Bicycle etiquette

[Normal]

Recently I was enjoying the daily walking of my dog on his short leash along the multimodal path. Abruptly a bicycle whizzed past and my dog went crazy as we were both passed by a bike coming from the rear. Usually I hear a bell or “passing on your right/left” when a bike approaches from behind us. Instead I heard a post incident expression of “What the fire truck?” I recognized the emotionally charged reaction and went on about my business.

I would like to ask people, if they were maturely inclined, to try to recognize situations they place themselves in when they enjoy our beautiful Villages. Personally if I purchased a bike, I would certainly buy a helmet and bell before using the equipment. Hopefully whoever was involved doesn’t hurt themselves or someone else in the future.

[JohnN]

The rule is to walk facing the wheeled traffic (bikes, carts, etc) to avoid surprising from-the-rear incidents.
Regardless, sorry that happened , to you and your dog.

[ThirdOfFive]

The rule is to walk facing the wheeled traffic (bikes, carts, etc) to avoid surprising from-the-rear incidents.
Regardless, sorry that happened , to you and your dog.
True. A lot of people don't seem to know that.

[kansasr]

Recently I was enjoying the daily walking of my dog on his short leash along the multimodal path. Abruptly a bicycle whizzed past and my dog went crazy as we were both passed by a bike coming from the rear. Usually I hear a bell or “passing on your right/left” when a bike approaches from behind us. Instead I heard a post incident expression of “What the fire truck?” I recognized the emotionally charged reaction and went on about my business.

I would like to ask people, if they were maturely inclined, to try to recognize situations they place themselves in when they enjoy our beautiful Villages. Personally if I purchased a bike, I would certainly buy a helmet and bell before using the equipment. Hopefully whoever was involved doesn’t hurt themselves or someone else in the future.

If only there was some direction I could walk where I would be facing oncoming traffic.......

[tophcfa]

Speaking of Bicycle etiquette, bikes riding on the MMP’s need to have rear view mirrors, be aware of golf carts stuck behind them, and slow down, pull over, and waive golf carts by to pass them. It can be painful trying to travel long distances on the paths going parallel to Buena Vista and Morse that get clogged up by bike riders not allowing carts to pass. This often causes frustrated golf cart drivers to take unnecessary risks and creates dangerous situations that should be avoidable.

[Two Bills]

Bicycle etiquette. Is that an oxymoron? :duck:

[Bill14564]

Speaking of Bicycle etiquette, bikes riding on the MMP’s need to have rear view mirrors, be aware of golf carts stuck behind them, and slow down, pull over, and waive golf carts by to pass them. It can be painful trying to travel long distances on the paths going parallel to Buena Vista and Morse that get clogged up by bike riders not allowing carts to pass. This often causes frustrated golf cart drivers to take unnecessary risks and creates dangerous situations that should be avoidable.

Bicycles stay to the right and maintain speed, golf carts pass on the left when safe to do so. Passed two singles and one group of five just this morning using that technique.

If the bicycles are riding in the center of the trail or across the entire trail then they need to correct that.

If the golf cart driver is getting impatient and passing on turns, going up hill, or without a safe distance then they need to correct that. (saw two carts passing going up a hill leading from a tunnel; no way they could see if another cart was coming towards them)

[shut the front door]

If you are walking on the proper side of the MM, no vehicle or bicycle could sneak up on you and surprise you.
If you aren't walking on the proper side, whatever happens is basically your fault.

[dhdallas]

If only there was some direction I could walk where I would be facing oncoming traffic.......

Duh, that would be the LEFT side of the path.

[Gpsma]

Bicycle etiquette. Is that an oxymoron? :duck:

As long as they wear a collared shirt its proper etiquette.

[tvbound]

A timely thread, given what happened to me a couple of days ago.

A single and a double bicyclist traveling toward LSL in the cart/bike lane, merged into the road long before the normal merging area and with plenty of time for me to pass them, just so they could stay ahead of me.

Not only was I then stuck behind them (I wasn't going to go into the the opposing lane to pass them, which could have been done) before the four-way stop coming up. I quickly/soon figured out why they basically cut me off though. The reason being that they had no intention of stopping at the stop sign, which I would have done ahead of them, then they proceeded to blow right through the 4-way stop without even slowing down - while I stopped at the sign as required.

Basically, they cut in front of me so they wouldn't be inconvenienced by following the law...and observing the stop sign.

