Why so few sidewalks in the Villages?

[Rainger99]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

[village dreamer]

cost$$$$

[Bill14564]

There are sidewalks or paths where they are needed; where there are no sidewalks there is no need. I much prefer the green grass over tens or hundreds of miles of concrete.

[BrianL99]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

Sidewalks are designed to get people (without cars) to places (businesses) they have to get to. They generally are not "walking paths".

[Bogie Shooter]

Waste of money.

[tophcfa]

Add enough sidewalks (that cost money) and there will be less room for homes (that make money).

[Two Bills]

Why so few sidewalks in the Villages?

Nobody walks!:shrug:

[Altavia]

There are sidewalks or paths where they are needed; where there are no sidewalks there is no need. I much prefer the green grass over tens or hundreds of miles of concrete.

Not everywhere, there are places where pedestrians have to walk in the street to get to a MMP, typically near gates.

One example.

[TommyT]

With the size of home sites, can you imagine how much smaller the site would be with a sidewalk!!

[Hape2Bhr]

Has there been a rash of pedestrians hit recently?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

In addition, it's the homeowner's legal responsibility to maintain those sidewalks. Imagine the hue and cry of homeowners when Community Standards orders them to remove and replace old sidewalks with cracks in them, just so the guy walking his two dogs from the other side of the neighborhood can walk without tripping on a broken piece of concrete.

[Bill14564]

Not everywhere, there are places where pedestrians have to walk in the street to get to a MMP, typically near gates.

One example.

I have to walk in the street in my neighborhood to get to the closest sidewalk - no difference there. It looks like Reagan Rd has a posted 20mph speed limit, I'm not sure there is a posted speed limit in my neighborhood.

As someone else asked, has there been a rash of pedestrians hit recently?

I don't want a sidewalk in front of my house, it would take up space, look ugly, and is completely unnecessary for the volume and speed of traffic. If we don't have sidewalks on both sides of every road then there must be something to determine where they are needed. Perhaps the decision was to put a sidewalk or path along any road with a speed limit greater than 20mph. That seems reasonable to me and could explain why there is no sidewalk on Shale Trail Loop or Reagan Rd.

[photo1902]

Why so few sidewalks in the Villages?

Nobody walks!:shrug:

You must not get out much

[Altavia]

I have to walk in the street in my neighborhood to get to the closest sidewalk - no difference there. It looks like Reagan Rd has a posted 20mph speed limit, I'm not sure there is a posted speed limit in my neighborhood.

As someone else asked, has there been a rash of pedestrians hit recently?

I don't want a sidewalk in front of my house, it would take up space, look ugly, and is completely unnecessary for the volume and speed of traffic. If we don't have sidewalks on both sides of every road then there must be something to determine where they are needed. Perhaps the decision was to put a sidewalk or path along any road with a speed limit greater than 20mph. That seems reasonable to me and could explain why there is no sidewalk on Shale Trail Loop or Reagan Rd.

This is specific to an intersection at a MMP. When I look at other similar intersections, they have a sidewalk on one side to the MMP.

[Bill14564]

This is specific to an intersection at a MMP. When I look at other similar intersections, they have a sidewalk on one side to the MMP.

Yes. Pinellas is a posted 30mph road and has a sidewalk to the trail that runs along Buena Vista. You show only the east side of the roundabout but the west side has the same configuration.

There are roads off Pinellas that lead into neighborhoods. Most of these roads do not have sidewalks or speed limit signs. It's hard to say if the lack of sidewalks there is due to a low expected traffic volume, an implied 20mph speed limit, or simply lack of space.

[Altavia]

Yes. Pinellas is a posted 30mph road and has a sidewalk to the trail that runs along Buena Vista. You show only the east side of the roundabout but the west side has the same configuration.

There are roads off Pinellas that lead into neighborhoods. Most of these roads do not have sidewalks or speed limit signs. It's hard to say if the lack of sidewalks there is due to a low expected traffic volume, an implied 20mph speed limit, or simply lack of space.

I'm refering to connections at a gate/intersection. So here's one more similar to Reagan. I can't find any other roads connecting to the MMP that do not have a sidewalk near the gate?

