Walkers (in the dark)

[Full-timer]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.

[Bill14564]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.

If someone cannot see a light pole or a concrete wall then a small patch of reflective material is not going to make any difference at all.

If I was going to walk some distance on an unlit road then I might carry a light but here I am walking on a sidewalk or an MMP with street lights all around me.

Of course, carrying a light or wearing reflective clothing will make you more visible and *should* make you more safe. But there is also something to be said for personal responsibility. Trust me, I am awake when I walk and I'm smart enough to pay attention to the traffic around me. I will stay out of the path of your car as long as you keep your car off the sidewalk.

[golfing eagles]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.

Darwin Award nominees:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Arctic Fox]

Walk facing traffic (i.e. walk on the left side of the road) and be prepared to get off the road if the approaching vehicle isn't pulling out to pass you

[LuvNH]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.



This is a subject that has been raised many times on this board and nothing changes. From my personal perspective, the best color to wear if you walk in the dark is one of the electric orange or lemon yellow shades tghagt seem to show very well at night.

[ThirdOfFive]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.
Good point. Things are dicey enough even for those who walk at high noon.

I do a lot of walking but avoid walking after sundown. Some time back I misjudged the time and was faced with walking two miles back home in the dark. I stuck to the MMP but took to the ditch (dry time of year) when one was approaching from the front or back. Worked pretty well; my eyes were adjusted to the dark so I could see, vaguely, where I was walking, but I did step on something that wriggled under my foot and jumped sideways right quick. Never did see what it was.

[fishon]

Villagers have proven every day that they aren’t smart enough to do the right thing.
They walk on the wrong side of the road, fail to wear reflective clothing, walk in the cart lane and follow their dog back and forth across the road.
If it weren’t for all the doddering old people The Villages would be a paradise.

[Stu from NYC]

Walk facing traffic (i.e. walk on the left side of the road) and be prepared to get off the road if the approaching vehicle isn't pulling out to pass you

That is what I do.

[vintageogauge]

I've never heard of a walker getting injured by a car around here when it was dark. Parking lots during the daytime seem to be the place for pedestrian injuries.

[ThirdOfFive]

Villagers have proven every day that they aren’t smart enough to do the right thing.
They walk on the wrong side of the road, fail to wear reflective clothing, walk in the cart lane and follow their dog back and forth across the road.
If it weren’t for all the doddering old people The Villages would be a paradise.
The "doddering old people" I can understand if not necessarily approve of. But just about all the dodderers aren't out walking at all, especially after dark. They ARE a danger in a golf cart but that is independent of the time of day.

No. It isn't the dodderers. It is the younger people, seniors as well as non-seniors, people with the majority of their marbles still intact, but who are so far sunk into obstinacy or abject denial to think they can handle things with skills and reactions that Father Time has robbed them of years--perhaps decades--earlier.

People need to face up to reality. And if there is one place in the good old USofA where facing up to reality is NOT a common virtue, it is The Villages.

[dnobles]

There’s a man in my area who wears all black and is on his phone. I have said something to him at least 10 times to no avail. One morning he was standing in the middle of the street with his back to traffic on his phone. I was told he’s reading the Bible. We ride our bikes at 5:30 am. He’s going to need the Bible if he gets hit by a car. He’s 79 years old and is clueless to anyone being around him. This morning I could barely see him. I’ve thought about asking community watch to speak to him, but they probably can’t. I don’t want to see him hurt or killed. And I certainly don’t want to be the one to hit him. His neighbor said something to him and for a while he wore white, now he’s back to all black.

