You're supposed to ring your bell.....

[roob1]

Yes, I rang my bell (or yelled "On your left"), as I approached you on my bike from behind.

Is your hearing adequate? Did you forget to wear your hearing aid? Were you talking on your phone? Were you wearing headphones?

Give me a freakin break, and don''t yell at me. Be responsible and assure that your hearing is adequate. If not, stay off the path!

[billethkid]

:icon_bored:Yes, I rang my bell (or yelled "On your left"), as I approached you on my bike from behind.

Is your hearing adequate? Did you forget to wear your hearing aid? Were you talking on your phone? Were you wearing headphones?

Give me a freakin break, and don''t yell at me. Be responsible and assure that your hearing is adequate. If not, stay off the path!

:icon_bored:

[rustyp]

Ringing your bell is something I am conditioned to hearing and associate with a bicycle. Yelling "on your left" IMHO is a problem creator. I associate a loud human voice as danger but my next instinct is to figure out what was said. The lack of instantly understanding what was said my mind interprets as danger to me - not you. At that instant my natural defence kicks in like duck or swerve. That puts you or I in more danger than before the yell.

Hey I just invented a new saying - DON'T YELL GET A BELL !

[roob1]

I have lived in an area where biking is extremely popular, and "on your left" was what most said. I also feel vocalizing can be more personal and friendly than a bell ring, but I understand your concern.

[Oldragbagger]

Ringing your bell is something I am conditioned to hearing and associate with a bicycle. Yelling "on your left" IMHO is a problem creator. I associate a loud human voice as danger but my next instinct is to figure out what was said. The lack of instantly understanding what was said my mind interprets as danger to me - not you. At that instant my natural defence kicks in like duck or swerve. That puts you or I in more danger than before the yell.

Hey I just invented a new saying - DON'T YELL GET A BELL !

I am an avid cyclist, and also a walker. Trying to act in a way that gives you the best chance of getting around someone safely is sometimes a head scratcher, but it shouldn’t be. There are definite rules concerning these pathways, the problem is, not everyone is aware of them. If you are on a Rail Trail or other public trail they are usually posted at the trailheads, but here that signage doesn’t exist and a lot of people just don’t know.

It is the walkers’s responsibility to walk on the right and in a predictable manner. If the walker’s hearing is compromised by earphones or a telephone conversation that predictability (staying to the right, not altering course to go back and forth across the trail, if you have a dog on a leash making sure it stays to the right also) becomes even more critical. Using a bell or calling out “on the left” are both acceptable methods of signaling. I usually do both. I will first ring my bell to get the walker’s attention and then call out “on the left” as I get close and pass. I have found calling out those instructions to be essential in some instances as I have encountered quite a few walkers who have absolutely no idea what to do when a bicycle approaches. Sometimes they move to the left, sometimes they move to the right, sometimes it’s a group and they start scattering randomly in both directions, often with great confusion. Telling them what side you are planning to pass on let’s them know what to expect so they can move accordingly.

I have been riding all my adult life and I feel blessed to say that I have never had a collision of any kind on a trail except a crash into a wall once, my own fault. But it takes a great deal of courtesy, understanding, and awareness on everyone’s part to make it work. The more heavily populated the trail is, the more of all that required. I am also happy to say I have not once encountered any rudeness from anyone on TV trails and I try always to conduct myself in a safe and courteous manner.

Happy Trails, no matter how you use them.

[MartinSE]

I am an avid cyclist, and also a walker. Trying to act in a way that gives you the best chance of getting around someone safely is sometimes a head scratcher, but it shouldn’t be. There are definite rules concerning these pathways, the problem is, not everyone is aware of them. If you are on a Rail Trail or other public trail they are usually posted at the trailheads, but here that signage doesn’t exist and a lot of people just don’t know.

It is the walkers’s responsibility to walk on the right and in a predictable manner. If the walker’s hearing is compromised by earphones or a telephone conversation that predictability (staying to the right, not altering course to go back and forth across the trail, if you have a dog on a leash making sure it stays to the right also) becomes even more critical. Using a bell or calling out “on the left” are both acceptable methods of signaling. I usually do both. I will first ring my bell to get the walker’s attention and then call out “on the left” as I get close and pass. I have found calling out those instructions to be essential in some instances as I have encountered quite a few walkers who have absolutely no idea what to do when a bicycle approaches. Sometimes they move to the left, sometimes they move to the right, sometimes it’s a group and they start scattering randomly in both directions, often with great confusion. Telling them what side you are planning to pass on let’s them know what to expect so they can move accordingly.