[Bill14564]

I'm refering to connections at a gate/intersection. So here's one more similar to Regan. I can't find any other roads connecting to the MMP that do not have a sidewalk near the gate?

But this one (Deskin) does have a sidewalk connecting to the path.

Are you pointing out that Reagan is one of the only, if not the only, road without a sidewalk connecting to a path? That may be the case. It could very well be that there is a single example of a road that ought to have a sidewalk but doesn't (there are probably a few more).

Okay, there are a few places that probably could benefit from a sidewalk. Given the hundreds of miles of roads in the Villages, one (or even a few) example of where a sidewalk is needed is hardly evidence of "so few sidewalks in the Villages."

[Rainger99]

With the size of home sites, can you imagine how much smaller the site would be with a sidewalk!!

Putting in sidewalks would have no impact on the size of a lot. It would not make it larger or smaller.

[Michael G.]

Add enough sidewalks (that cost money) and there will be less room for homes (that make money).

Also, a lot of streets are very narrow for sidewalks

[Bill14564]

Putting in sidewalks would have no impact on the size of a lot. It would not make it larger or smaller.

A sidewalk would certainly cut down on the usable, enjoyable portion of the lot. It would also encourage walkers to be on my property and encourage walker's dogs to leave their droppings even closer to my front door.

Just in case: If walking on the sidewalk is not "on my property" then the size of my property certainly would be impacted by taking it for a sidewalk.

[dewilson58]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages??

So you have an endless list of things to complain about.

:a040:

[Dusty_Star]

I think it was purposely designed to be unfriendly to walkers.

[Altavia]

But this one (Deskin) does have a sidewalk connecting to the path.

Are you pointing out that Reagan is one of the only, if not the only, road without a sidewalk connecting to a path? That may be the case. It could very well be that there is a single example of a road that ought to have a sidewalk but doesn't (there are probably a few more).

Okay, there are a few places that probably could benefit from a sidewalk. Given the hundreds of miles of roads in the Villages, one (or even a few) example of where a sidewalk is needed is hardly evidence of "so few sidewalks in the Villages."

Yes, but more from the perspective of justification for making a formal suggestion to add a sidewalk.

Your comments are helping put my thoughts together for suggesting a change so thanks for the input..

Also, Reagan has a 30 mph speed limit and will soon be a connector road option to the Sawgrass bridge.

[photo1902]

Yes, but more from the perspective of justification for making a formal suggestion to add a sidewalk.

Your comments are helping put my thoughts together for suggesting a change so thanks for the input..

Also, Regan has a 30 mph speed limit and will soon be a connector road option to the Sawgrass bridge.

Where is Regan Road?

[Bogie Shooter]

So you have an endless list of things to complain about.

:a040:

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Altavia]

Where is Regan Road?

Off Marsh Bend Trail at the entrance to Monarch Grove.

[photo1902]

Off Marsh Bend Trail at the entrance to Monarch Grove.

It’s Reagan Road

[NotGolfer]

Maybe call someone who actually knows. Doubt any on social media can fulfill your inquiry.

[Altavia]

It’s Reagan Road

Thanks, corrected.

[ithos]

A bigger issue are the fools who walk down the street in dark clothing at night.

[Bobendres]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

I vote - no sidewalks. They are a waste of money and take up space and have to be pressure washed annually

[MandoMan]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

A lot of people in residentIal areas walk in the streets. Yet, in the more than two years I’ve lived here, I don’t recall reading about someone being hit by a car in those areas. The residential areas have reduced vehicle speeds, and walkers watch out for vehicles and vice versa. Actually, for a lot of walkers, stepping up and down over curbs is potentially more dangerous than is walking on the streets. It’s easy to trip and fall. There would need to be ADA approved ramps all over the place. The way it is is much better. One of the glories of The Villages is that neighbors and their dogs walk in the street and stop to chat with each other. With sidewalks on opposite sides of the street, that would happen less often,

[bowlingal]

Rainger: thousands??? don't think so.