[Bogie Shooter]

Saw this in District Bulletin.
Community Watch Stresses the Importance of Safety in the Dark
Community Watch would like to remind everyone of the importance of being seen at night and in the early morning hours. Community Watch Patrol Drivers see many residents outdoors at night and early in the morning getting their walking, jogging and bicycling done while it’s cooler. Many residents also use the hours before sunrise or after sunset to walk their dogs. Many of these dog walkers, joggers and bicyclists are often wearing dark clothing with no reflective apparel. Unfortunately, this makes it very difficult to see them — especially with foggy or rainy weather.
We, at Community Watch, along with our friends at The Villages Public Safety Department, encourage healthy outdoor activities but want to stress the importance of doing them safely. To help achieve that, Community Watch is continuing its complimentary reflective slap band campaign and Patrol Drivers will be handing out the reflective bands pictured below. The slap bands can be worn on your wrists or ankles and will help drivers see you in the darkness.

Reflective slap bands can also be picked up at the following locations Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM:
• The District Customer Service Center at 984 Old Mill Run, The Villages, FL.
• The District Customer Service Satellite Office at 4856 South Morse Blvd.,

[starflyte1]

If someone cannot see a light pole or a concrete wall then a small patch of reflective material is not going to make any difference at all.

If I was going to walk some distance on an unlit road then I might carry a light but here I am walking on a sidewalk or an MMP with street lights all around me.

Of course, carrying a light or wearing reflective clothing will make you more visible and *should* make you more safe. But there is also something to be said for personal responsibility. Trust me, I am awake when I walk and I'm smart enough to pay attention to the traffic around me. I will stay out of the path of your car as long as you keep your car off the sidewalk.



We don't have sidwalks around where I live. People walk in the street and wear dark cloths, making them very hard to see. And please don't tell me I shouldn't be driving. I have a perfect record and 20/20 vision.

[mikreb]

Turn the flashlight app on your cell phone and carry it in your hand.

[kidnerkim]

Totally agree! Also walk facing traffic not with your back to it. Check out lighted LED vest on Amazon-runners vest. Mine flashes & changes lights. I feel much safer!

[Worldseries27]

good point. Things are dicey enough even for those who walk at high noon.

I do a lot of walking but avoid walking after sundown. Some time back i misjudged the time and was faced with walking two miles back home in the dark. I stuck to the mmp but took to the ditch (dry time of year) when one was approaching from the front or back. Worked pretty well; my eyes were adjusted to the dark so i could see, vaguely, where i was walking, but i did step on something that wriggled under my foot and jumped sideways right quick. Never did see what it was.
i've seen many 2am to 6am walkers on the paths oblivious to the fact that there is dangerous wildlife out there especially in the southern areas of tv.

[bobeaston]

I've never heard of a walker getting injured by a car around here when it was dark. ....
While not inside The Villages, just outside on Rolling Acres Road, a couple was run down after dark by a hit-and-run driver just a few months ago. One was killed, the other critically injured. The news reports did not say if they were walking facing traffic, were carrying lights, or wearing reflective clothing. I'd bet not. We do know from the reports that they were off the side of the road, not on it. Whoever hit them had to swerve to do it, and they obviously didn't see in time to jump out of the way.

Lights and reflective clothing is your choice, but ALWAYS walk facing traffic, and stay alert.

--- In memory of boyhood friend Ralph, who never saw the car that mowed him down. ---

[PersonOfInterest]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.

Thank you for your concern for me, but you needn't worry. I will take a sweater in case I get cold.

[Blackbird45]

As a born New Yorker, I think most of this post are confusing the legal things you should do to protect yourself with whatever you should really do. In NYC you always keep a watchful eye for people around you. Here in TV no one intentionally is out to do you harm, but at our advanced age some sight, hearing and response time is not what it used to be. If you're going to walk out in the dark strap a big neon sign on your back if you can. Being in the right doesn't amount to anything if you find yourself in the hospital or worse.

[MandoMan]

If someone cannot see a light pole or a concrete wall then a small patch of reflective material is not going to make any difference at all.

If I was going to walk some distance on an unlit road then I might carry a light but here I am walking on a sidewalk or an MMP with street lights all around me.