I have been riding all my adult life and I feel blessed to say that I have never had a collision of any kind on a trail except a crash into a wall once, my own fault. But it takes a great deal of courtesy, understanding, and awareness on everyone’s part to make it work. The more heavily populated the trail is, the more of all that required. I am also happy to say I have not once encountered any rudeness from anyone on TV trails and I try always to conduct myself in a safe and courteous manner.

Happy Trails, no matter how you use them.

But it takes a great deal of courtesy, understanding, and awareness on everyone’s part to make it work.

Exactly, especially HERE in TV where there are a lot of people that don't know "the rules".

Myself and my family road bicycles for decades. Everything you said was correct. And you said it nicer than I would.

It is the bicycle riders responsibility to NOT hit the pedestrian. The same as it is car drivers responsibility to NOT hit a cyclist. Just because you have a green light in your car, you are expected to NOT hit anyone crossing the road, even if they are crossing against the light. Same with riding a bicycle, just because you are right, does not making it okay to take a chance to hit them.

Our club had a rule, if you are not CERTAIN the pedestrian you are about to pass is aware of your intent, you don't pass.

Ring the bell all day long, if you don't get a reaction confirming they heard you, the slow down and approach them carefully. Say in a firm voice (not yelling - yelling startles people) "on your left" or "passing on your left" or anything to that effect, and if they still do not react, then proceed very slowly arounds the as far away as you can. If there is oncoming traffic and you can't safely pass them, then don't pass. Pull up close enough to them to say, not yell, I am going to pass you on your left, can you hear me?

If you don't want the issue of walkers, you can 99% removed them by riding on the roadway and not the multimodal pathway. Personally, if I was still able to ride still, I would never ride on a path for walkers (sidewalk) if a road is available. The road is much safer. I know the multimodal is intended for walkers and bikers. It just looks too much like a sidewalk and sidewalks are VERY dangerous places for bikers. The one time I did ride a couple blocks on a sidewalk to avoid a congested road situation when I was late for work a car pulled out of a blind driveway and I hit my breaks, went over my handlebars, and broke a wrist, sprained the other, cracked several ribs and tore both rotator cups.

Typically there are no blind spots around Multimodal paths, but it was a lesson I learned the hard way and I personally would stick to the road. Many thousands of miles and no accidents or problems on roads.

So, I suggest that the OP rethink their attitude, and be safe and courteous to other people that are sharing the path with.

[villagetinker]

I am confused, I always walk on the LEFT facing traffic, so I can see what is going on. Why would golf cart paths be any different?

[Dallasdon]

I am confused, I always walk on the LEFT facing traffic, so I can see what is going on. Why would golf cart paths be any different?

I’m new to golf carts. Friday, I came upon a walker (living, not dead) coming towards me in my lane, and golf carts also passing on my left, so no where to go, so I just stopped until the walker passed me. Golf cart behind me honks. What should I have done?

[billethkid]

I am confused, I always walk on the LEFT facing traffic, so I can see what is going on. Why would golf cart paths be any different?

It isn't!!!
Always safer (for all) to walk on left facing oncoming traffic.

[MartinSE]

I am confused, I always walk on the LEFT facing traffic, so I can see what is going on. Why would golf cart paths be any different?

You are supposed to walk on the left on the road, and on the right on the multimodal.

On the road it is because the cars come up so fast, you wont have time to hear them before they hit you. If you walk facing them, you can see them coming.

At least that is what I was told when I moved here.

[MartinSE]

I’m new to golf carts. Friday, I came upon a walker (living, not dead) coming towards me in my lane, and golf carts also passing on my left, so no where to go, so I just stopped until the walker passed me. Golf cart behind me honks. What should I have done?