[srswans]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

I like the no-sidewalk look - more natural and less concrete to maintain.

I suspect the lack of sidewalks also reduces vehicle speed by visually making the street appear narrower. The default speed limit is 20 and some neighborhoods are marked 10.

The overnight street parking ban also plays into this.

[Hankofthedesert]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

Well, I guess you didn't notice that BEFORE you bought in The Villages! How about all those walking paths?

[coconutmama]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

The sidewalks on State road 44 are not put in by The Villages. Agree they seem wasteful, but I don’t want them here either. Unnecessary, plus we are too much like a city already

[mkjelenbaas]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??
I am sure you will get many reliable answers on this site!!

[phojo]

They are expensive.

[JWGifford]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??
In addition, homeowners have to edge them to keep things looking nice. Inevitably, some wouldn't. You also end up with a “death strip” of grass between the sidewalk and street which is difficult to keep irrigated. Then who keeps them up with they crack, sink, become uneven, have tree roots move them, etc. Agree sidewalks are nice, but they come with lots of baggage.

[kingofbeer]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??
Why? The developer is saving millions of dollars by not installing sidewalks. Plus money is saved by not having to maintain sidewalks.

[Fastskiguy]

Not everywhere, there are places where pedestrians have to walk in the street to get to a MMP, typically near gates.

One example.

We walk that stretch on Reagan road every morning. A sidewalk would be nice but we take to the grass for that segment. I'm with you a sidewalk would make it easier. See you around :)

Joe

[Lottoguy]

When you can't figure it out then it's always about money. There is your answer...

[Vermilion Villager]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??
Don't know where you live but south of 44 we have MMP's.... Hundreds of miles of them. No need for sidewalks here.
As I recall the only place there are actually sidewalks in front of homes is in that one development by Lake Sumter Landing.

[Marathon Man]

When you can't figure it out then it's always about money. There is your answer...

Nope. When you can't figure it out, it is usually about lack of information, or smarts.

[Papa_lecki]

Less to shovel.

[defrey12]

Waste of money.

“Sidewalks” are not really part of Southern culture…it’s called heat. In Georgia, they’re actually “auto recovery zones”…kid you not. There are some natives—we’ve been here close to 25 years and know many—who claim air conditioning ruined the South. Paved the way for Yankees…just sayin’

[defrey12]

You must not get out much

Agreed!

[defrey12]

So you have an endless list of things to complain about.

:a040:

Utterly amazing…always like your responses.

[jimjamuser]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??
Great topic, and what bugs me is when they walk 2 abreast. And NOT walking facing traffic (like I do) so they can step off the road onto the grass. But, NO....... stepping onto the grass is (literally and figuratively) beneath them! And then the commercial trucks just practically park in the middle of the street. And then the residents think that they should do the SAME. And what DO you have then folks......a SNIT-SANDWICH of an obstacle course for resident drivers. And WHY can't they pave a MERE foot of asphalt on both sides of the donkey trail streets.
........I would be happy with a foot of just SHELL on both sides, EVEN that would be an improvement.
.........And what would it hurt........nothing.....the residents would have slightly less grass to water and cut.

[jimjamuser]

With the size of home sites, can you imagine how much smaller the site would be with a sidewalk!!
Yes, I can imagine - building sites would be marginally smaller and there would be somewhat less grass. And anyway few residents have the energy, ambition, and wherewithal to cut their own grass. So, what do they care -
they just pay the townies to do their WORK for them....... SO that they can get better tee times. And i am not asking for a FULL 3 ft wide sidewalk. I just want 1 foot on either side of the residential street donkey trails. And they can even be shell. I don't care..........I mean GIVE me something.....powers that be!!!!!!

[jimjamuser]

Why so few sidewalks in the Villages?

Nobody walks!:shrug:
Nobody walks????? The Villages is billed as the healthiest city in the US for seniors. Maybe I am imagining all the residents WALKING and BIKING every morning and evening past our house. I better talk to MY LYING EYES.
.....NOBODY WALKS.........maybe no golfers walk, but REAL PEOPLE walk and bike.
......The recreation news is filled with ACTIVITIES that people ACTUALLY SWEAT at. SSSSSOOOO nobody can tell ME that NOBODY walks. They might as well try to tell me that nobody in the Villages breathes or drinks alcohol or goes to church.