Of course, carrying a light or wearing reflective clothing will make you more visible and *should* make you more safe. But there is also something to be said for personal responsibility. Trust me, I am awake when I walk and I'm smart enough to pay attention to the traffic around me. I will stay out of the path of your car as long as you keep your car off the sidewalk.

You can say that, but it’s so much better to play it safe. A couple weeks ago a bicycle rider in dark clothes without a light nearly ran into my car as I pulled up to a stop sign. He was making a left turn and drove through my lane. I’ve also had that happen in the day a couple times in the past few months, but it’s worse at nice. Last night I drove past a couple walking on a street without a sidewalk. They carried little red lights, and that was a big help. With low beam headlights, people don’t show up very well. A big thanks to you bike riders who use strobe lights even in the day. I can see you several blocks away. That makes you so much safer!

[me4vt]

Villagers have proven every day that they aren’t smart enough to do the right thing.
They walk on the wrong side of the road, fail to wear reflective clothing, walk in the cart lane and follow their dog back and forth across the road.
If it weren’t for all the doddering old people The Villages would be a paradise.
If it weren’t for the old farts, there wouldn’t be a Villages;) Before long the “Pandemicors” will want charge of the Villages!

[Sjchandler1211]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.

You had me until your last snarky sentence. Do you really think you need to speak to people like that?

[buster21]

Two words…. SLOW DOWN!!!!

[GpaVader]

In addition to the clothing are people that walk with ear buds or headphones, which affect their ability to hear around them. Took a safety class and that was one of the biggest issues. People tuned out to their surroundings and or having their face in their phone.

Please pay attention to your surroundings as well as making sure you can be seen.

[HospitalCoder]

OLIKER LED Night Running Gear High Visibility LED Flashing Sash Outdoor Running Cycling Hiking Jogging Rechargeable Illuminating Gear for Men and Women Night Safety Walking Gear https://a.co/d/7gjuTL2

I recently realized I was not as visible as I would like to be at night so I purchased this sash. It will blink rapidly or solid. I highly recommend it or something similar.

[Fastskiguy]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.

I've taken to yelling "Darkwad" in situations like this. If it works on the playa it can work in The Villages.

Urban Dictionary: Darkwad (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Darkwad)

I can't agree with you more, It is surprising how common this incredible dangerous behavior is.

Joe

[JWGifford]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.
Its all just simple risk management. Nothing is fool proof but one can take steps to reduce the likelihood of an incident or injury. Wear bright colors, something reflective perhaps, have a light, walk towards traffic, wait until daylight, stick to walking paths, etc. Or don't.... its a free country.

[talonip]

Villagers have proven every day that they aren’t smart enough to do the right thing.
They walk on the wrong side of the road, fail to wear reflective clothing, walk in the cart lane and follow their dog back and forth across the road.
If it weren’t for all the doddering old people The Villages would be a paradise.
I take offense to your post. The cart paths are multimodal and walkers can walk on them. It’s not only old people. I live in St. John’s and daily on walks I see cars going 50 on okuhumka. Mostly women and younger. I have walked the villages for 9 years and for the most part it is safe and friendly but occasionally it’s beyond the pale. The discourtesy is amazing. Case in point and my new pet peeve is cars on meggison approaching the okuhumka round about from the south. I was coming from the north and continue around to Okahumka. I see cars approaching the round a bout at high speed and looking as if they are not going to give the right away to me in the round about and almost have to stop. When I don’t they honk at me. Vehicle in the round a bout have the right away. They approaching the round a bout at the speed of sound. Wtf?

[cwhitecat]

It is not a cart lane it is a multi modal lane, that is where they are supposed to walk.

[CosmicTrucker]

Now you surely don't expect me to wear something light and flashy while I'm out late sneaking around my neighbors yards letting my precious little puppy dog poop in their yards or along a sidewalk now do ya? What fun would that be if I couldn't get over on everyone?