You should have smiled, waved, and told them to have a nice day. Then go on your way. Were you late for work? Then, lets just enjoy and be polite - not the end of the world.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I never ride on the pathways , between golf carts and walkers ( including me ) I find it much easier and actually safer on the street

[Topspinmo]

I am confused, I always walk on the LEFT facing traffic, so I can see what is going on. Why would golf cart paths be any different?

Me too and I don’t hesitate to get off path. It’s my responsibility to keep me safe and out of harms way.

[Bill14564]

I’m new to golf carts. Friday, I came upon a walker (living, not dead) coming towards me in my lane, and golf carts also passing on my left, so no where to go, so I just stopped until the walker passed me. Golf cart behind me honks. What should I have done?

What would you have done in the same situation while in your car? Walkers should be on the left facing traffic, vehicles should move to the left of their lane to safely pass the walker.

- If there was a golf cart approaching then adjust your speed to allow it to go by and give you space to move

- If a golf cart was overtaking you at the time then they were wrong but your only option would be to slow down until they got by you and you had room to move

- If the walker was coming down the center of the lane and did not move to their left then they were also wrong but since you can't legally hit them, your option would be to move to your left to give them space.

- If you were in one of the sections of the MMP where the two lanes are separated then you would hope that the walker would move to the left or even off the trail but your only option is to move as far as possible to your left to give them space

There is no need to stop unless the walker is coming down the center of the trail and giving you no space to go around them. But if that was the case and I was forced to stop then I would absolutely position my cart to be as inconvenient as possible for the inconsiderate walker.

[Topspinmo]

You are supposed to walk on the left on the road, and on the right on the multimodal.

On the road it is because the cars come up so fast, you wont have time to hear them before they hit you. If you walk facing them, you can see them coming.

At least that is what I was told when I moved here.

IMO you was told wrong. I would never walk on right on MMP. I don’t want to get ran over. At least on Left I can see when to jump off out of way.

[CFrance]

I have lived in an area where biking is extremely popular, and "on your left" was what most said. I also feel vocalizing can be more personal and friendly than a bell ring, but I understand your concern.
I never heard the expression until walking on a trail a decade ago. Bells I understand immediately.


I like it when the cyclist rings the bell first, then says On your left.

[ThirdOfFive]

Yes, I rang my bell (or yelled "On your left"), as I approached you on my bike from behind.

Is your hearing adequate? Did you forget to wear your hearing aid? Were you talking on your phone? Were you wearing headphones?

Give me a freakin break, and don''t yell at me. Be responsible and assure that your hearing is adequate. If not, stay off the path!
Deaf people have the right to walk on the paths. Some people are, you know. You could have a siren on your bike and it wouldn't matter if you were approaching a deaf person from the rear.

If you are approaching a pedestrian from the rear it is YOUR responsibility to act in a way that assures the safety of all.

[Oldragbagger]

I am confused, I always walk on the LEFT facing traffic, so I can see what is going on. Why would golf cart paths be any different?

If you are sharing the path with motorized vehicles walking on the left is the safer option. But on pedestrian/ bicycle paths walking on the right is the correct protocol.

[tophcfa]

I’m new to golf carts. Friday, I came upon a walker (living, not dead) coming towards me in my lane, and golf carts also passing on my left, so no where to go, so I just stopped until the walker passed me. Golf cart behind me honks. What should I have done?

Based on my observations, proper etiquette would have been to flip off the golf cart behind you and shout, “the horn blows, how about the driver”!

[EdFNJ]

First of all there are no "RULES" just excellent suggestions and courtesies. If there ware OFFICIAL RULES they would be posted and handed out.

Also, the MMP's are not BIKE TRAILS they are MULTI-MODAL paths for all "MODES" of use and EVERYONE has the same responsibility. Walkers wear often headphones and even talk on the phone and shaking your bikes ding-a-ling is useless. Just yelling "ON YOUR LEFT" could mean dozens of things to one who has no idea WHAT IS "on your left" assuming they can even hear it (how many hearing aid ads are in the Daily Happy News every day). MANY people NEED THEM but can't afford them so since this is an "old person community" that must be taken under consideration.

Everyone should be safe on do the right thing but there are no rules anywhere that everyone could see. If a biker hits a pedestrian, likely the biker would be considered at fault because you are the faster moving vehicle.

