E Biking the Villages

[SHIBUMI]

Near Collision

https://youtu.be/nUUbMq9aHOA

[Toymeister]

Careless cart driver cutting a curve short, crossing into oncoming lane.

[Bay Kid]

Close one. Whew

[Bill14564]

Careless cart driver cutting a curve short, crossing into oncoming lane.

Yep. Makes no difference if you are on an E-bike, traditional bike, or golf cart... when the oncoming cart cuts the corner and is in your lane, that's a problem.

[VApeople]

Yep. Makes no difference if you are on an E-bike, traditional bike, or golf cart... when the oncoming cart cuts the corner and is in your lane, that's a problem.

Yeah, the same thing happened to me. An oncoming cart cut the corner sharp and almost hit me,

It didn't bother me because I was in a good-sized automobile. The cart driver did not look happy.

[roob1]

///

[mntlblok]

Curvy roads seem to invite corner cutting, especially when there are *usually* no consequences. Reminds me of my favorite road, the Blue Ridge Parkway. And, suddenly having to whip to the outside of the curve sets up other potential problems, for which one has probably not put in a lot of practice.

And, since only the front wheels turn, the rear wheels don't follow the same path - they are *already" "cutting the corners" somewhat. Obvious stuff to most of us, but there are enough for whom that it is *not* obvious that that defensive driving thing kinda matters.

Also noted the low sun angle in the video. If you see your shadow well in front of you, what do you reckon oncoming traffic sees? New here but learning that those gates can be hard to spot if the late afternoon sun is in your face, too. Near oopsie.

Getting close to having the various roundabouts figured out, but one situation remains a little fuzzy in my mind. Maybe better placed in another thread. Something tells me that there might be multiple existing threads on that subject. Possibly hours of fun await following a forum "search". :-)

[Fastskiguy]

Gotta stay on guard 100% of the time biking (or walking!) anywhere. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it, unfortunately.

Joe

[mntlblok]

Careless cart driver cutting a curve short, crossing into oncoming lane.

Lived in a golf community with cart paths everywhere for 36 years, but have no experience with these luxuriously wide ones nor the apparently one-way paths here. That video was my first look at one of the wide ones - and what it looks like up on one of those bridges. Our cart is still on order. Guess I need to do a "forum search" on those, too, before the cart arrives.

One quick question *does* come to mind, though. Is it difficult for cart drivers to keep their wheels inside that white line that separates the cart/auto lanes within the neighborhoods? Have noticed that some seem to have difficulty with that. My sense would've been that the difference in size of the types of vehicles involved would've made staying within the lane a rather high priority.

I can imagine how rotten it would feel to hit a cart with your car, regardless of who's fault it was, but running over the bumps on the yellow lines is not always feasible, depending on oncoming traffic. I'm finding myself on pins and needles driving in such lane situations. Any tips? Is it just not something to worry about? Probably shoulda just done the search, eh? :-)

[Bill14564]

Lived in a golf community with cart paths everywhere for 36 years, but have no experience with these luxuriously wide ones nor the apparently one-way paths here. That video was my first look at one of the wide ones - and what it looks like up on one of those bridges. Our cart is still on order. Guess I need to do a "forum search" on those, too, before the cart arrives.

One quick question *does* come to mind, though. Is it difficult for cart drivers to keep their wheels inside that white line that separates the cart/auto lanes within the neighborhoods? Have noticed that some seem to have difficulty with that. My sense would've been that the difference in size of the types of vehicles involved would've made staying within the lane a rather high priority.

I can imagine how rotten it would feel to hit a cart with your car, regardless of who's fault it was, but running over the bumps on the yellow lines is not always feasible, depending on oncoming traffic. I'm finding myself on pins and needles driving in such lane situations. Any tips? Is it just not something to worry about? Probably shoulda just done the search, eh? :-)

Staying on the proper side of the white line should not be difficult for carts or cars. The lanes are plenty wide for standard carts and I've noticed there is ample space for the wider carts as well. The only area where the lanes are tight is the golf cart lanes on the bridge over Lake Sumter - there is still enough space but there isn't much to spare.

That said, I have seen both carts and cars having difficulty staying in their lane. This shouldn't be a problem but it seems to be for some. In these cases I really feel the issue is more with the operator than with the width of the lanes.