[fishon]

“Originally Posted by vintageogauge View Post
I've never heard of a walker getting injured by a car around here when it was dark. ....“

In bright daylight a woman was walking in the cart lane to be abreast of her friends on the sidewalk was hit by a cart. Her head hit the curb. She died.

In my Village all feeder roads have cart lanes and a sidewalk.
Older Villages often only have cart lanes.

In Florida pedestrians must use the sidewalk if one is present, regardless of the direction the pedestrian is traveling.

[Maybelle]

We don't have sidwalks around where I live. People walk in the street and wear dark cloths, making them very hard to see. And please don't tell me I shouldn't be driving. I have a perfect record and 20/20 vision.

I don't believe anyone mentioned you or your driving record. Whether you should be driving or not.

[sjeffries]

Where? Which road? Which path?

[vinnytalk]

They should drive to a main road where there are sidewalks and than walk

[Dgodin]

Community Watch gave my wife and I both reflective wrist bands which help out considerably.

[srswans]

Happy …

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

…

When I’m driving or cycling, I’ll slow down a bit and give a wide berth to pedestrians. I can’t do this if I can’t see you. Please have a light of some sort when walking after dark.

Also, I really don’t want to get hurt running into a pedestrian and I wouldn’t want to scratch my car either.

[Pachine58]

These cars need to slow down. Plus there are so many people who should never be behind the wheel of a car. I walk at night with vest and flashlight and almost get hit by crazy drivers in cars and golf carts.

[Matzy]

Summary: If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you never would grow. Am I right…. Or maybe not?

[jimjamuser]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.
I agree with everything in this post and it is a GREAT subject that has been NOT discussed enough in this forum. I would like to ADD a few things. I have also seen a lot of bicycles and e-Bikes that are driven at dusk by riders wearing all BLACK clothing and NO flashing red light on the rear. My opinion is that around here it is like having a DEATH WISH.

Personally, I always walk around these side streets FACING traffic and I always step off onto the grass when a car goes by. Also, I always walk single file, NEVER 2 abreast. At night or at dusk I wear either a white shirt or a yellow vest and carry a flashlight. Actually, it is good to have a flashlight at night for another reason - watch where you walk at night because Florida has many rattlesnakes and on a cold day they will coil up in a circle (for warmth) right in the middle of a walking path in the day OR the night. They resemble a greenish-brown cow pie when curled up.

[jimjamuser]

Villagers have proven every day that they aren’t smart enough to do the right thing.
They walk on the wrong side of the road, fail to wear reflective clothing, walk in the cart lane and follow their dog back and forth across the road.
If it weren’t for all the doddering old people The Villages would be a paradise.
That and a few other reasons.............

[jimjamuser]

i've seen many 2am to 6am walkers on the paths oblivious to the fact that there is dangerous wildlife out there especially in the southern areas of tv.
Just to underscore that good point. Alligators are active nocturnal, dangerous, and unpredictable tiny-brained prehistoric creatures. They can run at up to 40 MPH if they choose, but humans are not quite so fast. Humans would have to climb a tree or some other structure to avoid a charge. Maybe bear spray or a taser MIGHT (?) stop them.

[jimjamuser]

I take offense to your post. The cart paths are multimodal and walkers can walk on them. It’s not only old people. I live in St. John’s and daily on walks I see cars going 50 on okuhumka. Mostly women and younger. I have walked the villages for 9 years and for the most part it is safe and friendly but occasionally it’s beyond the pale. The discourtesy is amazing. Case in point and my new pet peeve is cars on meggison approaching the okuhumka round about from the south. I was coming from the north and continue around to Okahumka. I see cars approaching the round a bout at high speed and looking as if they are not going to give the right away to me in the round about and almost have to stop. When I don’t they honk at me. Vehicle in the round a bout have the right away. They approaching the round a bout at the speed of sound. Wtf?
That last part about speeding was discussed on yesterday's TOTV. Also distracted driving and if those bad driving habits are increasing and WHY. That does melt in with this subject and posts.

