Gates in the Villages

[rsetterlund]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

[rsimpson]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

Do both - gates and bumps, and while we're at it, put a secret password on the entry gate that each village can change every two weeks Just Kidding on the passwords - lol. The new gates on Meggison Rd down by Cirtus Grove need speed bumps for sure. The gates are too far from the Cart Crossing - someone will be killed there soon with the cars/trucks gaining too much speed after passing the gates.

[golfing eagles]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

You do realize that most of those that admit to hitting a gate state they didn't see it. If they can't see a red and white gate arm at eye level right in front of them, what chance do they have of seeing a speed bump??????

[MrFlorida]

Get your cataracts fixed.

[Bill14564]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

Have any of those many individuals admitted hitting the gates? Has anyone who has hit a gate explained what caused them to hit it?

Based on what I have observed, more entrance gates get hit than exit gates. The same number of cars go through each so why the preference for hitting the entrance gates? Could it be the problem has less to do with gate visibility and more to do with the entrance gates coming down after each vehicle?

The problem with speed bumps is visibility, vehicle damage, and emergency vehicles. This has all been discussed on these forums before so to make this short:
- As others have pointed out, if you can't see a gate you won't see a speed bump either
- Going over an obstacle like a speed bump causes extra wear on vehicle suspension parts
- Speed bumps will slow emergency vehicle response times

We don't need to be a gated community but for the safety of the golf carts, bicyclists, and pedestrians, we do need the gates.

[GpaVader]

Pull out the gates and build over or under passes....

Just kidding.....

[Marathon Man]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

You have a suggestion to make. Will be attending the next meeting of your CDD board?

[fdpaq0580]

Get your cataracts fixed.

Did. Nearly ended up blind.

[coralway]

Remove all the gates. Don’t need gates, speed bumps or anything else. Folks are gonna drive the way they always do anyway.

[golfing eagles]

Remove all the gates. Don’t need gates, speed bumps or anything else. Folks are gonna drive the way they always do anyway.

Great idea! I saw that movie——“Death Race 2000”

[Sherkugawa]

You do realize that most of those that admit to hitting a gate state they didn't see it. If they can't see a red and white gate arm at eye level right in front of them, what chance do they have of seeing a speed bump??????

I was in the lousy driver camp until yesterday going south on Morse in bright sunshine came upon a gate in shade. I literally could not see the gate until I was almost hitting it. No, I’m not ruling out that I’m a lousy driver!

[golfing eagles]

I was in the lousy driver camp until yesterday going south on Morse in bright sunshine came upon a gate in shade. I literally could not see the gate until I was almost hitting it. No, I’m not ruling out that I’m a lousy driver!

Hmmmm.....a gate on Morse heading south????? I never saw that one either :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[jcreason5616]

I was in the lousy driver camp until yesterday going south on Morse in bright sunshine came upon a gate in shade. I literally could not see the gate until I was almost hitting it. No, I’m not ruling out that I’m a lousy driver!

My husband and I just discussed this after seeing the gate down at Lynnhaven exit facing entrance to Bridgeport. The gate is being hit constantly because it blends with the horizon and is not effectively reflective. The only solution we could think of—lame as it is—would be reflective or shiny streamers hanging from the gate arm.

[birdiebill]

All gates have an approaching sign stating 5 mph when approaching the gate. If a person can't see whether the gate is up or down at that speed, they should not be driving. Of course the problem is that many do not slow down to that speed

[Jack Lefebvre]

It’s good like it is…. Take care of your business .

[mikeycereal]

great idea! I saw that movie——“death race 2000”

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=98039&stc=1&d=1682162433

[KAM+6]

Hmmmm.....a gate on Morse heading south????? I never saw that one either :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Yes, on Morse heading south, just before 466. Unexpectedly, don't know why there is a gate there.

[Bill14564]

I was in the lousy driver camp until yesterday going south on Morse in bright sunshine came upon a gate in shade. I literally could not see the gate until I was almost hitting it. No, I’m not ruling out that I’m a lousy driver!

My husband and I just discussed this after seeing the gate down at Lynnhaven exit facing entrance to Bridgeport. The gate is being hit constantly because it blends with the horizon and is not effectively reflective. The only solution we could think of—lame as it is—would be reflective or shiny streamers hanging from the gate arm.

I'm not sure where there is a gate on Morse south or where the "Lynnhaven exit facing entrance to Bridgeport" is so I can't see the design of either area but I assume it is similar to other gate installations.

