runs you over when you step sideways into their path.

I have two bells on one bike and three on another. I do this for different ring tones and patterns.

Almost all women and most men hear me. Regardless, though, it is my obligation to watch for them. Just as it is the responsibility of cart drivers to do the same.

If cart drivers find that they can't see walkers it's time to stop driving in the rain. Personal responsibility is hard for anyone to accept. While common sense is a super power nowadays, walkers have every right to take the entire MMP wearing whatever they choose FOR THIS REASON YOU SHOULD EXPECT IT. Certainly not the best idea in low visablity conditions, however, cart drivers should be aware of their own abilities and responsibilities.

[ThirdOfFive]

Wise words.

Whatever you are doing, you may legally have "right of way" but that will be cold comfort if a vehicle runs into you.

Bingo!

We can stand around and point fingers all we want, but bottom line is that is better to be alive than right.

I do a lot of walking. I'd say 95% of golf cart drivers are courteous and safety-conscious, with the other 5% standing out both because of their lack of driving skill and/or lack of knowledge of the laws and rules govering the MMPs. I've had a few close calls and have voiced my displeasure to a few of the more egregious offenders over the past couple of years. But if possible (and I walk on the left) when a cart or bicycle is coming toward me I step OFF the path whether or not there is a vehicle approaching me from behind. Gas powered carts coming up from the rear make noise but electrical ones make very little, and there are always bicyclists on the paths as well, so you never know. I get a lot of appreciative waves and thumbs-up from the cart people.

It makes no sense asserting your "right" to be anywhere if by so doing you're risking a month in the hospital. And I've never yet had to pay a price for being courteous.

[billethkid]

It is comforting, again, to know that most of us do what is right on shared use amenities/facilities.....as usual/normal most discussions are about the few.

[DonH57]

If you are in a golf cart and approaching a walker from behind then someone is on the wrong side of the road or path. Fixing that will make things much safer. Yes, I know there have been multiple threads on this topic and no, I don't know why it is so hard to understand.

Bicyclists could approach someone from behind on a sidewalk or walking/biking only trail. Bicyclists demand that cars and carts give them at least three feet of space when passing so why not do the same? Why not give the walker three feet of space when passing them on a bicycle? Sure, the walker could take a step sideways but three feet would take a big step.

Not only walking the wrong direction with their backs to traffic but wearing headphones or ear buds.

[Two Bills]

Not only walking the wrong direction with their backs to traffic but wearing headphones or ear buds.

........and blindfolded, and jumping up and down on Pogo Sticks!:)

[Stu from NYC]

Whenever possible walk against traffic and I do avoid walking at night.

[JMintzer]

It is comforting, again, to know that most of us do what is right on shared use amenities/facilities.....as usual/normal most discussions are about the few.

Unfortunately, there are those who extrapolate "the few", to mean "all"...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I only walk on roads that have sidewalks, because I know how people drive around here.....

There are no sidewalks in my neighborhood at all. In all the neighborhoods I've visited, I've never seen sidewalks -in- the neighborhoods at all. There are sidewalks on some of the main roads, like on O'Dell Circle but that's pretty much it.

[fishon]

Villagers aren't smart enough to use a sidewalk when one is available or to walk on the correct side of the street. When I am out for a walk, I see the same people, time and again, walking with traffic. Dopey old folks.

[Vikingjunior]

The real problem is the MMP are to narrow for Golf Carts, bicycles and walkers.

[Bill14564]

The real problem is the MMP are to narrow for Golf Carts, bicycles and walkers.

Where is the MMP too narrow? Recently had a golf cart pass a bicycle while both were going past me - all three of us side by side on the trail. Not optimal, the golf cart should have waited to pass, but we all fit. This was in the walled section of the MMP along Buena Vista across from Eisenhower.

[LivinDream665]

I walk Hogeye trail on a daily basis. Walkers need to walk facing traffic on the MMP part of the trail. Most cart drivers that I encounter give me plenty of room when coming at me as I stay on the left side of the path. Problems arise when two carts going in opposite directions meet me at the same time on the path. There is enough room for everyone but common sense should dictate the cart driver coming towards me could at least slow down. Thank you.

[davem4616]

As someone already said, it's better to be alive, than right, but dead or injured

I walk against the traffic when there's no side walk
when I would walk side by side with my wife, I'd step behind her when someone was coming from the opposite direction

this isn't rocket science

[thevillages2013]

My house has sidewalks.