These (MMP's) are NOT BIKE TRAILS and they are not GOLF CART PATHS. They are multi-use paths (referring to MMP's not the diamond lanes).

Read "Share the path" on districtgov.org.

[thevillages2013]

You are supposed to walk on the left on the road, and on the right on the multimodal.

On the road it is because the cars come up so fast, you wont have time to hear them before they hit you. If you walk facing them, you can see them coming.

At least that is what I was told when I moved here.

WRONG WRONG WRONG! Wrong every day and twice on Sunday. Come on here ! Can a golf cart not kill you or maim you ? Answer is yes! Walk facing traffic on multi- modal

[thevillages2013]

If you are sharing the path with motorized vehicles walking on the left is the safer option. But on pedestrian/ bicycle paths walking on the right is the correct protocol.

Yo, that’s not a cart path

[thevillages2013]

The misinformation network is blasting with both barrels on this topic

[fdpaq0580]

WOW! Lots of opinions. Yes, I have one too. Problem is that it is all opinion based on what one believes is safest, based on their version of "common sense". To the best of my very limited knowledge on this subject, there is no hard, fast rule of law. Basically, No rules other than "watch out for the rolling assassins" and protect yourselves.
Be afraid! VERY AFRAID! It's a jungle out there!
😖😱😧

[thevillages2013]

WOW! Lots of opinions. Yes, I have one too. Problem is that it is all opinion based on what one believes is safest, based on their version of "common sense". To the best of my very limited knowledge on this subject, there is no hard, fast rule of law. Basically, No rules other than "watch out for the rolling assassins" and protect yourselves.
Be afraid! VERY AFRAID! It's a jungle out there!
😖😱😧
It’s not just common sense . What you don’t want is pedestrians walking in the same direction on opposite sides of the rec trails. When you have golf carts coming in both directions and they all meet( say in a curve) it can get ugly. EVERYONE should walk on their left side of the trail facing traffic with no exception ( except if there is a gator larger than five feet long on that side).

[Laker14]

You are supposed to walk on the left on the road, and on the right on the multimodal.

On the road it is because the cars come up so fast, you wont have time to hear them before they hit you. If you walk facing them, you can see them coming.

At least that is what I was told when I moved here.

I would put that piece of advice you got when you moved here in the trash bin with a lot of other pieces of advice we all get from time to time.

I walk facing traffic. This allows me to make eye contact with the golf cart driver or bike rider, and let them know I see them, and make a determination if they see me. Are they giving me room? Do I need to step off the path so I don't get hit?

I don't ride a bike anymore, but I do drive golf carts, and I much prefer to see pedestrians facing me, for the same reasons.

[Laker14]

Yes, I rang my bell (or yelled "On your left"), as I approached you on my bike from behind.

Is your hearing adequate? Did you forget to wear your hearing aid? Were you talking on your phone? Were you wearing headphones?

Give me a freakin break, and don''t yell at me. Be responsible and assure that your hearing is adequate. If not, stay off the path!

I understand your frustration, but a more effective option than ranting on here would have been to have this conversation in a less confrontational tone, with the person who yelled at you.

[GolfGirl122]

I guess we need to remember that south of 44 there are pedestrian paths that don’t allow golf carts - so some people may say to walk on the right - ok, no cart traffic to deal with. However, north of 44, we have “cart paths” which allow golf carts, walkers, bikers etc. and indeed you should walk FACING the traffic - on the left. As far as the first poster with reference to people hard of hearing not using the paths - I’m not hard of hearing yet, thank goodness - but I’m now speechless.

[Laker14]

I guess we need to remember that south of 44 there are pedestrian paths that don’t allow golf carts - so some people may say to walk on the right - ok, no cart traffic to deal with. However, north of 44, we have “cart paths” which allow golf carts, walkers, bikers etc. and indeed you should walk FACING the traffic - on the left. As far as the first poster with reference to people hard of hearing not using the paths - I’m not hard of hearing yet, thank goodness - but I’m now speechless.

Good point. I live north of 466A, and while I have walked the Hogseye path, I wasn't thinking in terms of "pedestrian" trails which allow bicycles, and, I guess, e-bikes. My preference, if the paths allow bicycles and e-bikes, would be to walk on the left, again, so I can see what's coming. But I can understand the confusion.
I am also not averse to stepping off and out of the way for a second to let everyone and anyone by me, should things get congested.