[jimjamuser]

In addition, it's the homeowner's legal responsibility to maintain those sidewalks. Imagine the hue and cry of homeowners when Community Standards orders them to remove and replace old sidewalks with cracks in them, just so the guy walking his two dogs from the other side of the neighborhood can walk without tripping on a broken piece of concrete.
Simply widen the asphalt roads 1 foot on either side........easy - peasy!

[jimjamuser]

Putting in sidewalks would have no impact on the size of a lot. It would not make it larger or smaller.
I agree. That would be a MARGINAL concern.

[jimjamuser]

Also, a lot of streets are very narrow for sidewalks
That's WHY they need sidewalks because they are too narrow, donkey trails.

[jimjamuser]

A sidewalk would certainly cut down on the usable, enjoyable portion of the lot. It would also encourage walkers to be on my property and encourage walker's dogs to leave their droppings even closer to my front door.

Just in case: If walking on the sidewalk is not "on my property" then the size of my property certainly would be impacted by taking it for a sidewalk.
So basically, it is OK to KILL pedestrians on narrow roads because my nose might smell some bad things from dogs and that would offend me and stop me from entering HEAVEN.

[jimjamuser]

A lot of people in residentIal areas walk in the streets. Yet, in the more than two years I’ve lived here, I don’t recall reading about someone being hit by a car in those areas. The residential areas have reduced vehicle speeds, and walkers watch out for vehicles and vice versa. Actually, for a lot of walkers, stepping up and down over curbs is potentially more dangerous than is walking on the streets. It’s easy to trip and fall. There would need to be ADA approved ramps all over the place. The way it is is much better. One of the glories of The Villages is that neighbors and their dogs walk in the street and stop to chat with each other. With sidewalks on opposite sides of the street, that would happen less often,
Walkers do NOT watch out for vehicles. Many walk in a never-never LAND of confusion and senility. (often NOT even being smart enough to walk facing traffic as school children are taught. In my own neighborhood, there is a tall SEEMINGLY coherent man about age 55 that walks 2 large dogs on leashes. He BARELY controls them and he and the dogs routinely take up 1/2 of the residential street with LOTS of vehicle traffic.
.........go figure what the problem IS there.

[jimjamuser]

I like the no-sidewalk look - more natural and less concrete to maintain.

I suspect the lack of sidewalks also reduces vehicle speed by visually making the street appear narrower. The default speed limit is 20 and some neighborhoods are marked 10.

The overnight street parking ban also plays into this.
In my street they go 40MPH in the 20 MPH area.

[Velvet]

Around my area the streets are short and curved. By the time you put your foot on the accelerator you need to start breaking. Keeps the speed down.

[jimjamuser]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??
I don't like the narrow donkey-trail streets inTV Land residential neighborhoods. But, I CAN think of one good reason why there are more sidewalks up NORTH than down here in Florida. Especially in the summer, Florida has more moisture in the clouds due to the greater HEAT and Humidity here vs up north. So, during the Florida summers we have HUGE thunderstorms and hurricanes dropping large amounts of water as compared to up NORTH.
........So, sidewalks in Florida would ADD greater area for the rain to hit and that water then RUNS off into the road creating road hazards and safety problems. The no sidewalks situation allows the greater RAIN in Florida's summers to penetrate down through the grass and dirt - the end result is less flooding in the road WITHOUT sidewalks than WITH sidewalks.

[jimjamuser]

I like the no-sidewalk look - more natural and less concrete to maintain.

I suspect the lack of sidewalks also reduces vehicle speed by visually making the street appear narrower. The default speed limit is 20 and some neighborhoods are marked 10.

The overnight street parking ban also plays into this.
I doubt that that overnight street parking ban is enforced very much, TV land does NOT have enough Police so it is sort of a wild west, catch as catch can approach to everything!

[Boffin]

Because so few are needed.

[Papa_lecki]

Because so few are needed.