[Worldseries27]

just to underscore that good point. Alligators are active nocturnal, dangerous, and unpredictable tiny-brained prehistoric creatures. They can run at up to 40 mph if they choose, but humans are not quite so fast. Humans would have to climb a tree or some other structure to avoid a charge. Maybe bear spray or a taser might (?) stop them.
a local trapper told me to especially watch for alligator activity in the land between 2 ponds. They migrate from pond to pond so be extra careful about your whereabouts, please.

[Babubhat]

And why are they walking in the golf cart lanes at night?

[Carlsondm]

There’s a man in my area who wears all black and is on his phone. I have said something to him at least 10 times to no avail. One morning he was standing in the middle of the street with his back to traffic on his phone. I was told he’s reading the Bible. We ride our bikes at 5:30 am. He’s going to need the Bible if he gets hit by a car. He’s 79 years old and is clueless to anyone being around him. This morning I could barely see him. I’ve thought about asking community watch to speak to him, but they probably can’t. I don’t want to see him hurt or killed. And I certainly don’t want to be the one to hit him. His neighbor said something to him and for a while he wore white, now he’s back to all black.
Tell community watch about the gentleman. Many are nice and caring. They gave late walkers reflective wrist bands the other day.
We don't want TV road rage!

[psjordan]

And why are they walking in the golf cart lanes at night?
Usually because, if available, the concrete sidewalk is 10x harder than asphalt. This is why most dedicated walkers and/or runners prefer asphalt, especially those with chronic stress fracture issues. I 100% agree with the safety issues brought up in the thread if a walker/runner is on the road or cart paths. You need to be 1000% sure you can be seen, the farther away the better.

[jimjamuser]

Usually because, if available, the concrete sidewalk is 10x harder than asphalt. This is why most dedicated walkers and/or runners prefer asphalt, especially those with chronic stress fracture issues. I 100% agree with the safety issues brought up in the thread if a walker/runner is on the road or cart paths. You need to be 1000% sure you can be seen, the farther away the better.
Good point. I only jog on sand, grass, clay, wood, or rubberized surfaces. I try not to jog right next to roads where cars and carts are exhausting fumes. I scratch my head when I see runners or even walkers on busy streets. They are strengthening their muscles, but are they improving their lung function or doing more harm than good? I wonder if a running magazine ever did a longitudinal medical study on that idea? Jogging on concrete sidewalks would surely be bad for the ankles and lower legs of seniors.

[DAVES]

This is a subject that has been raised many times on this board and nothing changes. From my personal perspective, the best color to wear if you walk in the dark is one of the electric orange or lemon yellow shades tghagt seem to show very well at night.

Endlessly posted. Will it get through sadly not to all. From the posts, you can pick out who thinks they are right EVEN IF THEY ARE WRONG. Trying to reason with such people is a waste of time.

[DAVES]

Usually because, if available, the concrete sidewalk is 10x harder than asphalt. This is why most dedicated walkers and/or runners prefer asphalt, especially those with chronic stress fracture issues. I 100% agree with the safety issues brought up in the thread if a walker/runner is on the road or cart paths. You need to be 1000% sure you can be seen, the farther away the better.

I resorted to look it up. Concrete is harder than asphalt. MATH????????????

[Pairadocs]

Totally agree! Also walk facing traffic not with your back to it. Check out lighted LED vest on Amazon-runners vest. Mine flashes & changes lights. I feel much safer!

Very nice, a good idea ! We got some really inexpensive "flashers" at the market of Marion... the type that can be snapped on to most anything, a back pocket, belt, waist line, hat or cap, vest, and can snap one on front and back if you wish...as I said, really inexpensive and have 4 different patterns of the flashing... but I really like your Amazon vest idea ! :mademyday:

[Larchap49]

Happy for all the folks that are out early in the am or late evening walking, with or without dogs and getting some exercise.

