Walkers, "in the dark".

[Full-timer]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.

[Rainger99]

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

No perhaps. Safety is needed!

There are no sidewalks and people are out walking their dogs at all hours. I have seen people walking in the middle of the street at night wearing dark clothing. Reflective vests cost under $10.

[fishon]

Villagers aren’t smart enough to walk on the correct side of the street or wear appropriate nighttime clothing. If there is a sidewalk Florida requires that pedestrians use it. There are even knuckleheads running in the cart/bike lane when there is a sidewalk right next to them
Some of the older Villages don’t have sidewalks. Please pay attention.

[Dusty_Star]

Not having sidewalks is unsafe.

[LuvNH]

This topic has been discussed many times before, but still people walk in the dark dressed in black clothing and sometimes with a small dog on an extendable leash. I am amazed that there are so few accidents.

[Marathon Man]

No perhaps. Safety is needed!

There are no sidewalks and people are out walking their dogs at all hours. I have seen people walking in the middle of the street at night wearing dark clothing. Reflective vests cost under $10.

I absolutely agree. Walkers - Please go buy one of these vests. A little red light is not enough.

[villagetinker]

I cannot count the number of times I or my wife "saw" a walker AFTER we were beside them, so far everyone has been lucky, I stay in the correct lanes, and the walker happened to be on a sidewalk, or at least in the gold cart path. NONE of them had lights, reflective clothing, and at least light colored clothing....

[Rainger99]

I cannot count the number of times I or my wife "saw" a walker AFTER we were beside them, so far everyone has been lucky, I stay in the correct lanes, and the walker happened to be on a sidewalk, or at least in the gold cart path. NONE of them had lights, reflective clothing, and at least light colored clothing....

When I was up north, I tried to get my town to require reflective vests but they didn’t even bring it before the city council.

Any chance Sumter county could require it for people walking on the streets between sunset and sunrise?

[Two Bills]

"Walkers in the night exchanging glances,
Wondering in the night
What were the chances they'd be getting home
Before the night was through...................":sing:

[Gpsma]

Had a guy in my neighborhood up north that did speed walking after work. Its dark early in the evening.
The guy had a reflective vest but put a string of battery powered blinking christmas lights on the vest.

It looked funny…but you could always see him

[Hape2Bhr]

No perhaps. Safety is needed!

There are no sidewalks and people are out walking their dogs at all hours. I have seen people walking in the middle of the street at night wearing dark clothing. Reflective vests cost under $10.

Incorrect; there are a number of sidewalks in TV.

[Boffin]

Some folks want to be Darwin Award winners.

[ohioshooter]

The other night we were coming back from Brownwood at around 9pm and came upon a guy walking in the cart lane on Marsh Bend, dark clothing and almost didn’t see him.

[Topspinmo]

Another thing if you can’t see the head in cart the eyes in head can see you. They are many blind spots in vehicles a pillars, mirrors, glare. Especially glare when sun comes up, or down, and in you face in vehicle. The slanted windshields thick A pillars are dangerous. They can completely block out walker, motorcycle, and even vehicle at right angle. Walkers on MMP think they can stroll down middle or right on center line two three abreast when traffic coming both ways. IMO same as walking on street facing traffic and on edge ready to get out of harms way if get caught in blind spot. But some want to be dead right or looking for the getto lottery. When I walk I get out of road, I am responsible my safety and don’t depend what ever coming at me. I don’t challenge I’m in right.

[Topspinmo]

Incorrect; there are a number of sidewalks in TV.

And diamond lanes same as walking on street. Not stroll down the middle or at white line challenging what coming at you.

[Topspinmo]

Some folks want to be Darwin Award winners.


Or looking for Morgan and Morgan.

[tophcfa]

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best.

The above statement is absolutely correct for the majority of golf carts that have tinted windshields. Tinted golf cart windshields and driving at night, especially in the rain, are a dangerous combination. We have two Yamaha’s, one with a tinted windshield and the other with a clear windshield. The difference is huge, we always take the cart with the clear windshield after the sun sets. We will never again get a tinted golf cart windshield, that’s what sunglasses are for. I totally agree with others about a reflective vest, for only $7 on Amazon, nobody should be out walking after dark without one.

[Michael 61]

This has been a good PSA and reminder to me - I just pre-ordered on Amazon reflective walking gear (LED) lights to wear for my morning walks.

[Topspinmo]

Villagers aren’t smart enough to walk on the correct side of the street or wear appropriate nighttime clothing. If there is a sidewalk Florida requires that pedestrians use it. There are even knuckleheads running in the cart/bike lane when there is a sidewalk right next to them
Some of the older Villages don’t have sidewalks. Please pay attention.