Help me to understand, do you suppose drivers are thinking something like this?
Well, I'm leaving Buena Vista or Morse and turning into a Village. There's the sign that says "Village of ...." There's the box next to my window with the card reader and the red button. There's the sign that says "Resident Entry." Every other Village I've entered has a gate but I don't see one here. I guess I'll just drive right on through.

Is that why the gates get hit, because people ignore the signs and the readers and the mechanisms and just drive on through?

[Maker]

Solution is to remove all the gates. Update the landscaping to provide unobstructed views of cars and carts approaching the crossing.
End the waste of money on managing the gate system - from employees (salary & benefits) to maintenance (people & equipment & vehicles to drive around) to constant costs to have the system (computers & upgrades & cards).
Stop inventing ways to spend more money on something that causes accidents.

[TomSpasm]

The major problem I see with speed bumps is not the wear and tear on your cart or car, it's the thousands of people here who have bad backs that groan every time they hit a bump of any kind.

[golfing eagles]

Yes, on Morse heading south, just before 466. Unexpectedly, don't know why there is a gate there.

Sorry, forgot about that one

[golfing eagles]

Solution is to remove all the gates. Update the landscaping to provide unobstructed views of cars and carts approaching the crossing.
End the waste of money on managing the gate system - from employees (salary & benefits) to maintenance (people & equipment & vehicles to drive around) to constant costs to have the system (computers & upgrades & cards).
Stop inventing ways to spend more money on something that causes accidents.

See post #10

[toeser]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

I don't know how many gate arms are taken out at night, but the reflector tape used by The Villages on those arms is virtually useless. If I didn't not know the gate arms were there, I might hit one. There is far, far better reflector tape that would make the gate arms far more visible at night. 3M comes to mind.

[Rderspamer]

Yup

[Bilyclub]

Solution is to remove all the gates. Update the landscaping to provide unobstructed views of cars and carts approaching the crossing.
End the waste of money on managing the gate system - from employees (salary & benefits) to maintenance (people & equipment & vehicles to drive around) to constant costs to have the system (computers & upgrades & cards).
Stop inventing ways to spend more money on something that causes accidents.

The gates were here before you and I got here and do what they are supposed to do. If you travel on the MMP's when the roads are busy you would understand.

[jimkerr]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

How about these dummies that hit the arms learn how to drive?

[Pegasusprt]

I'll bet their eye site will get better if they are charged for taking down a gate.

[JeepsterGlenn]

Solution is to remove all the gates. Update the landscaping to provide unobstructed views of cars and carts approaching the crossing.
End the waste of money on managing the gate system - from employees (salary & benefits) to maintenance (people & equipment & vehicles to drive around) to constant costs to have the system (computers & upgrades & cards).
Stop inventing ways to spend more money on something that causes accidents.

Removing the gates would be an open invitation to everyone in Lake and Sumter county to come in and use our parks and facilities. Money saved from removing the gates will not be enough to pay the lawsuits when people unfamiliar with The Villages get injured or killed…

[Two Bills]

You do realize that most of those that admit to hitting a gate state they didn't see it. If they can't see a red and white gate arm at eye level right in front of them, what chance do they have of seeing a speed bump??????

You will only hit a speed bump once at speed, unless you enjoy pain.
Gate killing is a recreation sport in TV!

[airstreamingypsy]

Removing the gates would be an open invitation to everyone in Lake and Sumter county to come in and use our parks and facilities. Money saved from removing the gates will not be enough to pay the lawsuits when people unfamiliar with The Villages get injured or killed…

The gates are stopping zero people from everywhere from coming in.

[airstreamingypsy]

I say put the silver/red reflective tape, seen on 18 wheeler trailers, on the arms.

[whatsup]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

I do not post much but I read TV every day.
The simplest and least expensive would be to hang flags from the gate arms.

[Margterrymcg]

Add lights and sound warning like RR crossings

[Nell57]

Yes, on Morse heading south, just before 466. Unexpectedly, don't know why there is a gate there.

The attended Gate House that is there should have been your other visual clue. The northbound gate at 466 is the most dangerous intersection in The Villages.
That gate attendant is in constant motion.

[jimdecastro]

You do realize that most of those that admit to hitting a gate state they didn't see it. If they can't see a red and white gate arm at eye level right in front of them, what chance do they have of seeing a speed bump??????
The VHA suggested this in 2022. Still waiting.