Here is the thing. If it is dark, (or close to dark), why are some of you wearing dark clothing and or no reflective clothing and no lights of any kind?

You do understand the same people that wipe out light poles and drive through concrete walls are some of the same people driving in the dark right?

Remember, while walking it has nothing to do with how well YOU see while walking. It is about what everyone else doesn't see.

Wake up people. Smarten up a little.

So true, stop and think about how many people here are in some stage of glaucoma and or cataracts or just plain old night blindness. Also if there is a sidewalk use it and not the road, and walk facing traffic like your mother taught you 50 years ago

[kingofbeer]

Totally agree! Also walk facing traffic not with your back to it. Check out lighted LED vest on Amazon-runners vest. Mine flashes & changes lights. I feel much safer!
I was walking in the dark the other night. A community watch vehicle drove by and offered me a reflective wrist band which I accepted and starting wearing.

[ThirdOfFive]

Another thing to be aware of: disoriented walkers. Awhile back I encountered a cop while on my walk along the MMP that intersects Buenos Aires. Apparently an ambulatory resident had absconded from Freedom point and the police were out looking for him, giving me a brief description. I hadn't seen him but told the cop I'd be on the lookout and call 911 if I encountered him. Apparently it's not a common occurrence but it DOES happen.

Depending on the degree of mental deterioration these people can be a real danger to themselves especially in heavy traffic.

[jimjamuser]

Another thing to be aware of: disoriented walkers. Awhile back I encountered a cop while on my walk along the MMP that intersects Buenos Aires. Apparently an ambulatory resident had absconded from Freedom point and the police were out looking for him, giving me a brief description. I hadn't seen him but told the cop I'd be on the lookout and call 911 if I encountered him. Apparently it's not a common occurrence but it DOES happen.

Depending on the degree of mental deterioration these people can be a real danger to themselves especially in heavy traffic.
Yes, in about 2 or 3 years, they will be chasing me around with a BIG net.
........Sorry, I could NOT resist.....and the scary thing is, it might turn out to be true.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have this:

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/High-Visibility-Safety-Vests-Reflective/dp/B08DK1LBFQ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1)

I wear it whenever I ride my bicycle, during the day (I don't ride my bike at night). We don't have sidewalks in our neighborhood, but we do have front lawns. If I see a car coming I just take a step onto the front lawn of whoever's house I'm passing, or step into their driveway. No need for a safety vest. If they're not paying attention to the road itself and veering off onto peoples' lawns, it won't matter if I'm lit up like a christmas tree or not.

[jimjamuser]

I have this:

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/High-Visibility-Safety-Vests-Reflective/dp/B08DK1LBFQ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1)

I wear it whenever I ride my bicycle, during the day (I don't ride my bike at night). We don't have sidewalks in our neighborhood, but we do have front lawns. If I see a car coming I just take a step onto the front lawn of whoever's house I'm passing, or step into their driveway. No need for a safety vest. If they're not paying attention to the road itself and veering off onto peoples' lawns, it won't matter if I'm lit up like a christmas tree or not.
Nice reasonably priced vest. I walk the same way and will be glad to step left onto the grass. I think that some people won"t step left because they think that they are playing a game of "chicken" with the oncoming vehicles and expect to have the vehicles move out of their way. Unfortunately, if the street is narrow, that leaves the vehicle exposed partially in the middle of that road. I wonder what is going on in the minds of people walking 2 abreast with traffic and wearing dark clothes. Do they have a death wish or just want to defy FATE?
.........I even prefer to walk or run at a track or around some softball fields because then I am breathing LESS exhoust fumes and the surface is easier on the knees and shins.

[Full-timer]

You had me until your last snarky sentence. Do you really think you need to speak to people like that?
Yeah, I do. Is it the truth or not? The fact it has to be said over and over to older people is a shame.