And where did all these villager’s come from? If they aren’t smart here they wasn’t smart there🙂

[Topspinmo]

The above statement is absolutely correct for the majority of golf carts that have tinted windshields. Tinted golf cart windshields and driving at night, especially in the rain, are a dangerous combination. We have two Yamaha’s, one with a tinted windshield and the other with a clear windshield. The difference is huge, we always take the cart with the clear windshield after the sun sets. We will never again get a tinted golf cart windshield, that’s what sunglasses are for. I totally agree with others about a reflective vest, for only $7 on Amazon, nobody should be out walking after dark without one.


Or walking in rain.

[Topspinmo]

Not having sidewalks is unsafe.


Walking two three abreast unsafe also. Single file when traffic approaching.

[Topspinmo]

This has been a good PSA and reminder to me - I just pre-ordered on Amazon reflective walking gear (LED) lights to wear for my morning walks.

You could be caring Mac truck grill with locomotives head lights and still get hit. Be ready to get out of road.

[Rainger99]

Incorrect; there are a number of sidewalks in TV.

I think there are very few sidewalks in the Villages - particularly in the new areas. There may be some south of 44 but I haven't seen one.

[ldturecek]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.
Totally agree with you! I leave in the early am and there are so many walkers with little, bitty flashlights, dark clothing, dogs on long leashes, etc. Please think about putting safety first so we can see you and enjoy your time outside.

[Blackbird45]

Just glancing over this topic, many of the posts mention the lack of sidewalks and the non-use of reflective gear. Let's cut to the chase, there are people who are too stupid to be walking the earth. These are the very people if they get injured due to their inability to take precautions will look for someone to blame. No matter how many warnings you will have in place, some fool will decide that walking their dog down the middle of I-95 at 2am is a great idea.

[mikeycereal]

I cannot count the number of times I or my wife "saw" a walker AFTER we were beside them, so far everyone has been lucky, I stay in the correct lanes, and the walker happened to be on a sidewalk, or at least in the gold cart path. NONE of them had lights, reflective clothing, and at least light colored clothing....

My first time the other morning, making a right turn on the road towards the gate, and I see a lady right there who apparently saw me and moved.

After that I more carefully look for people in the dark when driving. But I would never walk in the dark. Part of the reason I walk is to get a little sun. I don't get these walk in the dark people.

[Mrmean58]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.
We might as well lump in the number of people who drive their cars/carts without their head lights on before sun up or sun down, in the rain or in the fog. Last Tues during the morning fog, I would estimate 40-50 % of the carts/cars on the roads did not have lights on. And before someone argues that my car has "automatic lights", you as the driver is still responsible to ensure your headlights, not your driving lights are on when the law requires. There's a little green light with the symbol of your headlights that tells you when the headlights are on. Learn where it's located on your dash.

[kayak]

I think I will wear all black and go for a walk. It seems to be the trend.
I think I will wear all black and go for a bike ride. Yep, I see that one too much as well.

[Dusty_Star]

Incorrect; there are a number of sidewalks in TV.

There are sidewalks, on one side of the street, on some of the busier roads, but there are no sidewalks on the residential streets within my village. 'A number' of sidewalks don't improve safety if there are no sidewalks where people are walking & cars & trucks & golf carts are driving.

[sully1]

I’m an early morning walker and always carry a flashlight. I agree in what you are all saying but I have also seen on a number of occasions cars and golf carts drive by with no headlights.Always be aware of your surroundings.

[drdoug59]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.

unfortunately walkers take second place to golf carts in all aspects of village’s lifestyle including golf courses I don’t like it, but it’s part of the total package so I accept it. Even wearing a reflective vests and carrying a light i have had close calls with golf carts, so when I get in my 80s we will probably relocate to a more walker friendly community, where there are sidewalks everywhere and you don’t have to dodge golf carts. I should add we spend 7 months in Rhode Island and overseas, and they are more walker friendly. “ The more you walk, the less you’ll weigh “

[Fastskiguy]

They are called darkwads

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

[kendi]

Villagers aren’t smart enough to walk on the correct side of the street or wear appropriate nighttime clothing. If there is a sidewalk Florida requires that pedestrians use it. There are even knuckleheads running in the cart/bike lane when there is a sidewalk right next to them
Some of the older Villages don’t have sidewalks. Please pay attention.