So your house backs up to one of the main roads ?

[Topspinmo]

I have two bells on one bike and three on another. I do this for different ring tones and patterns.

Almost all women and most men hear me. Regardless, though, it is my obligation to watch for them. Just as it is the responsibility of cart drivers to do the same.

If cart drivers find that they can't see walkers it's time to stop driving in the rain. Personal responsibility is hard for anyone to accept. While common sense is a super power nowadays, walkers have every right to take the entire MMP wearing whatever they choose FOR THIS REASON YOU SHOULD EXPECT IT. Certainly not the best idea in low visablity conditions, however, cart drivers should be aware of their own abilities and responsibilities.


No they don’t, they don’t get to block the whole path. But walking while stupid goes far around here. Have share the MMP not hog it.

[mcwood4d]

The darwinian principles will work thier magic...

[dadcat]

150lbs vs 600-700lbs vehicle?…..same goes for cart vs cars …. Be smart and stay out of the way of motorized vehicles!!

[Grill Meister]

There is a man in our neighborhood....St. Charles/Bailey Trail....that has been passing out small flashlights to walkers who have no lights nor reflective materials to provide protection during the dark hours. He gave me one the other morning....around 6am....I asked about it and he told me he has given away between 100 to 200 of those little flashlights. People have named him "Flashlight Boy". He also told me he is a member of the Recognizing Acts of Kindness Club. Bess his heart. :bigbow:

[Bay Kid]

Villagers aren't smart enough to use a sidewalk when one is available or to walk on the correct side of the street. When I am out for a walk, I see the same people, time and again, walking with traffic. Dopey old folks.

Country folk walk facing the traffic, city folk walk with the traffic. Joking you know.

[Madelaine Amee]

There are an awful lot of stupid people in the world and a great many of them seem to live here. Which makes it necessary for the rest of us to keep them safe.

[MrFlorida]

So your house backs up to one of the main roads ?

Corner house, the sidewalk runs along the side...

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Wise words.

Whatever you are doing, you may legally have "right of way" but that will be cold comfort if a vehicle runs into you.

My father used to say, "They will put 'I was right' on your gravestone."

[mtdjed]

Bingo!

We can stand around and point fingers all we want, but bottom line is that is better to be alive than right.

I do a lot of walking. I'd say 95% of golf cart drivers are courteous and safety-conscious, with the other 5% standing out both because of their lack of driving skill and/or lack of knowledge of the laws and rules govering the MMPs. I've had a few close calls and have voiced my displeasure to a few of the more egregious offenders over the past couple of years. But if possible (and I walk on the left) when a cart or bicycle is coming toward me I step OFF the path whether or not there is a vehicle approaching me from behind. Gas powered carts coming up from the rear make noise but electrical ones make very little, and there are always bicyclists on the paths as well, so you never know. I get a lot of appreciative waves and thumbs-up from the cart people.

It makes no sense asserting your "right" to be anywhere if by so doing you're risking a month in the hospital. And I've never yet had to pay a price for being courteous.

I agree with your comments but not your 95% safety conscious golf cart drivers. Watch the golf cart drivers exit the Winn Dixie parking lot at Lake Sumter Landing. A stop sign as you exit that practically no one heeds. A blind corner turn to the right with hedges along the path hiding potential walkers. Tried to get The Villages to remove the hedges so both walkers and drivers can see what is coming but they felt that the Stop sign and the Stop line stencil on the path was adequate. So a pedestrian, correctly walking facing traffic has to approach that entry point and wait as the golf carts blast through with nothing but a possible sorry comment as they continue on.

[DonH57]

I agree with your comments but not your 95% safety conscious golf cart drivers. Watch the golf cart drivers exit the Winn Dixie parking lot at Lake Sumter Landing. A stop sign as you exit that practically no one heeds. A blind corner turn to the right with hedges along the path hiding potential walkers. Tried to get The Villages to remove the hedges so both walkers and drivers can see what is coming but they felt that the Stop sign and the Stop line stencil on the path was adequate. So a pedestrian, correctly walking facing traffic has to approach that entry point and wait as the golf carts blast through with nothing but a possible sorry comment as they continue on.

It is a dangerous blind spot. I always stop there despite getting cursed at by other golf cart drivers because they were tailgating me having to slam on their brakes. Sorry. I can only drive one cart at a time. I've witnessed a couple of bicyclists almost get hit there. These are the same folks who pass other golf carts on blind turns on the MMP's. They can't leave earlier for their tee times can they?