[roob1]

Didn't we hope that our aging parents gave up driving when their senses did not allow them to safely be on the road, i.e. creating danger to self/others? We hoped that they would make this decision on their own.

Maybe the person walking on a path with faster moving vehicles, who can not hear (for whatever reason), poses a similar danger?????

If I had a hearing impairment that did not allow me to hear a warning from a bicycle out of my vision range, I would not put myself in that dangerous situation. Would you?? Only common sense....



I guess we need to remember that south of 44 there are pedestrian paths that don’t allow golf carts - so some people may say to walk on the right - ok, no cart traffic to deal with. However, north of 44, we have “cart paths” which allow golf carts, walkers, bikers etc. and indeed you should walk FACING the traffic - on the left. As far as the first poster with reference to people hard of hearing not using the paths - I’m not hard of hearing yet, thank goodness - but I’m now speechless.

[rustyp]

Good point. I live north of 466A, and while I have walked the Hogseye path, I wasn't thinking in terms of "pedestrian" trails which allow bicycles, and, I guess, e-bikes. My preference, if the paths allow bicycles and e-bikes, would be to walk on the left, again, so I can see what's coming. But I can understand the confusion.
I am also not averse to stepping off and out of the way for a second to let everyone and anyone by me, should things get congested.

Didn't we hope that our aging parents gave up driving when their senses did not allow them to safely be on the road, i.e. creating danger to self/others? We hoped that they would make this decision on their own.

Maybe the person walking on a path with faster moving vehicles, who can not hear (for whatever reason), poses a similar danger?????

If I had a hearing impairment that did not allow me to hear a warning from a bicycle out of my vision range, I would not put myself in that dangerous situation. Would you?? Only common sense....


If I had a hearing impairment I would walk facing traffic so could see it coming.

DON"T YELL GET A BELL :a040:

[MartinSE]

I guess we need to remember that south of 44 there are pedestrian paths that don’t allow golf carts - so some people may say to walk on the right - ok, no cart traffic to deal with. However, north of 44, we have “cart paths” which allow golf carts, walkers, bikers etc. and indeed you should walk FACING the traffic - on the left. As far as the first poster with reference to people hard of hearing not using the paths - I’m not hard of hearing yet, thank goodness - but I’m now speechless.

Good point, I live South of 44, so my advice is for that area. Thank you.

[Oldragbagger]

Yo, that’s not a cart path

Exactly what I said. The multi modals have motorized cart traffic so it is correct/safer to walk on the left so you can see the oncoming cart traffic. But on the paths where carts are not allowed then walking on the right is the correct protocol. Those paths are narrower than the multi modals and less room for passing particularly if you have oncoming bicycles from opposite directions and walkers as well. The main thing is that everyone does what they can to ensure the safety of themselves and all others on the path and not stick by some “I had the right of way” mentality that will not prove very useful once someone is seriously injured.

[DAVES]

Yes, I rang my bell (or yelled "On your left"), as I approached you on my bike from behind.

Is your hearing adequate? Did you forget to wear your hearing aid? Were you talking on your phone? Were you wearing headphones?

Give me a freakin break, and don''t yell at me. Be responsible and assure that your hearing is adequate. If not, stay off the path!

This sort of post is endless. You are control of what you do- not what you think others should do. There are places it is safe to ride fast and other places where it is not.
Approaching a slower bike rider is not such a place and that reported response is PROOF of that.

[DAVES]

I’m new to golf carts. Friday, I came upon a walker (living, not dead) coming towards me in my lane, and golf carts also passing on my left, so no where to go, so I just stopped until the walker passed me. Golf cart behind me honks. What should I have done?

Truly simple reply. You are driving YOUR golf cart. Golf cart behind honks, Ignore it.
We see them all the time. There are people that are an accident just looking for a place to happen.

[Toymeister]

Depending on which bike that I am on, I have one, three, or four signals that I use.