Concrete is harder on the skeletal system than asphalt which is why you may see runners avoiding the sidewalks

[kendi]

unfortunately walkers take second place to golf carts in all aspects of village’s lifestyle including golf courses I don’t like it, but it’s part of the total package so I accept it. Even wearing a reflective vests and carrying a light i have had close calls with golf carts, so when I get in my 80s we will probably relocate to a more walker friendly community, where there are sidewalks everywhere and you don’t have to dodge golf carts. I should add we spend 7 months in Rhode Island and overseas, and they are more walker friendly. “ The more you walk, the less you’ll weigh “

Lots of no golf cart walking paths in the Fenney / Marshbend area.

[kendi]

The above statement is absolutely correct for the majority of golf carts that have tinted windshields. Tinted golf cart windshields and driving at night, especially in the rain, are a dangerous combination. We have two Yamaha’s, one with a tinted windshield and the other with a clear windshield. The difference is huge, we always take the cart with the clear windshield after the sun sets. We will never again get a tinted golf cart windshield, that’s what sunglasses are for. I totally agree with others about a reflective vest, for only $7 on Amazon, nobody should be out walking after dark without one.

Personally I notice flashlights much sooner than reflective vests. I don’t have to be close enough or in the proper alignment for my lights to reflect off the vest.

[talonip]

Try okahumka run. No sidewalks. Narrow street.

[Topspinmo]

unfortunately walkers take second place to golf carts in all aspects of village’s lifestyle including golf courses I don’t like it, but it’s part of the total package so I accept it. Even wearing a reflective vests and carrying a light i have had close calls with golf carts, so when I get in my 80s we will probably relocate to a more walker friendly community, where there are sidewalks everywhere and you don’t have to dodge golf carts. I should add we spend 7 months in Rhode Island and overseas, and they are more walker friendly. “ The more you walk, the less you’ll weigh “

“ Florida law is clear that pedestrians should keep to the side of the road, walking on the shoulder whenever possible. The same exceptions apply here; if the shoulder or side of the road is blocked or unsafe, pedestrians may carefully walk in the street following all common-sense safety precautions. “

[Topspinmo]

unfortunately walkers take second place to golf carts in all aspects of village’s lifestyle including golf courses I don’t like it, but it’s part of the total package so I accept it. Even wearing a reflective vests and carrying a light i have had close calls with golf carts, so when I get in my 80s we will probably relocate to a more walker friendly community, where there are sidewalks everywhere and you don’t have to dodge golf carts. I should add we spend 7 months in Rhode Island and overseas, and they are more walker friendly. “ The more you walk, the less you’ll weigh “

“ Florida law is clear that pedestrians should keep to the side of the road, walking on the shoulder whenever possible. The same exceptions apply here; if the shoulder or side of the road is blocked or unsafe, pedestrians may carefully walk in the street following all common-sense safety precautions. “

“When the street does not have a sidewalk, pedestrians should stay as far away from the edge of the roadway as possible. Walking toward oncoming traffic is the best way to remain visible.”

Quote from Google

Key words side and shoulder” when blocked wait for traffic to pass, the common sense safety precautions.

So you’re right it’s walkers responsible to walk in safe manner. When I walk I take myself out of any possible danger. I don’t Hesitate get off the street or path to get far away from getting hit.

[Regorp]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.

I walk at 7am wearing a reflective vest carrying a flashlight, so no problem. Of course, daylight savings ends November 5, so 7am will be 8am for 6 months much lighter out .

[MandoMan]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.

You are right. I drive a Toyota Prius, which are notorious for having low beam headlights designed for city driving and don’t easily light up pedestrians. The high beams do, but people don’t like me to use my high beams. Fluorescent green seems to show up best, especially from a distance or in fog. Reflective strips help, especially if they are moving. Some of these little LED strobes some bicycle riders use are terrific—I can see them a quarter mile away at dusk when I can’t even see the rider. It’s so easy to keep a reflective vest near the door and throw it on by habit. Even on bright sunny days, the glare can make it hard to see people. There’s a reason why the people working near the roads around here planting flowers are required to wear fluorescent green shirts.

[Freehiker]

I ride early in the AM’s and it never fails that I come across someone in dark clothing, no lights or reflective anything. It’s crazy how many people take that risk.

Even worse are the ones that walk against oncoming traffic on the inside edge of a blind curve. They’re just begging to get hit.

[drdoug59]

Lots of no golf cart walking paths in the Fenney / Marshbend area.
Can you walk to the walking paths on sidewalks or do you have to walk in the road?

[drdoug59]

Lots of no golf cart walking paths in the Fenney / Marshbend area.

Do you have to walk in the road to get to the walking paths?