[dewilson58]

Let's hang dog poop from the gates...............Everyone sees the dog poop.

:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Joe C.]

Aggressive Speed Bumps ??? That's all we need for our aching, bad backs. It's really a "no brainer". We all know that the gates are there, and we all know that we need to stop or at least, really slow down. The problem isn't the gates, it's the drivers. They are not paying attention, they are drunk, or just plain stupid.
Perhaps a good remedy would be to place a heavy, solid gate (maybe a telephone pole) across the road so that when someone does hit it, it will do good damage to their windshield. That way, they will remember that the gate IS there the next time they go through.

[ldj1938]

I'll bet their eye site will get better if they are charged for taking down a gate.
I think they charge $300.

[jjombrello]

I would suggest changing the gate color to high visability yellow and add reflective tape. When working in the mining industry, the National Safety Council found that yellow was the most visible color and all of our trucks and cars were that color. The gates could be yellow with black stripes.

[Roron123]

How about making the gate arms wider making sure people will see them 😅

[Mulliganguy]

Ten years in The Villages and I have never hit a gate. I’m putting my money on Big trucks with long tall trailers.

[golfing eagles]

Aggressive Speed Bumps ??? That's all we need for our aching, bad backs. It's really a "no brainer". We all know that the gates are there, and we all know that we need to stop or at least, really slow down. The problem isn't the gates, it's the drivers. They are not paying attention, they are drunk, or just plain stupid.
Perhaps a good remedy would be to place a heavy, solid gate (maybe a telephone pole) across the road so that when someone does hit it, it will do good damage to their windshield. That way, they will remember that the gate IS there the next time they go through.

Or better yet, a retractable tire puncture strip---it comes up when the gate goes down and vice versa :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Joe C.]

Or better yet, a retractable tire puncture strip---it comes up when the gate goes down and vice versa :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

ABSOLUTELY !!! Now why didn't my (devious) mind come up with that one?

[Joe C.]

But now to really be serious. ....... Have you seen the gate at Stonecrest? It's perfect. It can be seen in bright sunlight, the midnight black, or even the thickest fog.
Check it out next time you come back from Cheers.

[Singerlady]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.
Keep the gates, add the bumps AND illuminate the gate bars with chaser lights! Naaaah…that’s too logical. 😂

[caylaboo]

Why not have reflectors on the gates and maybe flags? The reflectors would work in the evening and the flags for the daytime. Yes, some gates are very hard to see, even for some of us with good eyesight.

[Bruce3055]

Many individuals are suggesting ways to reduce the number of auto gate stricks. My recommendation is to replace the gates with aggressive speed bumps, which will slow down the cars to allow time for golf carts to cross the auto roads. Let's face it The Villages is not a gated community, it is a community of gates.

Everybody seems to reply with an "all or none type solution." Why not test a solution on a gate that gets hit often and then move forward gate by gate with high number of strikes.

Statistically, there are probably gates that haven't been hit in over a year. Some would say that's because snowbirds are more carefull, and others would say full time residents are more carefull. And both those accusations would ignore others (contractors, guests, etc who also use the gates. It really doesn't make any difference who hits them. Better to focus on testing a solution.

[Calisport]

There's a security benefit to gate arms, and gate guards. I can imagine young gang members that troll cities at night to just run through those speed bumps even in their low riders.

[Garywt]

I was in the lousy driver camp until yesterday going south on Morse in bright sunshine came upon a gate in shade. I literally could not see the gate until I was almost hitting it. No, I’m not ruling out that I’m a lousy driver!

There are no gates on Morse Blvd. if you turn off of Morse then you should expect to see a gate in most cases so if you expect it you should be looking for it and know it is there.

[Marathon Man]

I'm not sure where there is a gate on Morse south or where the "Lynnhaven exit facing entrance to Bridgeport" is so I can't see the design of either area but I assume it is similar to other gate installations.

Help me to understand, do you suppose drivers are thinking something like this?
Well, I'm leaving Buena Vista or Morse and turning into a Village. There's the sign that says "Village of ...." There's the box next to my window with the card reader and the red button. There's the sign that says "Resident Entry." Every other Village I've entered has a gate but I don't see one here. I guess I'll just drive right on through.

Is that why the gates get hit, because people ignore the signs and the readers and the mechanisms and just drive on through?