[Battlebasset]

Cyclists have the same rights and right to the road as automobiles, which I suppose is why you see them on roads in and out of the Villages that are posted for well over the speed they can maintain.

That said, my response when I see them doing something crazy, like blowing stop signs, or using the traffic circles is "Yes, you have the same right to the road as an automobile. However, that will be cold comfort when the paramedics are digging you out of someone's Ford F-150 grill".

Just because you can do something, it doesn't always mean it is wise to do it.

[Cobullymom]

True. A lot of people don't seem to know that.
People go both ways on all the paths, just how would you accomplish this?

[Get real]

People go both ways on all the paths, just how would you accomplish this?

The LGBTQ folks will be glad to hear that. :22yikes:

[srswans]

The rule is to walk facing the wheeled traffic (bikes, carts, etc) to avoid surprising from-the-rear incidents.
Regardless, sorry that happened , to you and your dog.

Walk facing motorized traffic (not wheeled traffic).

[JGibson]

It's the developer's fault for making the MMP so narrow.

You shouldn't have to go into the oncoming lane to pass anything, it wasn't necessary and could’ve been remedied by making a wider MMP.

There was no real
reason for this other than save money.

So now we have weekly MMP threads explaining the juggling act of trying to accommodate carts, walkers, dogs, 3-wheel bikes, joggers, and couples who walk side by side and have to hold hands down the MMP.

This topic will go down as the most talked about topic ever on TOTV dog poop would be a close second.

[srswans]

Recently I was enjoying the daily walking of my dog on his short leash along the multimodal path. Abruptly a bicycle whizzed past and my dog went crazy as we were both passed by a bike coming from the rear. Usually I hear a bell or “passing on your right/left” when a bike approaches from behind us. Instead I heard a post incident expression of “What the fire truck?” I recognized the emotionally charged reaction and went on about my business.

I would like to ask people, if they were maturely inclined, to try to recognize situations they place themselves in when they enjoy our beautiful Villages. Personally if I purchased a bike, I would certainly buy a helmet and bell before using the equipment. Hopefully whoever was involved doesn’t hurt themselves or someone else in the future.

Sorry this happened to you.

In my experience, most cyclists do ring a bell or at least announce.

But humans are humans so this kinda stuff will happen. I almost rear-ended a cart whose driver stopped in a circle to yield to a cart entering the circle. While walking, my wife was nearly hit by a jogger entering the pathway.

TV population is at it’s peak right now so the risk is higher.

Be safe out there.

[Hendrick22]

Duh, when you are walking on a walk path (no carts), bikes come in both directions.
Walk around the pond at Everglades, bikes come both directions.

[Romad]

Speaking of Bicycle etiquette, bikes riding on the MMP’s need to have rear view mirrors, be aware of golf carts stuck behind them, and slow down, pull over, and waive golf carts by to pass them. It can be painful trying to travel long distances on the paths going parallel to Buena Vista and Morse that get clogged up by bike riders not allowing carts to pass. This often causes frustrated golf cart drivers to take unnecessary risks and creates dangerous situations that should be avoidable.

Well said, and I’m a bike rider. I’ve seen far too many inconsiderate bikers that give everyone a bad reputation.

[Davonu]

Walk facing motorized traffic (not wheeled traffic).
Since motorized traffic and wheeled traffic use the same side of the path, how exactly do you accomplish that?

[dougjb]

golf carts, bicycles, and pedestrians all could do with a little bit more courtesy. I cannot tell you how many time I have been walking on the MMP (facing oncoming traffic and to the left of the path) when a golf cart has passed me with inches to spare. This has even happened when there was no oncoming traffic that the cart was facing.

There is a resident in our neighborhood who walks his dog by driving down the wrong side of the street in her cart with a long leash so the dog runs on the opposite side of the street.

Bikes never seem to stop at stop signs. On the MMP's the bikes I have seen are pretty courteous and are pulled over to the right side of the road so they can be passed by carts. But, when I am in a cart, I try to observe a three foot rule so at to accommodate a biker who may hit a rock or a bump in the road and lose control. I'd rather be safe than try to pick up a broken body due to passing too close.

We all should just be a bit more courteous...pedestrians, bikers, golf carters. There is no right to say we must get there quicker. It is traffic and we need to be kind to each other.