No one ever said, I’m spending $500,000 on that house because it has great sidewalks.

[Velvet]

No one ever said, I’m spending $500,000 on that house because it has great sidewalks.

Welllll… that’s not quite accurate. When I looked for a house I checked on the map where I could live where I could go to the pool etc on a sidewalk. Not necessarily from my house, but relatively close to one. So yes, it was a significant factor in the location of the house. It’s not that I would spend $100,000 more - it’s that I wouldn’t consider a no-sidewalks location at all.

[Bill14564]

Welllll… that’s not quite accurate. When I looked for a house I checked on the map where I could live where I could go to the pool etc on a sidewalk. Not necessarily from my house, but relatively close to one. So yes, it was a significant factor in the location of the house. It’s not that I would spend $100,000 more - it’s that I wouldn’t consider a no-sidewalks location at all.

Which locations in the Villages did you avoid because you could not go to the pool on a sidewalk?

[Velvet]

It was not a matter of avoiding, my parents had a seasonal house on the historic side - no sidewalks but also little traffic. My uncle had a house in district 1. No sidewalks, first 2 decades that he lived there not much traffic then last decade more and more traffic more and more dangerous to walk on the street. I didn’t like that. So I looked on Google map where exactly the sidewalks, pools, anything I’d like to walk to, are located. It was not the ONLY factor in the selection of a house, but these days I’m thankful I did.

[Papa_lecki]

///

Response posted in the wrong thread.

[VApeople]

It was not a matter of avoiding, my parents had a seasonal house on the historic side - no sidewalks but also little traffic. My uncle had a house in district 1. No sidewalks, first 2 decades that he lived there not much traffic then last decade more and more traffic more and more dangerous to walk on the street. I didn’t like that. So I looked on Google map where exactly the sidewalks, pools, anything I’d like to walk to, are located. It was not the ONLY factor in the selection of a house, but these days I’m thankful I did.

Good for you!

Instead of obsessing over the color of the backsplash or some other minor feature of your house, you actually thought how it would be to live in that house on a daily basis. If you have anything to be "thankful" for, it is your own good common sense.

[Bogie Shooter]

Go here

https://www DOT thevillageshomewarranty DOTcom/product-search/

Enter your villager ID number and all the selections for your house (even if you are not original owner) can be printed.
If someone changed a wall color, it will not be on here, this is the original stuff.

Link does not work........................................

[Marathon Man]

Good for you!

Instead of obsessing over the color of the backsplash or some other minor feature of your house, you actually thought how it would be to live in that house on a daily basis. If you have anything to be "thankful" for, it is your own good common sense.

Well said. I also give a 'good for you'.

[Papa_lecki]

Link does not work........................................

It wont work, need to take the text, and replace the word DOT with an actual .

If i put tha tactual link in, TIOTV would have deleted it

[Bogie Shooter]

It wont work, need to take the text, and replace the word DOT with an actual .

If i put tha tactual link in, TIOTV would have deleted it

You mean like this? TOTV doesn't delete Villages links.

Product Search - The Villages Residential Construction and Home Warranty : The Villages Residential Construction and Home Warranty (https://www.thevillageshomewarranty.com/product-search/)

[snbrafford]

We all think of the paths that go everywhere as golf cart paths. TV refers to them as multi-modal trails meaning for use by carts, bikes and people. In some places, you will even see "cart", "Bike", "Red" painted on the pavement. So TV sees it as plenty of walking area especially with the addition of side walks and walking trails where golf carts can't go.

[Velvet]

We all think of the paths that go everywhere as golf cart paths. TV refers to them as multi-modal trails meaning for use by carts, bikes and people. In some places, you will even see "cart", "Bike", "Red" painted on the pavement. So TV sees it as plenty of walking area especially with the addition of side walks and walking trails where golf carts can't go.

So, show of hands, how many people are comfortable walking through the multi modal tunnels?

[Altavia]

So, show of hands, how many people are comfortable walking through the multi modal tunnels?

Or across the bridges?

Seems the design intent was to discourage walkers much less the disabled (ADA).