[Windguy]

I generally don’t worry about how visible I am when walking at night because I assume I am completely invisible. I stay very alert and get out of the road whenever a vehicle approaches. I also walk facing traffic so I can see what’s coming. I walk alone and don’t use my phone for talking or music so I don’t get distracted. I can even hear bike tires on the pavement. It’s very quiet out at 10:00.

You can’t depend on bright clothes to save you when you’re on the road with distracted drivers, so always assume you are invisible.

[Topspinmo]

I agree with your comments but not your 95% safety conscious golf cart drivers. Watch the golf cart drivers exit the Winn Dixie parking lot at Lake Sumter Landing. A stop sign as you exit that practically no one heeds. A blind corner turn to the right with hedges along the path hiding potential walkers. Tried to get The Villages to remove the hedges so both walkers and drivers can see what is coming but they felt that the Stop sign and the Stop line stencil on the path was adequate. So a pedestrian, correctly walking facing traffic has to approach that entry point and wait as the golf carts blast through with nothing but a possible sorry comment as they continue on.

Few drivers make legal stops at stop signs, especially 4 way stops. have to actually stop behind the stop sign or white line. can’t roll through sign out into the intersection then stop, just rolled through the stop sign confusing other drivers inline first cause them be confused. Now know body wants to go.

[cromlich]

I love the “ side by side “ walkers!

Totally inconsiderate and dangerous. I know we all have rights but those rights sometimes are a recipe for disaster. Don't stand on curves having a conversation, always walk or ride bikes single file and close to the curb, wear bright and light clothing, move over if possible. I hate it that everyone blames everyone else. It's just common sense and courtesy. If you are the slower traffic move over. Abide by all traffic laws and most of all be kind. if you are a walker or a bicyclist you are no competition for a motorized vehicle of any kind. Accidents kill so take some responsibility and just do the right thing to make it cohesive for everyone, I totally disagree with the multi-module concept because of the dangerous things I've seen but it's part of life down here so just do your part and stay safe. No one wants to hurt anyone else but it can happen.

[golfing eagles]

I have two bells on one bike and three on another. I do this for different ring tones and patterns.

Almost all women and most men hear me. Regardless, though, it is my obligation to watch for them. Just as it is the responsibility of cart drivers to do the same.

If cart drivers find that they can't see walkers it's time to stop driving in the rain. Personal responsibility is hard for anyone to accept. While common sense is a super power nowadays, walkers have every right to take the entire MMP wearing whatever they choose FOR THIS REASON YOU SHOULD EXPECT IT. Certainly not the best idea in low visablity conditions, however, cart drivers should be aware of their own abilities and responsibilities.

Actually, the legal term is "contributory negligence", so I would certainly advise walkers to wear light clothing and reflectors/blinking lights in the dark.

[golfing eagles]

Few drivers make legal stop at stop signs, especially 4 way stops. have actually stop behind the stop sign or white line. can’t roll through sign out into the enter section they stop. just rolled through the stop sign confusing other inline first cause the stops.

True, but they stop 100 times more frequently than cyclists:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Happydaz]

Totally inconsiderate and dangerous. I know we all have rights but those rights sometimes are a recipe for disaster. Don't stand on curves having a conversation, always walk or ride bikes single file and close to the curb, wear bright and light clothing, move over if possible. I hate it that everyone blames everyone else. It's just common sense and courtesy. If you are the slower traffic move over. Abide by all traffic laws and most of all be kind. if you are a walker or a bicyclist you are no competition for a motorized vehicle of any kind. Accidents kill so take some responsibility and just do the right thing to make it cohesive for everyone, I totally disagree with the multi-module concept because of the dangerous things I've seen but it's part of life down here so just do your part and stay safe. No one wants to hurt anyone else but it can happen.

I often read posters talking about people getting injured or killed all the time if they walk or bicycle wrong (wrong is up to poster’s opinion) as they will get run down by a motorized vehicle. Statistics seem to point to motorized vehicle drivers having more of a problem, particularly golf carters in The Villages, who die at a very high rate. Maybe more people should walk and bicycle.

[DaleDivine]

I have two bells on one bike and three on another. I do this for different ring tones and patterns.

Almost all women and most men hear me. Regardless, though, it is my obligation to watch for them. Just as it is the responsibility of cart drivers to do the same.