With a clear DING DONG, I get 60% reaction

Followed by BRIIING BRIING, I get 85% reaction

A teenie ding, ding by itself doesn't add anything

"On your left" might bring it to 90%

For those who've kept track I have one left. I have never run across a pedestrian who is doing something so stupid, something that I can't avoid, that I need it. My conclusion is ten percent will not hear you using conventional signalling methods.

The fourth is an automotive horn, Loud Bicycle | Car horn for bikes (http://www.loudbicycle.com)

But I run across golf cart drivers all the time that do something so stupid that it is necessary to talk car to them. It has saved me more than once, for this reason it is necessary for me. Now I average 4 - 5,000 miles annually, so your needs and bell budget are different.

I am certain that I have done more analysis of bells, the tone of bells, the reaction of pedestrians to signals than most posters here and I am convinced there is no way to get much more than 90 percent acknowledgement of a bikes presence. But I do get quite a few thanks for warning people..

[MartinSE]

Depending on which bike that I am on, I have one, three, or four signals that I use.

With a clear DING DONG, I get 60% reaction

Followed by BRIIING BRIING, I get 85% reaction

A teenie ding, ding by itself doesn't add anything

"On your left" might bring it to 90%

For those who've kept track I have one left. I have never run across a pedestrian who is doing something so stupid, something that I can't avoid, that I need it. My conclusion is ten percent will not hear you using conventional signalling methods.

The fourth is an automotive horn, Loud Bicycle | Car horn for bikes (http://www.loudbicycle.com)

But I run across golf cart drivers all the time that do something so stupid that it is necessary to talk car to them. It has saved me more than once, for this reason it is necessary for me. Now I average 4 - 5,000 miles annually, so your needs and bell budget are different.

I am certain that I have done more analysis of bells, the tone of bells, the reaction of pedestrians to signals than most posters here and I am convinced there is no way to get much more than 90 percent acknowledgement of a bikes presence. But I do get quite a few thanks for warning people..

Agreed, and I think your prioritization is very good.

Sadly I think a lot of people would go for the "drive up to within 3 feet and use an air horn" approach.

[Laker14]

Exactly what I said. The multi modals have motorized cart traffic so it is correct/safer to walk on the left so you can see the oncoming cart traffic. But on the paths where carts are not allowed then walking on the right is the correct protocol. Those paths are narrower than the multi modals and less room for passing particularly if you have oncoming bicycles from opposite directions and walkers as well. The main thing is that everyone does what they can to ensure the safety of themselves and all others on the path and not stick by some “I had the right of way” mentality that will not prove very useful once someone is seriously injured.

Bicycles at times go as fast as golf carts go, at times, and e-bikes ARE motorized vehicles. I would walk on the left on any path where bikes and e-bikes are allowed.

[AZ SLIM]

WOW! Lots of opinions. Yes, I have one too. Problem is that it is all opinion based on what one believes is safest, based on their version of "common sense". To the best of my very limited knowledge on this subject, there is no hard, fast rule of law. Basically, No rules other than "watch out for the rolling assassins" and protect yourselves.
Be afraid! VERY AFRAID! It's a jungle out there!
😖😱😧

Yes, opinions on this vary. I can't seem to find any "official" guidance. Maybe the Villages HOA group could tackle this and find or produce a guideline for the MMPs and walking/bike paths. If an HOA rep is reading this how about bringing it up at a meeting?
After witnessing some close calls I have, on a rare occasion, suggested to people that they should walk facing the golf carts. A couple of them argued that I am wrong and got a little huffy so I discontinued offering safety advice. It befuddles me that someone can think that walking with your back to golf carts is the safer option.
As a lad I was taught that when there are no sidewalks pedestrians should walk facing the traffic. As a senior I can't remember who taught me that. :)

[Laker14]

Yes, opinions on this vary. I can't seem to find any "official" guidance. Maybe the Villages HOA group could tackle this and find or produce a guideline for the MMPs and walking/bike paths. If an HOA rep is reading this how about bringing it up at a meeting?
After witnessing some close calls I have, on a rare occasion, suggested to people that they should walk facing the golf carts. A couple of them argued that I am wrong and got a little huffy so I discontinued offering safety advice. It befuddles me that someone can think that walking with your back to golf carts is the safer option.
As a lad I was taught that when there are no sidewalks pedestrians should walk facing the traffic. As a senior I can't remember who taught me that. :)

I'd love to hear anyone's reasoning why it's better to walk on the right. Not "I was told this".
I want to see what's coming, and make eye contact with the approaching bike, e-bike, or cart. I can tell if I've been noticed, or if the driver is distracted, or just plain doesn't care how close he/she comes to me. If I'm on the right, I have to trust the cart not to hit me, and I may not be able to hear the bike.