[rickaslin]

Recently I was enjoying the daily walking of my dog on his short leash along the multimodal path. Abruptly a bicycle whizzed past and my dog went crazy as we were both passed by a bike coming from the rear. Usually I hear a bell or “passing on your right/left” when a bike approaches from behind us. Instead I heard a post incident expression of “What the fire truck?” I recognized the emotionally charged reaction and went on about my business.

I would like to ask people, if they were maturely inclined, to try to recognize situations they place themselves in when they enjoy our beautiful Villages. Personally if I purchased a bike, I would certainly buy a helmet and bell before using the equipment. Hopefully whoever was involved doesn’t hurt themselves or someone else in the future.

Just think if you were walking facing traffic you would have seen bike oming!!

[NoMo50]

How often do you see walkers on the paths with earbuds in place? Grooving to tunes and oblivious to everything around them. What could go wrong?

[JMintzer]

Since motorized traffic and wheeled traffic use the same side of the path, how exactly do you accomplish that?

It's not that hard to do... Just stay to the far left, at all times...

[kendi]

Since motorized traffic and wheeled traffic use the same side of the path, how exactly do you accomplish that?

There are paths in the South that only allow walkers and bikers (wheeled). Both use the right of the path. No golf carts(motorized)

[Bay Kid]

Always walk facing traffic. Just common sense. These paths are high traffic. I wouldn't on them to walk unless I had no other choice.

[airstreamingypsy]

Here's the thing. When I'm walking my dog, or dogs, it's on a 5 foot leash. That means the dog can swing out 5 feet wide, on the side. If you are coming up silently behind me on a bike, there's a change you could get tangled in the leash. If I know you are coming, I will hold the dog next to me. Ring the bell, keep us all safe.

[DrHitch]

This thread has gotten "muddy".

Let's separate the problems of bicycles, golf carts, and pedestrians on the MULTI-MODAL pathways versus same on STREETS...

CLEARLY, bicyclists on multi modal paths need to give an announcement (verbal/bell) and then pass LEFT of the walker....you do NOT walk facing oncoming traffic except on streets.

[Bill14564]

Here's the thing. When I'm walking my dog, or dogs, it's on a 5 foot leash. That means the dog can swing out 5 feet wide, on the side. If you are coming up silently behind me on a bike, there's a change you could get tangled in the leash. If I know you are coming, I will hold the dog next to me. Ring the bell, keep us all safe.

If you walk on the left edge of the MMP, facing oncoming traffic, then you will see any bikes coming close to you. Bikes "coming up silently behind" are on the other side of the path. If you allow your dog to play in the street then who is to blame if your dog gets hit? If you allow your dog to walk seven feet onto the path (5 ft of leash plus 2ft of you) then why are you not to blame if your dog gets hit or the leash gets tangled?

[DrHitch]

Always walk facing traffic. Just common sense. These paths are high traffic. I wouldn't on them to walk unless I had no other choice.

Sorry to disagree...that applies to streets, not the multi-modal paths.

[Regorp]

Speaking of Bicycle etiquette, bikes riding on the MMP’s need to have rear view mirrors, be aware of golf carts stuck behind them, and slow down, pull over, and waive golf carts by to pass them. It can be painful trying to travel long distances on the paths going parallel to Buena Vista and Morse that get clogged up by bike riders not allowing carts to pass. This often causes frustrated golf cart drivers to take unnecessary risks and creates dangerous situations that should be avoidable.

If I stopped to let a golf cart pass while biking, I would not ride very much. Everyone should respect everyone's right to use any path equally. Pass when safe.

[HJBeck]

One does have to member its called a MMP. They have a right to be there. If you don't want surprises walk on the other side of the path so you can see what's coming.

[Bill14564]

Sorry to disagree...that applies to streets, not the multi-modal paths.

It applies to anywhere you don't want to be hit by a motor vehicle. It is important to me to see what is approaching on the side of the MMP I am walking on - I walk on the left facing motor vehicle traffic.

[threeonemiles@outlook.com]

Duh, that would be the LEFT side of the path.
I believe he was being facetious.

[OhioBuckeye]

You’re exactly right!!!