If cart drivers find that they can't see walkers it's time to stop driving in the rain. Personal responsibility is hard for anyone to accept. While common sense is a super power nowadays, walkers have every right to take the entire MMP wearing whatever they choose FOR THIS REASON YOU SHOULD EXPECT IT. Certainly not the best idea in low visablity conditions, however, cart drivers should be aware of their own abilities and responsibilities.

Soooo, you're saying if I'm out somewhere in my golf cart and a sudden rain storm comes up, If I'm having a hard time seeing, I should just stop and wait an hour maybe a day until the rain stops. There are also walkers that get caught in these sudden downpours.

:ohdear::ohdear:

[DaleDivine]

Few drivers make legal stop at stop signs, especially 4 way stops. have actually stop behind the stop sign or white line. can’t roll through sign out into the enter section they stop. just rolled through the stop sign confusing other inline first cause the stops.

As I have said several times, a lot of the stop signs in TV should be yield signs.
At the end of our street in our CYV there are 2 houses. When they go up to make a right turn or go straight they have a stop sign. Makes no sense.
:ohdear::ohdear:

[ThirdOfFive]

It is a dangerous blind spot. I always stop there despite getting cursed at by other golf cart drivers because they were tailgating me having to slam on their brakes. Sorry. I can only drive one cart at a time. I've witnessed a couple of bicyclists almost get hit there. These are the same folks who pass other golf carts on blind turns on the MMP's. They can't leave earlier for their tee times can they?
Another bad spot is the path just before you get to the bridge by Savannah Center going toward Buena Vista. Three paths converge there and for carts coming from one certain direction they need to make a 120 degree turn to get on the path to the tunnel. There is a stop sign by the turn, where a bordering hedge terminates, which gets ignored often as not. Going that way a few days ago no fewer than five carts converged there at one time: we were the only single one; the other two consisted of a lead cart with a tailgater following VERY closely. A couple of squealing brakes but fortunately nothing more than that.

[DAVES]

Walking is great exercise for anyone at any age. But, people need to use some common sense while out walking.

In the last rain storm (dark out, 6:45 am.) last week, I drove by 3 walkers (on my golf cart).

2 were on modal path, one was on street cart path. ALL 3 had no reflective clothing or lights.

Not very (bright) LOL! of any of them.

Thoughts for ALL walkers:

Remember;
It is NOT how well YOU can see others. It is how well others can see YOU.

Most folks drive around with windshields up. Very poor visibility looking through them. (you know that if you own one).

Many people driving carts already have vision issues. (poor vision, glasses on or off.)
Again, we all know that, we live in The Villages.

Many people here think they drive just fine while on cell phones driving in a cart (or car). Answer is: NO your driving sucks. WE ALL KNOW THAT right?

So, for all the walkers out there, try to use more common sense when out. You see all these problems every day yourself even in day light!!!

Wake up.

Truly simple. We use the term accident. Reality most accidents are avoidable-I think I read 90plus percent. Thus, accident is the wrong term. It is a dumb action.

[DAVES]

As I have said several times, a lot of the stop signs in TV should be yield signs.
At the end of our street in our CYV there are 2 houses. When they go up to make a right turn or go straight they have a stop sign. Makes no sense.
:ohdear::ohdear:

That is normal everywhere. Stop means stop. Yield some drivers
do not know what that means.

[DAVES]

I often read posters talking about people getting injured or killed all the time if they walk or bicycle wrong (wrong is up to poster’s opinion) as they will get run down by a motorized vehicle. Statistics seem to point to motorized vehicle drivers having more of a problem, particularly golf carters in The Villages, who die at a very high rate. Maybe more people should walk and bicycle.

HUH, People in the villages die at a high rate? The average age in the villages is 70. People at 70 die at a higher rate-SIMPLE REALITY.

[cherylncliff]

I would also encourage cart drivers to turn on their lights in rain and in the morning and early evening.

[Velvet]

I find what is safest is 3 types of lanes side by side when necessary. One for cars, then a golf cart path as we have on many streets, then sidewalk as we also have in many places. The idea of sharing cart path with walkers especially in tunnels doesn’t work so well.

[Full-timer]

I have two bells on one bike and three on another. I do this for different ring tones and patterns.

Almost all women and most men hear me. Regardless, though, it is my obligation to watch for them. Just as it is the responsibility of cart drivers to do the same.