So, please, if you think I should be walking with the motorized traffic, or with the bike traffic, please explain how that makes me safer than against the traffic.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

i have my Youtube playlist wired right into my hearing aides. I wear a helmet so outside noise is muted. I'm typically singing along to the music. So if you're ringing your bell, I probably don't hear it.

The good news: I regularly check to each side and behind me to see if I'm going too slow or too fast for the rest of traffic and if so, I adjust accordingly.

The bad news: My cart can only go 20.5mph in the first place, which is the max speed for golf carts. So if you're trying to pass me, prepare to wait until i'm comfortable with slowing down for you. I'm going as fast as I'm legally allowed to go. I'd love to go faster but thi is as good as my club car will go.

ifyou're trying to pass me in your golfcart and I'm already going the legal max limit well you have some choicesl You could cross the road just so you can pass me. You couled bide your time behind me until we get to the interestions y0u wnt to drie=e, and then vrom vroomvrrrommm there ya go speededeomon. and I'll be te one laughing my butt off when yuou cant stop fast entough to avoid rear-ending a cop car

nope I'm not "that driver." but you are; and it entertains me to no end.

a lot of these speed demons don't wear seat belts either. I hope their insurance companies stick ittothem bidtime if theyre caugth being in an accident with no insurance.

[Oldragbagger]

This (link below) is a fairly common version of trail etiquette rules that you will find at almost any public trail. This would not apply to paths that have motorized vehicles on them such as multi modal paths. They may not be “laws” or even rules that apply to our paths here in TV as they are not stated or posted anywhere, but they do work the best in terms of safety when there is an orderly flow to traffic, everyone is doing the same thing, and everyone knows what to expect from others on the path. That being said, there is no reason to expect that people here would know them if they have never been public trail users since they aren’t posted anywhere here. The bottom line is that we are all, as individuals, responsible for our own safety and that of everyone we encounter on the trail. On pedestrian paths we cyclists are the “magilla gorilla” in any passing situation with a walker so the burden lies primarily with us. The tone of the original post suggests the OP doesn’t think the walker should have been on the trail because he didn’t hear well. That is quite a selfish position to take in light of this being a 55+ community. Probably all of us came here for the same reason, to be active and to live out and enjoy our retirement years in the best way possible. It is quite normal to expect people in our age group to have hearing and vision issues, slower reflexes, etc. I don’t remember being told that only those in perfect health were entitled to use the amenities. I have encountered people out enjoying the trail on their mobility scooters and in their wheelchairs. My first thought is always that it is so nice to see them out enjoying their beautiful environment. GOOD FOR THEM!!!
If riding fast without interruption is a primary goal maybe riding in the street and taking your chances with those same folks driving cars might be a good option for some. Or go take a spin class. As for me, I love those paths and will do whatever it takes to use them safely with anyone else I encounter even if it means I have to get off my bike and walk around someone.
https://www.thewashcycle.com/2017/08/dont-be-exclusive-leave-some-pavement-for-non-motored-bikes.html

TheWashCycle: Don’t Be Exclusive: Leave Some Pavement For Non-Motored Bikes (https://www.thewashcycle.com/2017/08/dont-be-exclusive-leave-some-pavement-for-non-motored-bikes.html)

[rrtjp]

I am confused, I always walk on the LEFT facing traffic, so I can see what is going on. Why would golf cart paths be any different?

We do the same, walk facing traffic and move further to the left if we can to allow the bike rider by. Are we wrong doing this?

[Laker14]

We do the same, walk facing traffic and move further to the left if we can to allow the bike rider by. Are we wrong doing this?

No you are not wrong. Until someone posts some reasons why it's better to walk on the right side of a path with motorized vehicles or bicycles, and you think those reasons make more sense than being able to see what's coming at you, keep doing what you're doing.
So far the only reason I've seen is "someone told us that's what we're supposed to do".