[NJRICHARD]

Speaking of Bicycle etiquette, bikes riding on the MMP’s need to have rear view mirrors, be aware of golf carts stuck behind them, and slow down, pull over, and waive golf carts by to pass them. It can be painful trying to travel long distances on the paths going parallel to Buena Vista and Morse that get clogged up by bike riders not allowing carts to pass. This often causes frustrated golf cart drivers to take unnecessary risks and creates dangerous situations that should be avoidable.
I experienced TWO bikers, completely unaware of how they held-up a line of golf carts. That caused many carts that tried to pass them, a dangerous situation from on-coming golf carts in the other direction. THEIR ATTITUDE was WE own the 'road' and the golf carts can wait! There are less crowded roads to use a bicycle on especially on weekend events.

[OhioBuckeye]

You’re exactly right!!!
Walk into traffic & don’t walk with traffic, then maybe this person & her dog won’t get bumped. Not trying to be mean but that’s the way you should walk so you can get out of way of a bike, golf cart or car!

[tophcfa]

If I stopped to let a golf cart pass while biking, I would not ride very much. Everyone should respect everyone's right to use any path equally. Pass when safe.

Who said you need to stop? Just pull over and slow down. Some bikers feel a need to get in the middle of the lane and speed up when reaching a straightaway where carts have a safe opportunity to pass.

[jamorela]

Sorry to disagree...that applies to streets, not the multi-modal paths.

Wrong!

[Normal]

One does have to member its called a MMP. They have a right to be there. If you don't want surprises walk on the other side of the path so you can see what's coming.

Unless the path is only as wide as one golf cart. It becomes the responsibility of all to work together to enjoy the foot paths. Calculations of leash lengths, bike widths etc all play among possibility outcomes.. They are approximately that wide in the Southern area below 44.

[jimjamuser]

If only there was some direction I could walk where I would be facing oncoming traffic.......
Just walk facing traffic and step off onto the grass when you see approaching vehicles, problem solved.

[Dond1959]

I used to ride a bike on the MMPs and streets that had a cart lane. It just got too dangerous with carts, dog walkers with long leashes, walkers with earbuds obvious to everything, and other bikers ignoring all traffic rules. There is plenty of blame to go around for all of the above including myself. The best advice is to have a little common courtesy and drive, bike and walk defensively.

Why anyone would walk, especially with a dog, with traffic like the OP is beyond me. You are just asking to be run over. Please walk facing traffic and step off into the grass if a cart is not pulling over far enough to pass you. You can say I have a right to the MMP just as much as a cart, and you are right. But if your dead are they going to put that on your tombstone?

[Bill14564]

Unless the path is only as wide as one golf cart. It becomes the responsibility of all to work together to enjoy the foot paths. Calculations of leash lengths, bike widths etc all play among possibility outcomes.. They are approximately that wide in the Southern area below 44.

Where, specifically, is there a MMP only as wide as one golf cart? I've driven a lot down there and can't think of any that I have been on. You're not driving your cart on the walking trails, are you?

[jimjamuser]

A timely thread, given what happened to me a couple of days ago.

A single and a double bicyclist traveling toward LSL in the cart/bike lane, merged into the road long before the normal merging area and with plenty of time for me to pass them, just so they could stay ahead of me.

Not only was I then stuck behind them (I wasn't going to go into the the opposing lane to pass them, which could have been done) before the four-way stop coming up. I quickly/soon figured out why they basically cut me off though. The reason being that they had no intention of stopping at the stop sign, which I would have done ahead of them, then they proceeded to blow right through the 4-way stop without even slowing down - while I stopped at the sign as required.

Basically, they cut in front of me so they wouldn't be inconvenienced by following the law...and observing the stop sign.
Bicyclists are being VERY stupid to mess around with vehicles in that or any other situation. You may NOT have aggressive instincts but other drivers may NOT choose to be so nice. If an aggressive, reckless bicyclist meets an aggressive, reckless vehicle driver............the bicycle person LOSES and may lose their life.
.......And a further complication is that the aggressive vehicle driver MAY KEEP taking their frustrations out on EVERY other bicyclist.

[jimjamuser]

Cyclists have the same rights and right to the road as automobiles, which I suppose is why you see them on roads in and out of the Villages that are posted for well over the speed they can maintain.

That said, my response when I see them doing something crazy, like blowing stop signs, or using the traffic circles is "Yes, you have the same right to the road as an automobile. However, that will be cold comfort when the paramedics are digging you out of someone's Ford F-150 grill".

Just because you can do something, it doesn't always mean it is wise to do it.
Good post. And I would like to add that the bicyclist is likely RETIRED and should NOT be in ANY hurry and should be ENJOYING the view, not trying to "MAKE TIME"!
.......That's why I preferred off-road bikes when I lived in AZ.