If cart drivers find that they can't see walkers it's time to stop driving in the rain. Personal responsibility is hard for anyone to accept. While common sense is a super power nowadays, walkers have every right to take the entire MMP wearing whatever they choose FOR THIS REASON YOU SHOULD EXPECT IT. Certainly not the best idea in low visablity conditions, however, cart drivers should be aware of their own abilities and responsibilities.

Think you may have misunderstood just a bit. Also, sounds like you may be a walker too. The first sentence in the last paragraph says enough. It is harder for ANYONE to see out of a windshield of a golf cart when it is raining, day or night. The post wasn't about telling vision impaired anything, it was intended to smarten up walkers. Come on, you do see that right?

[Doro22]

Walking is great exercise for anyone at any age. But, people need to use some common sense while out walking.

In the last rain storm (dark out, 6:45 am.) last week, I drove by 3 walkers (on my golf cart).

2 were on modal path, one was on street cart path. ALL 3 had no reflective clothing or lights.

Not very (bright) LOL! of any of them.
Thoughts for ALL walkers:
Remember;
It is NOT how well YOU can see others. It is how well others can see YOU.

Most folks drive around with windshields up. Very poor visibility looking through them. (you know that if you own one).

Many people driving carts already have vision issues. (poor vision, glasses on or off.)
Again, we all know that, we live in The Villages.

Many people here think they drive just fine while on cell phones driving in a cart (or car). Answer is: NO your driving sucks. WE ALL KNOW THAT right?

So, for all the walkers out there, try to use more common sense when out. You see all these problems every day yourself even in day light!!!

Wake up.

How about people walking closely behind parked cars, not even noticing when others are trying to back out. They just seem oblivious to their surroundings.

[VApeople]

I find what is safest is 3 types of lanes side by side.

I have never seen "3 types of lanes side by side". Can you specify a location where this occurs?

[golfing eagles]

I have never seen "3 types of lanes side by side". Can you specify a location where this occurs?

I believe she is referring to roads with a cart/bike lane and a sidewalk right along side. examples are Hillsborough Trail, Pinellas Place, Hendry Drive, St. Charles Place, Bailey Trail, Odell Circle......shall I go on?????

[VApeople]

I believe she is referring to roads with a cart/bike lane and a sidewalk right along side. examples are Hillsborough Trail, Pinellas Place, Hendry Drive, St. Charles Place, Bailey Trail, Odell Circle......shall I go on?????

Yeah, I think you are right.

Since we do not own a golf cart, we have no idea what it is like to drive in a narrow (to us) lane next to car traffic, but we see plenty of people doing it and it does not look like fun.

In our six years living here, we have only walked on a sidewalk one time and we hated it. That was along Moyer and the golf carts were much to close to us.

Well, we did walk along Fenney Way one time, and it was fine because, as I recall, there is a grass median separating the sidewalk from the golf cart lanes.

[davem4616]

the older I get the more I believe that common sense isn't actually that common

[ThirdOfFive]

the older I get the more I believe that common sense isn't actually that common
Lol! Was it ever?

Bottom line on all this: Lots of people and vehicles share the MMPs. Bicycles (of various types), walkers, runners, golf carts, Segways, etc. Rather than insisting on our rights over our particular piece of that pie, I think it is in everyone's interest to be as alert and courteous as possible. Lives can be changed (or ended) in a second if we're not.

[dewilson58]

Loved (not) the guy this morning..................

Walking on Pinellas in the "cart path" lane (with traffic flow), with a headset on, walking his dog, when there is a sidewalk on the other side of the street.

Bonehead & dangerous for the dog.

[tophcfa]

Loved (not) the guy this morning..................

Walking on Pinellas in the "cart path" lane (with traffic flow), with a headset on, walking his dog, when there is a sidewalk on the other side of the street.

Bonehead & dangerous for the dog.

Probably had a flexi-leash on the dog as well.

[MX rider]

Loved (not) the guy this morning..................

Walking on Pinellas in the "cart path" lane (with traffic flow), with a headset on, walking his dog, when there is a sidewalk on the other side of the street.

Bonehead & dangerous for the dog.

Agree 100%. I'm a longtime runner and I run along Odell Loop. It has a sidewalk beside the MM path. You'd have to be an idiot to choose the MM path when there's a sidewalk available. Again, common sense. Unfortunately some don't have it.