[mntlblok]

Getting close to having the various roundabouts figured out, but one situation remains a little fuzzy in my mind. Maybe better placed in another thread. Something tells me that there might be multiple existing threads on that subject. Possibly hours of fun await following a forum "search". :-)

Aha! A "sticky"! https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-navigate-roundabouts-155158/?highlight=roundabouts

[jrref]

Near Collision

https://youtu.be/nUUbMq9aHOA

Although that golf cart was in the wrong, that e-biker was going way too fast. That's why those types of e-bikes are banned from the cycling groups. People go too fast and loose control. These are basically like mo-peds or small motorcycles vs a bike.

[mntlblok]

Aha! A "sticky"! https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-navigate-roundabouts-155158/?highlight=roundabouts

Post #38 covers my "fuzziness".

"If you look at the roundabout brochure, it specifically states that you should “Never change lanes in a roundabout”. This means that if you are going 3/4 around, you should enter a gate in the visitors lane. The statement is written in red on the brochure. If you follow the lines that show a left hand turn, (3/4 around), you’ll see the line going into the visitors’ gate."

[Hatshouse]

One of the reasons the golf carts can’t make the turns and STAY IN THEIR LANE is because they are going too fast! I am so tired of people flying up behind me and riding my behind because they have “souped up” their golf cart so they can go 25-30 miles an hour.

[Happydaz]

Although that golf cart was in the wrong, that e-biker was going way too fast. That's why those types of e-bikes are banned from the cycling groups. People go too fast and loose control. These are basically like mo-peds or small motorcycles vs a bike.

The e-bike was not going fast. Watching the movie I would estimate the speed to be in the range of 12-14 miles per hour or less. That is not fast for a road bicyclist. All e- bikes can now be used in the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club. The only requirement is that those e-bikes that have a throttle control feature are to not use that mode, but rather only use the pedal assist power control. Pedal assist means that the bicyclist needs to pedal and then the engine will add assist power to that. As soon as the bicyclist stops pedaling the engine shuts off.

[Bill14564]

Although that golf cart was in the wrong, that e-biker was going way too fast. That's why those types of e-bikes are banned from the cycling groups. People go too fast and loose control. These are basically like mo-peds or small motorcycles vs a bike.

What makes you say the e-biker was going way too fast? How fast was he going? He did not appear to be out of control in any way.

I've never ridden a mo-ped but every motorcycle I have ridden was capable of 40-50 mph at a minimum. The "E" part of e-bikes doesn't go that fast. It may look like a duck, but it's not a duck.

[Regorp]

Near Collision

https://youtu.be/nUUbMq9aHOA

Pet peeve: why do bike riders use the golf cart lane on the street. Ie Marsh Bend Trail, when 10 feet away is the path for bikes and walkers. When encountered the cart must drive in the street. Very dangerous. I hate stupid people.

[mntlblok]

Post #38 covers my "fuzziness".

"If you look at the roundabout brochure, it specifically states that you should “Never change lanes in a roundabout”. This means that if you are going 3/4 around, you should enter a gate in the visitors lane. The statement is written in red on the brochure. If you follow the lines that show a left hand turn, (3/4 around), you’ll see the line going into the visitors’ gate."

But enjoyed this one:

"I always stagger vehicles and assume that when I exit right from the center lane that an outside lane vehicle may continue in the rotary even though I have the right a way. On the lighter side. I always assume nobody knows what they are doing....including myself. My neighbor chimes in with he just takes up both lanes."

[mntlblok]

The e-bike was not going fast. Watching the movie I would estimate the speed to be in the range of 12-14 miles per hour or less. That is not fast for a road bicyclist. All e- bikes can now be used in the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club. The only requirement is that those e-bikes that have a throttle control feature are to not use that mode, but rather only use the pedal assist power control. Pedal assist means that the bicyclist needs to pedal and then the engine will add assist power to that. As soon as the bicyclist stops pedaling the engine shuts off.

Found myself cringing from the apparent rate of speed in the video considering how often the road ahead was "blinded" by either curves or hills. Suspect I retain some PTSD from a car wreck experience at age 10, though. . .

[Bill14564]

Pet peeve: why do bike riders use the golf cart lane on the street. Ie Marsh Bend Trail, when 10 feet away is the path for bikes and walkers. When encountered the cart must drive in the street. Very dangerous. I hate stupid people.

You do know that there are multiple comments that ask why bikers ride on the walking trail when 10 feet away is a perfectly good road?