[jimjamuser]

People go both ways on all the paths, just how would you accomplish this?
Walk on the left, facing traffic and step off onto the grass to let ANYTHING oncoming pass. While you continue walking on the grass until there is a clear stretch and then go back on the asphalt'. If you are worried about snakes, wear high boots. If you are worried about wet feet in the morning dew - just buy some rubberized divers socks.

[jimjamuser]

It's the developer's fault for making the MMP so narrow.

You shouldn't have to go into the oncoming lane to pass anything, it wasn't necessary and could’ve been remedied by making a wider MMP.

There was no real
reason for this other than save money.

So now we have weekly MMP threads explaining the juggling act of trying to accommodate carts, walkers, dogs, 3-wheel bikes, joggers, and couples who walk side by side and have to hold hands down the MMP.

This topic will go down as the most talked about topic ever on TOTV dog poop would be a close second.
That holding-hands stuff FREAKS me OUT. I outgrew that concept at about age 20.

[jimjamuser]

This thread has gotten "muddy".

Let's separate the problems of bicycles, golf carts, and pedestrians on the MULTI-MODAL pathways versus same on STREETS...

CLEARLY, bicyclists on multi modal paths need to give an announcement (verbal/bell) and then pass LEFT of the walker....you do NOT walk facing oncoming traffic except on streets.
I always do, but I will step off onto the grass for ANYTHING coming toward ME. then I just walk on the grass until it is clear. That's the way I do it and have NEVER heard a complaint. I YIELD to anything, walkers, bikers, golf carts. alligators and even stupid couples walking and holding hands!

[bob47]

Sorry to disagree...that applies to streets, not the multi-modal paths.

Says who? Why would anybody want to have their back to the traffic that is approaching them? Ridiculous.

[ThirdOfFive]

Bicycles. The perfect tool for the passive-aggressive.

[Normal]

Where, specifically, is there a MMP only as wide as one golf cart? I've driven a lot down there and can't think of any that I have been on. You're not driving your cart on the walking trails, are you?
East along Meggison just after St. Catherine, along the power lines etc. carts of course aren’t permitted on the walkways. There are 2 posts for the entrance ways.

[ThirdOfFive]

I always do, but I will step off onto the grass for ANYTHING coming toward ME. then I just walk on the grass until it is clear. That's the way I do it and have NEVER heard a complaint. I YIELD to anything, walkers, bikers, golf carts. alligators and even stupid couples walking and holding hands!
Indeed!

I have never paid a price for being courteous.

[Kelevision]

I always do, but I will step off onto the grass for ANYTHING coming toward ME. then I just walk on the grass until it is clear. That's the way I do it and have NEVER heard a complaint. I YIELD to anything, walkers, bikers, golf carts. alligators and even stupid couples walking and holding hands!

You do the correct thing and when I’m walking, I do the same. I find most walkers are more like stoppers and when I ride my bike and they’re on the same side as me, I ring my bell, yell, on your left and still they jump when i go by saying oh, sorry I was in my own little world. My bell is loud too. Could be they have earbuds in.

[Kelevision]

This thread has gotten "muddy".

Let's separate the problems of bicycles, golf carts, and pedestrians on the MULTI-MODAL pathways versus same on STREETS...

CLEARLY, bicyclists on multi modal paths need to give an announcement (verbal/bell) and then pass LEFT of the walker....you do NOT walk facing oncoming traffic except on streets.

You’re incorrect! You can watch the golf cart video on the villages website. It literally shows a jogger running toward the oncoming golf cart and waving as the cart moves around her. It also says any golf cart driver needs to be taught the florida driving rules, as well as common sense and rules of courtesy.

[JMintzer]

This thread has gotten "muddy".

Let's separate the problems of bicycles, golf carts, and pedestrians on the MULTI-MODAL pathways versus same on STREETS...

CLEARLY, bicyclists on multi modal paths need to give an announcement (verbal/bell) and then pass LEFT of the walker....you do NOT walk facing oncoming traffic except on streets.

You most certainly DO walk facing traffic on the MMPs... I was out this morning, on my way to play golf. I must have past 20 walkers. EVERY SINGLE ONE of them was walking facing oncoming traffic. Just as they should...

[coffeebean]

Cyclists have the same rights and right to the road as automobiles, which I suppose is why you see them on roads in and out of the Villages that are posted for well over the speed they can maintain.