[JMintzer]

So, show of hands, how many people are comfortable walking through the multi modal tunnels?

https://media.tenor.com/5D_XxFIPmoMAAAAC/forest-gump.gif

[PugMom]

Also, a lot of streets are very narrow for sidewalks

that's what it is, our roads are pretty narrow now, can you imagine if sidewalks were installed. agree completely

[JMintzer]

that's what it is, our roads are pretty narrow now, can you imagine if sidewalks were installed. agree completely

I'd imagine that if they -did- put them in, it would be on the grass side if the curb that is already installed. Not extending into the completed streets...

[dewilson58]

Or across the bridges?

Seems the design intent was to discourage walkers much less the disabled (ADA).

The new bridges.........................thank the FDOT.

[Bill14564]

So, show of hands, how many people are comfortable walking through the multi modal tunnels?

Or across the bridges?

Seems the design intent was to discourage walkers much less the disabled (ADA).

I would feel comfortable (safe) doing both. Though I really can't think of a reason I would walk across one of the four bridges - it would be a long walk to get to any destination.

[JMintzer]

I would feel comfortable (safe) doing both. Though I really can't think of a reason I would walk across one of the four bridges - it would be a long walk to get to any destination.

Agreed... Even if they had a separate pedestrian path across the bridges, I can't, for the life of me, imagine ever wanting to walk over them...

[Altavia]

The new bridges.........................thank the FDOT.

Maybe…

FIU’s New Pedestrian Bridge Set to Start Construction in 2024 - PantherNOW (https://panthernow.com/2022/06/15/fius-new-pedestrian-bridge-set-to-start-construction-in-2024/)

[Altavia]

I would feel comfortable (safe) doing both. Though I really can't think of a reason I would walk across one of the four bridges - it would be a long walk to get to any destination.

But yet you see people try, probably not more than once.

I would have happily taken a ($1K?) increase in my bond to have to pay for sidewalks to connect to and along the MMP trails in the new areas. Walkers need to be prepared to jump out of the way if on the path.

Just saying...

[Bill14564]

But yet you see people try, probably not more than once.

I would have happily taken a ($1K?) increase in my bond to have to pay for sidewalks to connect to and along the MMP trails in the new areas. Walkers need to be prepared to jump out of the way if on the path.

Just saying...

I haven't seen anyone walking across the bridges but sure, it could happen, no problem with it.

You mentioned Reagan Rd (though even that seems to have sidewalk along much of it) but are there numerous other roads with speed limits of 30mph or higher without MMPs or sidewalks?

And it is only in the new area that there are ANY walking paths along the MMPs. I can't think of anywhere north of 44 that has that configuration. Is there some reason not to walk on the MMPs (I do it almost every day)?

[dewilson58]

Maybe…

FIU’s New Pedestrian Bridge Set to Start Construction in 2024 - PantherNOW (https://panthernow.com/2022/06/15/fius-new-pedestrian-bridge-set-to-start-construction-in-2024/)

That's unrelated.

The FDOT required the bridge design used by The Villages.
Very sad in my book.

[mickey100]

Add enough sidewalks (that cost money) and there will be less room for homes (that make money).

You nailed it. The powers that be want to maximize home building sites. It's all about the money. And they probably feel old people don't walk as much - they can get by with cars and golf carts.

[Mlundberg]

I don’t understand the sidewalks along SR 44. It’s noisy along the highway and not a pretty walk. Is seems to be a big waste of money. Who is going to use them? Where are they going? A golf car path would have been more practical.

[Bogie Shooter]

You nailed it. The powers that be want to maximize home building sites. It's all about the money. And they probably feel old people don't walk as much - they can get by with cars and golf carts.

How can that be when the new areas are filled with walking trails? Or just more of your bashing…………

[Bogie Shooter]

I don’t understand the sidewalks along SR 44. It’s noisy along the highway and not a pretty walk. Is seems to be a big waste of money. Who is going to use them? Where are they going? A golf car path would have been more practical.