If I am out for just a leisurely ride then I might use the paths even though that means more stopping and transitioning from road to path to road again. If I am out for exercise or to get somewhere then I will ride on the road where I will encounter fewer stop signs.

[SHIBUMI]

Correct---12-14 mph

[Toymeister]

Although that golf cart was in the wrong, that e-biker was going way too fast. That's why those types of e-bikes are banned from the cycling groups. People go too fast and loose control. These are basically like mo-peds or small motorcycles vs a bike.

Bingo! It only took eleven responses to get an ebike hater to respond. As per usual, inaccurate and uninformed at that.

Here is the truth, the cart driver was careless and driving to fast as he couldn't maintain his lane. There is nothing more to this incident than that.

[bob47]

A lot of folks are going to say this is silly and unnecessary but a striped center line gives all users of the path a visual reference and a reminder of where they ought to be. And especially helpful at night.

Not expensive and no downside. Why only a few of the CDDs do this is something I don't understand.

[toeser]

Near Collision

https://youtu.be/nUUbMq9aHOA

I have been met a minimum of five times by golf carts being in my lane coming around corners, usually 90 degree blind corners. I don't know why these jerks can't stay on their half of the path. It's really dangerous.

[shut the front door]

Lived in a golf community with cart paths everywhere for 36 years, but have no experience with these luxuriously wide ones nor the apparently one-way paths here. That video was my first look at one of the wide ones - and what it looks like up on one of those bridges. Our cart is still on order. Guess I need to do a "forum search" on those, too, before the cart arrives.

One quick question *does* come to mind, though. Is it difficult for cart drivers to keep their wheels inside that white line that separates the cart/auto lanes within the neighborhoods? Have noticed that some seem to have difficulty with that. My sense would've been that the difference in size of the types of vehicles involved would've made staying within the lane a rather high priority.

I can imagine how rotten it would feel to hit a cart with your car, regardless of who's fault it was, but running over the bumps on the yellow lines is not always feasible, depending on oncoming traffic. I'm finding myself on pins and needles driving in such lane situations. Any tips? Is it just not something to worry about? Probably shoulda just done the search, eh? :-)

There are some cart lanes in TV that are narrower than others. In addition, on some of these, the white painted line will cause your cart to not steer correctly (slight swerving) if you ride on it. I would prefer to straddle that white line until I see a car approaching behind me than curb my wheels.

[toeser]

Pet peeve: why do bike riders use the golf cart lane on the street. Ie Marsh Bend Trail, when 10 feet away is the path for bikes and walkers. When encountered the cart must drive in the street. Very dangerous. I hate stupid people.

Don't hate yourself. "Golf cart lanes" are not "golf cart lanes." They are lanes that are to be shared with bikes.

[toeser]

Although that golf cart was in the wrong, that e-biker was going way too fast. That's why those types of e-bikes are banned from the cycling groups. People go too fast and loose control. These are basically like mo-peds or small motorcycles vs a bike.

It's extremely unlikely that the bike was going any faster than the cart. That said, he was riding faster than I do, but there's nothing wrong with that. He never left his lane.

[retiredguy123]

Although that golf cart was in the wrong, that e-biker was going way too fast. That's why those types of e-bikes are banned from the cycling groups. People go too fast and loose control. These are basically like mo-peds or small motorcycles vs a bike.
I could be wrong, but I thought the video was increased in speed, which made it seem as though the bike was going faster than it actually was.

[bobeaston]

I could be wrong, but I thought the video was increased in speed, which made it seem as though the bike was going faster than it actually was.
Nope! I ride that bridge, Chitty Chatty, everyday on a non-electric trike. I know what the speeds look like. While I can't haul my trike up the bridge that fast, I can go down the bridge as fast as any golf cart, but usually don't. The video shows me that the bike rider was probably braking on the way down and didn't get any faster than about 15 mph. He was likely at 15 or less when the cart driver cut the corner.

The ONLY thing wrong here was the cart driver cutting the corner.

[Battlebasset]

The cart was in the wrong, but this points to an issue that is only going to grow, which is not an e-bike, golf cart, regular bike thing. It's just that there is more and more traffic on the paths as the population grows.