That said, my response when I see them doing something crazy, like blowing stop signs, or using the traffic circles is "Yes, you have the same right to the road as an automobile. However, that will be cold comfort when the paramedics are digging you out of someone's Ford F-150 grill".

Just because you can do something, it doesn't always mean it is wise to do it.

The law seems silly to me. Golf carts, which can maintain a faster speed than bikes are not allowed on the main roads. Why should bicycles have that right?

[JMintzer]

East along Meggison just after St. Catherine, along the power lines etc. carts of course aren’t permitted on the walkways. There are 2 posts for the entrance ways.

Those aren't MMPs...

[JMintzer]

That holding-hands stuff FREAKS me OUT. I outgrew that concept at about age 20.

Some people still have a physical attraction to their spouse...

[JMintzer]

Walk on the left, facing traffic and step off onto the grass to let ANYTHING oncoming pass. While you continue walking on the grass until there is a clear stretch and then go back on the asphalt'. If you are worried about snakes, wear high boots. If you are worried about wet feet in the morning dew - just buy some rubberized divers socks.

No one is worried about snakes and wet grass...

[JMintzer]

Unless the path is only as wide as one golf cart. It becomes the responsibility of all to work together to enjoy the foot paths. Calculations of leash lengths, bike widths etc all play among possibility outcomes.. They are approximately that wide in the Southern area below 44.

The only place the MMPs are "as wide as one golf cart" are where they occasionally split into two lanes with a grass or tree lined median. In those cases, the walker should STILL go into the oncoming side and walk facing traffic...

[JMintzer]

I experienced TWO bikers, completely unaware of how they held-up a line of golf carts. That caused many carts that tried to pass them, a dangerous situation from on-coming golf carts in the other direction. THEIR ATTITUDE was WE own the 'road' and the golf carts can wait! There are less crowded roads to use a bicycle on especially on weekend events.

Yes, it's a pain, but they have the same right to use the MMPs as you do. Just be patient and pass them when it's safe to do so...

[JMintzer]

It's the developer's fault for making the MMP so narrow.

You shouldn't have to go into the oncoming lane to pass anything, it wasn't necessary and could’ve been remedied by making a wider MMP.

There was no real
reason for this other than save money.

So now we have weekly MMP threads explaining the juggling act of trying to accommodate carts, walkers, dogs, 3-wheel bikes, joggers, and couples who walk side by side and have to hold hands down the MMP.

This topic will go down as the most talked about topic ever on TOTV dog poop would be a close second.

If they made them wider, you'd have bikers 4 abreast and a group of walkers...

We'd have the same complaints.

The MMPs work just fine...

[JMintzer]

Duh, when you are walking on a walk path (no carts), bikes come in both directions.
Walk around the pond at Everglades, bikes come both directions.

Then stay to the left, facing oncoming bike traffic...

[Normal]

Then stay to the left, facing oncoming bike traffic...

Yes, keep shifting sides like crazy and be prepared to dive in the grass.

[JMintzer]

The law seems silly to me. Golf carts, which can maintain a faster speed than bikes are not allowed on the main roads. Why should bicycles have that right?

Because State traffic laws says they can...

[JMintzer]

Yes, keep shifting sides like crazy and be prepared to dive in the grass.

No, STAY to the left. That means REMAIN on one side...

[Normal]

No, STAY to the left. That means REMAIN on one side...

Except, bikes travel on the walking path in both directions, so “facing bikes” is sometimes traffic going both ways on the path. In fact, two bikes almost collided not too long ago near the pond.

[Bill14564]

Those aren't MMPs...

Yep. Just took a ride down there to see. Nice drive but it's a long haul from Newell up to 44.

[JMintzer]

Except, bikes travel on the walking path in both directions, so “facing bikes” is sometimes traffic going both ways on the path. In fact, two bikes almost collided not too long ago near the pond.

Then, one or both of them were idiots. There is plenty of room for two bikes to pass each other... And, there is plenty of room for traffic behind you to stay to the far side of the road...

[Bill14564]

Except, bikes travel on the walking path in both directions, so “facing bikes” is sometimes traffic going both ways on the path. In fact, two bikes almost collided not too long ago near the pond.

From what you say, for your own safety you should avoid those paths. The rest of us can handle them just fine (though I would walk to the right on a sidewalk/walking path).