Post of the Month Award

[mtdjed]

Do we ever stop to think about why we even have gates? Or even need gate passes? Or separate resident and visitor entrance lanes? Or gate operators? Or exit gates? Or gate houses

It is certainly not to limit entry to residents only. We all know that anyone can enter by either pressing the Red Button and or using the Visitor entrance when staffed. So, gate passes are simply an inconvenience. Unless we are being used in a scheme to make an image that we are a true gated community.

Perhaps the real reason is to gain some sort of slow down safety for Golf cart crossing at gate sites. Gates as opposed to traffic lights such as the light on the Morse Path and Colony Blvd.

Staffing of gate houses could have some advantage at some entrances if golf cart safety is reason to keep traffic flow moving at busy entrances.

Why gate passes if they are not required by all, and red buttons and attendants open gates for all? If you need gates for golf cart safety, just have vehicle actuated gate opening.

Why gate houses at located in areas when no attendants? Promotes expectations that are not provided and creates obstacles to vision of traffic flow at golf cart crossings.

Why exit gates that open upon approach? May cause confusion among residents and visitors to expect the same from entrance gates. While you might think all should know exits verse entrance, I'm sure that exiting the Morse gate south at 466 which is open almost all the time due to exit traffic, may create some confusion especially with newcomers or visitors.

I have no dog in this race and have no problem with the current system.

However, it just seems that the whole system evolved and could benefit from residents being updated by the Developer as to why we have what we have.

[Sandy and Ed]

My husband and I just discussed this after seeing the gate down at Lynnhaven exit facing entrance to Bridgeport. The gate is being hit constantly because it blends with the horizon and is not effectively reflective. The only solution we could think of—lame as it is—would be reflective or shiny streamers hanging from the gate arm.
Maybe yes, the gates do have a habit of blending in. However…..each gate entrance is clearly visible even if you can’t actually see the gate itself until you are right on top of it. That should be enough for you to slow down and engage the card reader (if necessary)

[Topgun 1776]

It’s good like it is…. Take care of your business .

Spot on sir! Don't drive drunk. Obey the 5mph approach speed. Wait for the gate to come up...proceed. It's a pretty darn simple process.

Stupid will find excuses for doing stupid things.

[kbennett007]

I have a home away from home (work) in Cocoa Brach. The 55+ community I’m in there has gate arms with VERY bright LED light stripes.

Down=RED
In transit = flashing RED
Full up = GREEN

These are extremely visible.

Maybe retrofit these gates arms similarly.

[NoMoSno]

There are no gates on Morse Blvd. if you turn off of Morse then you should expect to see a gate in most cases so if you expect it you should be looking for it and know it is there.
There are gates on Morse Blvd.
The poster is referring to the southbound gate right before reaching 466.
It is difficult to see in the shade, but once you know it's there you should expect it.

[Raceone]

A huge NO to speed bumps! There is however a very easy & nearly full proof way to
reduce or eliminate gate strikes, SLOW DOWN!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The gates are stopping zero people from everywhere from coming in.

One of the functions of the gates is as a "deterrent." They absolutely are stopping people from everywhere from coming in. MOST people who drive around the main roads, know that when they see a community with gates in front of them, it means that whatever is on the other side of the gate is not open to the general public.

While our ROADS are open to the public, the amenities and homes on the properties are not.

So it does "reduce risk." It also reduces the risk of accidents, because even if you do plow through a gate, it's gonna slow you down.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There are no gates on Morse Blvd. if you turn off of Morse then you should expect to see a gate in most cases so if you expect it you should be looking for it and know it is there.

Yes there are gates on Morse Blvd. Anyone who lives off of Morse, north of 466 and drives to Sumter Landing, or lives south of 466 and drives to the Hospital, knows this.

[Maker]

How about doing a test. Take all the arms off for 1 year. Just like when a storm is coming. Put NO stop signs up. Notify everyone that vehicles are not going to be stopping, and do not cross until it is clear. Big letters DO NOT CUT IN FRONT OF A CAR OR TRUCK BECAUSE YOU WILL GET HIT - THEY DO NOT STOP.
No more gates being hit. No carts doing foolish things.
In one year, nobody wants them back.

[dewilson58]

How about doing a test. Take all the arms off for 1 year. Just like when a storm is coming. Put NO stop signs up. Notify everyone that vehicles are not going to be stopping, and do not cross until it is clear. Big letters DO NOT CUT IN FRONT OF A CAR OR TRUCK BECAUSE YOU WILL GET HIT - THEY DO NOT STOP.
No more gates being hit. No carts doing foolish things.
In one year, nobody wants them back.