People need to follow the same rules as they would for driving a car - Don't speed, don't go too fast for road/weather conditions, stay in your lane, use your signals, don't tailgate, and if you are going slower than the vehicle behind you, pull over or slow down when safe to do so and wave them by you. In short, defensive driving

Yes, that cart/e-bike might be going faster than 20 MPH, and they shouldn't be. But your goal is to arrive alive/uninjured to your destination. It doesn't matter if the inscription on your head stone reads "He was in the right". Dead is dead.

[golfing eagles]

Bingo! It only took eleven responses to get an ebike hater to respond. As per usual, inaccurate and uninformed at that.

Here is the truth, the cart driver was careless and driving to fast as he couldn't maintain his lane. There is nothing more to this incident than that.

No question the cart was careless. No question some car and cart drivers cannot keep their vehicles in their lane. No question that sometimes this is due to excess speed.

That being said, many cyclists cannot keep their bike in their lane either. This is because their lane is on the near side of the stop sign or yield sign that they just blew through. A famous person once said "He who is without sin cast the first stone".

[Mlundberg]

Near Collision

https://youtu.be/nUUbMq9aHOA
Biking in the Villages is dangerous. I only bike on the state trails in Santos and Inverness. These trails are long, paved, and made for bikes. They are wonderful! Try them out and save your neck.

[VApeople]

Biking in the Villages is dangerous.

That is very true in the villages north of Route 44.

When we want to ride our bikes, we go to the Southern Area and ride on the walking/biking trails where golf carts are forbidden.

[MX rider]

Biking in the Villages is dangerous. I only bike on the state trails in Santos and Inverness. These trails are long, paved, and made for bikes. They are wonderful! Try them out and save your neck.

You're spot on. We go to Santos often. I ride the mtb trails and my wife rides the paved trail with the land bridge over I 75. We still ride our mtb's around our area in TV but we're very careful and aware. Lots of crappy cart drivers

[Indydealmaker]

Collision might have been less imminent if the cart had obeyed the speed limit.

[Two Bills]

That sort of action by the cart driver was the reason I had cameras installed on all vehicles I use. Can't beat actual film evidence in the event of an insurance claim.

[JMintzer]

Collision might have been less imminent if the cart had obeyed the speed limit.

How do you know how fast the cart was going?

You cant just as easily "cut the corner" at 15-20 mph as you can at 25 mph...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That is very true in the villages north of Route 44.

When we want to ride our bikes, we go to the Southern Area and ride on the walking/biking trails where golf carts are forbidden.

I have -almost- no problem at all riding my bicycle in the Historic section. Once in awhile I'll come across some cart or car driver who insists on giving me THEIR right of way, after I've done the correct thing and stopped fully at a stop sign, because I knew they had the right of way. In those cases, I get OFF my bicycle and refuse to budge until they've moved on.

Giving someone else your right of way could result in death to one of you. I'm not willing to take that chance. If you have the right of way, take it.

And once I was cut off, and it seemed like it was intentional. Intimidation of someone who was just not in the mood to see a bicycle on the road I guess? I dunno. I wore a purple helmet. Maybe that offended them. People are weird. I go into every ride with that acknowledgement, and drive accordingly.

[countrycomfort1]

Bikes are hard to notice that’s why they should always have a flashing light / I wouldn’t ride far without it. I was once passed by an e-bike and I was doing 25 , as for riding golf cart lanes that are in roadways I just about alway ride this lane as it is safer and courteous to the walkers on the path.E-bikes are quite startling when zipping by walkers as most people don’t have bells on the bikes. Personally I wouldn’t want an e-bike as it sorta defeats the purpose of exercising but each to his own.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Bikes are hard to notice that’s why they should always have a flashing light / I wouldn’t ride far without it. I was once passed by an e-bike and I was doing 25 , as for riding golf cart lanes that are in roadways I just about alway ride this lane as it is safer and courteous to the walkers on the path.E-bikes are quite startling when zipping by walkers as most people don’t have bells on the bikes. Personally I wouldn’t want an e-bike as it sorta defeats the purpose of exercising but each to his own.

The pedal-assist feature would be the only attraction for me. When I'm riding, I like doing the work. That's my exercise. It's also my transportation though and going uphill after an hour of riding can be kind of rough (coming up Jason after taking a ride around the Historic section, oof).

But the tradeoff for that would be over $1000, PLUS another 30-60 pounds of bulky battery and casings. No thanks. I'll just keep riding my old Raleigh hybrid 21-speed, and if it gets too hard to climb the last part of a hill, I'll get off and walk it up.