[Bill14564]

No you are not wrong. Until someone posts some reasons why it's better to walk on the right side of a path with motorized vehicles or bicycles, and you think those reasons make more sense than being able to see what's coming at you, keep doing what you're doing.
So far the only reason I've seen is "someone told us that's what we're supposed to do".

The reason it is better to walk on the right side of a walking/biking trail (NOT MMP) is predictability. It is always safer if others can predict what you are about to do.

Like it or not, in the US we walk to the right and pass to to the left. We do this in shopping malls, we do this in Disney, and we do this on sidewalks. The walking/biking trails are essentially sidewalks with a fancy name.

Walking to the right on walking/biking trails is predictable. Bicyclists "know" that you will be staying to the right and they need to move left to pass - exactly what they do every other place they ride. If you choose to walk on the left then the cyclists has to guess whether that was intentional or whether you are about to dart to the right where you should have been in the first place. You become unpredictable which causes problems.

The same logic applies to walking on the left when motor vehicles (cars, golf carts, motorcycles) are involved. On roads and on the MMPs the drivers of those vehicles anticipate that you will be walking on the left and bicycling on the right. To do anything else causes the vehicle drivers to wonder what you are about to do and makes things more dangerous.

When I am in my car and come up on someone walking on the right side of the road it concerns me because they obviously are not paying attention and I don't know what they are about to do.

When I am in my car and I come up on someone riding towards me on their left side of the road it concerns me because they obviously aren't following the common rules and I don't know what they are about to do.

When I am biking and come up on someone walking towards me on their left side of the path (sidewalk, not MMP) it concerns me because I don't know what they are about to do.

Being predictable is safe. Doing things your own way because the rules don't matter or you know better than the rules makes things less safe.

[Oldragbagger]

The reason it is better to walk on the right side of a walking/biking trail (NOT MMP) is predictability. It is always safer if others can predict what you are about to do.

Exactly!

[Laker14]

The reason it is better to walk on the right side of a walking/biking trail (NOT MMP) is predictability. It is always safer if others can predict what you are about to do.

Like it or not, in the US we walk to the right and pass to to the left. We do this in shopping malls, we do this in Disney, and we do this on sidewalks. The walking/biking trails are essentially sidewalks with a fancy name.

Walking to the right on walking/biking trails is predictable. Bicyclists "know" that you will be staying to the right and they need to move left to pass - exactly what they do every other place they ride. If you choose to walk on the left then the cyclists has to guess whether that was intentional or whether you are about to dart to the right where you should have been in the first place. You become unpredictable which causes problems.

The same logic applies to walking on the left when motor vehicles (cars, golf carts, motorcycles) are involved. On roads and on the MMPs the drivers of those vehicles anticipate that you will be walking on the left and bicycling on the right. To do anything else causes the vehicle drivers to wonder what you are about to do and makes things more dangerous.

When I am in my car and come up on someone walking on the right side of the road it concerns me because they obviously are not paying attention and I don't know what they are about to do.

When I am in my car and I come up on someone riding towards me on their left side of the road it concerns me because they obviously aren't following the common rules and I don't know what they are about to do.

When I am biking and come up on someone walking towards me on their left side of the path (sidewalk, not MMP) it concerns me because I don't know what they are about to do.

Being predictable is safe. Doing things your own way because the rules don't matter or you know better than the rules makes things less safe.


Basically your argument comes down to, "if you follow the rules, I'll assume you know what you are doing, and so I can accurately predict what you will do, because you know the rules".. I think it's a circular argument.

If I'm on my bike, or my golf cart, or my car, and a pedestrian is in front of me, with back turned, walking in the same direction as I am traveling, and in my lane, I have no reason to think I know what they are going to do. I have no reason to be sure they even know of my presence. They may be deaf, they may have ear buds in, or on the phone.
On the other hand, if they are facing me, I can tell if they have seen me or not. We can make eye contact. They can see me slow down, veer away from them, wave hello. It removes all guesswork. Well, most of the guesswork.

I simply don't see how you can feel that a pedestrian with his back turned to you, provides a greater degree of predictability than someone who is looking at you.