:oops:

Cars going 25/30/35 mph thru intersections with carts........what could go wrong.

Without gates, there many car who will not slow down.
Without gates, the golf cart traffic would have significant back-ups.

Golf Cart Community.

:oops:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

:oops:

Cars going 25/30/35 mph thru intersections with carts........what could go wrong.

Without gates, there many car who will not slow down.
Without gates, the golf cart traffic would have significant back-ups.

Golf Cart Community.

:oops:

Although, there is something to be said for "Incoming vehicles from the right do not stop" at the Boone gate on Paradise heading south. Plenty of towns have those signs where there might be a blind corner, as a reminder that incoming traffic won't be stopping because it's not a 4-way stop.

People coming in from 441 through the Boone gate are supposed to stop at the gate. And then they proceed forward to the corner, which doesn't have a stop sign for them. All the other 3 corners at that intersection are supposed to stop.

[cjrjck]

Most of the main roads exit gate arms could and should be left up in my opinion. A speed bump could be added to in those places where you would encourage motorists to slow down because of crossing golf carts or pedestrians. Otherwise, I see no practical reason to leave these gate arms down. Some of them cycle up and down thousands of times a day. This increases wear and tear along with the risk of getting hit by a motorist and for what purpose?

[cjrjck]

There are gates on Morse Blvd.
The poster is referring to the southbound gate right before reaching 466.
It is difficult to see in the shade, but once you know it's there you should expect it.

Not only are they sometimes hard to see, but often when you approach them you are traveling at the posted speed limit and the gate arms are up but suddenly come down at the point where you have to nearly stop quickly. The sensor for those gate arms are not far enough upstream to account for the speed limit there. I have had a few close calls. So now, when I approach those two gate arms, I am travelling much slower than the speed limit just in case they are up and expect them to come down before I can trip the sensor.

[chicksinger]

Speed bumps are not the answer because of those that need help quickly (ambulances and emergency vehicles) and the fact that they cause excess wear and tear on your car it's not feasible or practical. Those still going too fast through them may also hit their heads on the roof of the vehicles and cause them to have an accident by losing control and possibly hitting a golf cart trying to cross or worse, having a stroke or heart attack from the shock and doing even more damage. People speeding through the gates will still be doing it...but, my thought for those claiming not to see them is that we change the color of the pole gates from red to that fluorescent green which has been proven to be more visible and is now being used on certain road signs for that reason.

[Bilyclub]

I have a home away from home (work) in Cocoa Brach. The 55+ community I’m in there has gate arms with VERY bright LED light stripes.

Down=RED
In transit = flashing RED
Full up = GREEN

These are extremely visible.

Maybe retrofit these gates arms similarly.

Yeah, how many gates does that place in Cocoa Beach have ? Totally a waste of money with all the gates and additional maintenance required for that here. Even if you can't see the gates all the other changes to the roadway should give a driver the hint that a gate will be there.

[VApeople]

Most of the main roads exit gate arms could and should be left up in my opinion. A speed bump could be added to in those places where you would encourage motorists to slow down because of crossing golf carts or pedestrians. Otherwise, I see no practical reason to leave these gate arms down. Some of them cycle up and down thousands of times a day. This increases wear and tear along with the risk of getting hit by a motorist and for what purpose?

The purpose is to greatly slow down traffic at the spot where the MMP intersects the roadway. That ensures a car driver does not surprise a golf cart crossing the roadway.

We do not have a golf cart and, since the MMP has a stop sign, I never yield to golf carts trying to cross the roadway. However, I drive VERY slowly thru the gates.

[Upchuck]

Slow down or is impossible, because you’re so special?

[kevko05]

Do both - gates and bumps, and while we're at it, put a secret password on the entry gate that each village can change every two weeks Just Kidding on the passwords - lol. The new gates on Meggison Rd down by Cirtus Grove need speed bumps for sure. The gates are too far from the Cart Crossing - someone will be killed there soon with the cars/trucks gaining too much speed after passing the gates.

I suggest a speed bump for departing vehicles which at the same time can raise the bar and just post the temporary stop sign at the entrance of arriving vehicles. Those RED stop signs get my attention.

[golfing eagles]

I suggest a speed bump for departing vehicles which at the same time can raise the bar and just post the temporary stop sign at the entrance of arriving vehicles. Those RED stop signs get my attention.

Unfortunately, they don't get everyone's attention.