Here ya go……..
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sidewalk-nowhere-336754/?highlight=Sidewalk

[JMintzer]

I don’t understand the sidewalks along SR 44. It’s noisy along the highway and not a pretty walk. Is seems to be a big waste of money. Who is going to use them? Where are they going? A golf car path would have been more practical.

It's not TV property, hence no golf cart paths...

It was the State DOT, not TV that decided sidewalks were needed there...

[JMintzer]

You nailed it. The powers that be want to maximize home building sites. It's all about the money. And they probably feel old people don't walk as much - they can get by with cars and golf carts.

Can you please explain how putting a small ribbon of concrete on the easement along the roads will take away any land used for building homes?

[Altavia]

That's unrelated.

The FDOT required the bridge design used by The Villages.
Very sad in my book.

I know, and agree.

Other Turnpike bridges have shoulders that accommodate walkers/bikers. Warm Strings for example.

The MMP cage at Sawgrass bridge looks silly.

[Bill14564]

Can you please explain how putting a small ribbon of concrete on the easement along the roads will take away any land used for building homes?

A five foot ribbon set six inches from the road will take up most if not all of my front yard.

The easement constitutes access to my property if it is ever needed - so far not once in four years. The sidewalk is an ugly piece of concrete that is there forever. (but at least I don't need to mow it, weed it, or shovel snow from it)

[JMintzer]

I know, and agree.

Other Turnpike bridges have shoulders that accommodate walkers/bikers. Warm Strings for example.

The MMP cage at Sawgrass bridge looks silly.

Isn't it the same as the Water Lilly, Brownwood and Chitty Chatty bridges?

[JMintzer]

A five foot ribbon set six inches from the road will take up most if not all of my front yard.

The easement constitutes access to my property if it is ever needed - so far not once in four years. The sidewalk is an ugly piece of concrete that is there forever. (but at least I don't need to mow it, weed it, or shovel snow from it)

Don't be confused. I don't think they're needed. I was just asking a question...

[Bill14564]

Don't be confused. I don't think they're needed. I was just asking a question...

Understood.

[Altavia]

Isn't it the same as the Water Lilly, Brownwood and Chitty Chatty bridges?

Sawgrass Bridget is much larger since there is a four lane divided highway adjacent to the MMP lanes.

They have a cage around then resembling the other golf cart bridges.

[VApeople]

The sidewalk is an ugly piece of concrete that is there forever.

We had a sidewalk in front of our house in Virginia and people would walk by and let their dogs crap in our yard. I would shovel the crap back onto the sidewalk.

[mickey100]

How can that be when the new areas are filled with walking trails? Or just more of your bashing…………

There is a big difference between a walking trail, and building a huge number of concrete sidewalks throughout all of the Villages. As of 2018, The Villages had approximately 750 miles of streets, and we know that number is much larger now. If you multiply the width of the sidewalks by the linear feet , the square footage lost to potential home sites would be astronomical. It's basic dollars and cents, not to mention the cost of the concrete itself for the sidewalks.

[JMintzer]

There is a big difference between a walking trail, and building a huge number of concrete sidewalks throughout all of the Villages. As of 2018, The Villages had approximately 750 miles of streets, and we know that number is much larger now. If you multiply the width of the sidewalks by the linear feet , the square footage lost to potential home sites would be astronomical. It's basic dollars and cents, not to mention the cost of the concrete itself for the sidewalks.

Please explain how they would lose land "to potential home sites"...

If the sidewalk was placed where they typically place sidewalks, it would simply take up some of the front yards...

I doubt they would put them in the Villa or Cottage homes, due to them being private streets...

[mickey100]

Can you please explain how putting a small ribbon of concrete on the easement along the roads will take away any land used for building homes?

The OP asked why there are so few sidewalks in TV, implying why were sidewalks not installed originally. We are not discussing adding in sidewalks as an afterthought. In keeping with the original lot designs/sizes, the sidewalks would take up additional land space that would have been used for home lots.

[JMintzer]

The OP asked why there are so few sidewalks in TV, implying why were sidewalks not installed originally. We are not discussing adding in sidewalks as an afterthought. In keeping with the original lot designs/sizes, the sidewalks would take up additional land space that would have been used for home lots.