[Joeint]

Recently I was enjoying the daily walking of my dog on his short leash along the multimodal path. Abruptly a bicycle whizzed past and my dog went crazy as we were both passed by a bike coming from the rear. Usually I hear a bell or “passing on your right/left” when a bike approaches from behind us. Instead I heard a post incident expression of “What the fire truck?” I recognized the emotionally charged reaction and went on about my business.

I would like to ask people, if they were maturely inclined, to try to recognize situations they place themselves in when they enjoy our beautiful Villages. Personally if I purchased a bike, I would certainly buy a helmet and bell before using the equipment. Hopefully whoever was involved doesn’t hurt themselves or someone else in the future.

Silly girl bicyclists have no rules and are invincible!!!

[jimjamuser]

The law seems silly to me. Golf carts, which can maintain a faster speed than bikes are not allowed on the main roads. Why should bicycles have that right?
Could be because bicycles are thinner than golf carts.

[mtdjed]

Sorry to disagree...that applies to streets, not the multi-modal paths.

Where is it defined that you only walk facing traffic on streets? Is there a law or formal instruction that you walk with the flow of all traffic on other passage ways?

Is there a Villages instruction or a state instruction defining the proper way? If I am walking on any path that is legally allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of 20MPH or more, I feel much safer walking on the left edge as I would on a street.

[coffeebean]

Because State traffic laws says they can...

I understand it is the law. I just said the law seems silly to me.

[DDToto41]

True. A lot of people don't seem to know that.
Also a lot of bikers don't know that they should pass someone by at least 3 feet and should ride single file so carts or cars can safely pass.

[Mlundberg]

The Villages should have built dedicated bike trails like the ones in Inverness and Santos. There is really no good place to bike in TV. Golf Cars rule the MMPs and and the biking experience is difficult on the MMPs. Even worse on the roads.

[b0bd0herty]

If only there was some direction I could walk where I would be facing oncoming traffic.......

Any compass direction would work. Walking on/in the LEFT lane or side would do the trick.

[Bay Kid]

Sorry to disagree...that applies to streets, not the multi-modal paths.

Sorry to disagree. These multi-modal paths are narrow, curving roads with heavy use by golf carts doing +20 mph and bikes zooming by. You need to see what is coming at you.

[Chellybean]

Speaking of Bicycle etiquette, bikes riding on the MMP’s need to have rear view mirrors, be aware of golf carts stuck behind them, and slow down, pull over, and waive golf carts by to pass them. It can be painful trying to travel long distances on the paths going parallel to Buena Vista and Morse that get clogged up by bike riders not allowing carts to pass. This often causes frustrated golf cart drivers to take unnecessary risks and creates dangerous situations that should be avoidable.

i use the multi use paths every day and no biker stops a cart from passing on the left oncoming lane. Many times a golf cart thinks they have the right to share the lane with a biker and come so close that they can knock the biker off his cycle. This whole tread is a joke that golf carts rule and have more rights to force bikers off the path or move over for a cart. I have witness people reckless on golf carts day after day doing stupid things and almost hurting people. There is my two words.
Most people that act like Aholes on carts can certainly use some exercise themselves!!!!

[JMintzer]

Could be because bicycles are thinner than golf carts.

https://www.icegif.com/wp-content/uploads/nervous-icegif-2.gif

[JMintzer]

Where is it defined that you only walk facing traffic on streets? Is there a law or formal instruction that you walk with the flow of all traffic on other passage ways?

Is there a Villages instruction or a state instruction defining the proper way? If I am walking on any path that is legally allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of 20MPH or more, I feel much safer walking on the left edge as I would on a street.

If you watch TV Golf Cart Safety video, there is a quick scene of a jogger running along the left side of an MMP, facing traffic, as a golf cart approaches...

[Bill14564]

Where is it defined that you only walk facing traffic on streets? Is there a law or formal instruction that you walk with the flow of all traffic on other passage ways?

Is there a Villages instruction or a state instruction defining the proper way? If I am walking on any path that is legally allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of 20MPH or more, I feel much safer walking on the left edge as I would on a street.

Google was my friend:

Florida Statute 316.130(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

Yes, this only talks about roadways and not MMPs. No, no one is going to ticket you for walking the right side of an MMP. Follow the statute when walking on MMPs because they are kind of like roadways OR follow the statute when walking on MMPs because it is safer to see what is about to pass close to you.