I didn't mention "adding them later"...

My comment applies to new construction...

[DAVES]

Why do we have so few sidewalks in the Villages?? I grew up in a small town and we had sidewalks on every street - and this was more than 60 years ago.

Because there are no sidewalks, I see a lot of people walking in the street where they can be hit by cars. Instead of spending money on a sidewalk along 44 - where very few people walk - wouldn’t it be better spent in the residential areas where thousands walk every day??

Everything is of course compromise. As in posts, people will argue about anything. There is no shortage of nice places to walk.

Sidewalks? Our previous home had them. It was built in 1948 so a 75 year old town design.
Strange, that property belonged to the town but I the home owner had to clear the snow from it and it was cracked by trees on town owned land and I got billed to remove a tree on property I did not own and billed to repair the cement.

[mickey100]

I didn't mention "adding them later"...

My comment applies to new construction...

Well, you are changing the discussion then. But I'll play along. If sidewalks were added, either there would be less home lots, or the new home lots would be smaller. Simple math. And I would guess that The Villages has determined the optimum lot size that appeals aesthetically to potential buyers, and that is what we have now. Considering the lots are the size of postage stamps, any decrease would likely be viewed negatively. And of course, there is the extra cost to install sidewalks, which the potential buyers would be absorbing.There is also the issue of drainage. Many of the local streets have concrete gutters rather than curbing, and I'm not sure about the specifics of sidewalk design in those instances. Code may require that there be a grass strip between the sidewalk and gutter, or else and underground grate system that would be quite expensive. Of course, once sidewalks were installed, there would be the need to address ADA requirements, which would again raise the cost. I suspect the Developer decided it would be in their best interest to bypass these concerns - provide dedicated walking trails which are cheaper than constructing individual sidewalks on a myriad of local streets.

[JMintzer]

Well, you are changing the discussion then. But I'll play along. If sidewalks were added, either there would be less home lots, or the new home lots would be smaller. Simple math. And I would guess that The Villages has determined the optimum lot size that appeals aesthetically to potential buyers, and that is what we have now. Considering the lots are the size of postage stamps, any decrease would likely be viewed negatively. And of course, there is the extra cost to install sidewalks, which the potential buyers would be absorbing.There is also the issue of drainage. Many of the local streets have concrete gutters rather than curbing, and I'm not sure about the specifics of sidewalk design in those instances. Code may require that there be a grass strip between the sidewalk and gutter, or else and underground grate system that would be quite expensive. Of course, once sidewalks were installed, there would be the need to address ADA requirements, which would again raise the cost. I suspect the Developer decided it would be in their best interest to bypass these concerns - provide dedicated walking trails which are cheaper than constructing individual sidewalks on a myriad of local streets.

No, the discussion was "Why so few sidewalks?". Not "Why aren't sidewalks added to existing homes?"

But neither of those options would necessarily result in smaller lot sizes. Just a bit less grass on the existing front yards...

[Velvet]

Well, you are changing the discussion then. But I'll play along. If sidewalks were added, either there would be less home lots, or the new home lots would be smaller. Simple math. And I would guess that The Villages has determined the optimum lot size that appeals aesthetically to potential buyers, and that is what we have now. Considering the lots are the size of postage stamps, any decrease would likely be viewed negatively. And of course, there is the extra cost to install sidewalks, which the potential buyers would be absorbing.There is also the issue of drainage. Many of the local streets have concrete gutters rather than curbing, and I'm not sure about the specifics of sidewalk design in those instances. Code may require that there be a grass strip between the sidewalk and gutter, or else and underground grate system that would be quite expensive. Of course, once sidewalks were installed, there would be the need to address ADA requirements, which would again raise the cost. I suspect the Developer decided it would be in their best interest to bypass these concerns - provide dedicated walking trails which are cheaper than constructing individual sidewalks on a myriad of local streets.

You think that is what is going on with the existing sidewalks in TV?

On another note, demand not the developer determines what sells. But our developer is careful to study trends and demand and adjusts accordingly. You just put the cart before the horse, that’s all.