[ehonour]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.

I wanted to make a quick post to say "thank you" for your post. This was well-stated, friendly, and kind, leaving it up to each reader to decide what to do with it. I'd suggest by-passing most of the responses. Thanks again.

[Babubhat]

Be highly visible in the tunnels! Too many close calls

[Lea N]

It is wonderful to see so many folks up and about walking at 6 or 7 in the am.

But perhaps a little safety is needed when it's dark outside.

Reflective clothing or lights of some kind, and walking against traffic.

All or any is your choice for sure but remember, you are walking with older people driving golf carts and cars that most likely are vision impaired to some degree as well as having slower response time, and more and more on the phone thinking they can talk and drive just fine (yeah right).

Anyone here owning a golf cart knows when driving it with front window up, in the dark, visibility is poor at best. Add to that, you all know many drivers here are not as good (or safe) as they think.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember;

The fact that "you the walker" think you can see fine while walking has nothing to do with the other person's vision or ability to be safe.

You are so right. For those walking their dogs in the dark there are reflective and light up dog collars and leashes.

[Dw3010]

Don't understand people walking or jogging in the golf cart area along Fenney Way and Corbin Trail, when thye have one of the widest sidewalks known to mankind ?

[Marathon Man]

Don't understand people walking or jogging in the golf cart area along Fenney Way and Corbin Trail, when thye have one of the widest sidewalks known to mankind ?

Maybe because it is not a "golf cart area".

[bobchap]

Harbor Freight in Leesburg has triangular shaped flashlight. One of the settings is red flashing triangular shape. When we go for walk at night I always make sure on coming traffic can see the flashing red light whether from the front or behind. You can always tell when they see the light because you can hear the vehicle slow down! We also wear flashlights around our necks

[wamley]

Far too many wear dark clothing and think they can be seen. Treat every vehicle as driven by someone that can't see you. Assuming your visible, even with lights on or bright colored cloths is dangerous.

[Dw3010]

Maybe because it is not a "golf cart area".

What would you call this area contiguous to the road just wide enough for a cart ? I realize that people can legally walk or jog in this area, just not sure it is the smartest place to be when you have an aging population with slower reflexes and a super wide sidewalk as an alternative.

[EdFNJ]

Agree 100% with the OP and a bit off-topic but then you have the golf carts with the '18 Wheeler" or "off-road truck" size LED PANELS (like photo) with multiple rows of super bright LED's on the front of their golf cart that are literally blinding to oncoming CARS and carts. These golf cart folks also need to remember as most people age, their night vision gets worse with oncoming lights. I just saw one with multiple rows of blinding LED's about 3 ft wide. Even through tinted glass they are blinding for oncoming cars (or carts).

[VApeople]

Another thing if you can’t see the head in cart the eyes in head can see you.

What does that mean?

[Pgcacace]

There are no sidewalks in the Spanish Springs area. That is a lot of streets.

[Topspinmo]

What does that mean?


What it means there are many blind spots don’t get in one so driver can’t see you.

[mdmurrell]

We support lights and/or vests for both walkers as well as bikers. In addition, we strongly recommend helmets for bikers. I clearly remember riding my bike over a small hill and finding a sharp turn at the bottom that was covered with a thin coat of mud. My bike skidded, I fell off and then impact of the fall split my bike helmet into two pieces. Had I not been wearing a bike helmet I would have had a severe TBI. Most bike trails require helmets for good reason.

[Two Bills]

We support lights and/or vests for both walkers as well as bikers. In addition, we strongly recommend helmets for bikers. I clearly remember riding my bike over a small hill and finding a sharp turn at the bottom that was covered with a thin coat of mud. My bike skidded, I fell off and then impact of the fall split my bike helmet into two pieces. Had I not been wearing a bike helmet I would have had a severe TBI. Most bike trails require helmets for good reason.

One of my son in laws bicycling friends had a bad fall from his bike, and a serious head injury, from which he has now pretty much recovered.
His surgeon was in no doubt he would have been 'dead on arrival' without his helmet.
Still cannot understand mentality of motor bikers riding with a bandanna or ball cap on head, and not a crash helmet.:shrug:

[ithos]

Concrete is harder on the skeletal system than asphalt which is why you may see runners avoiding the sidewalks

Unfortunately a automobile in motion can do far more damage to the skeletal system than asphalt.

Unless you have a medical issue, barefoot or minimalist shoes are better for you. You will get much more out of your workout.

Are Barefoot Shoes Good for You? 12 Biggest Benefits
– Runner's Athletics (https://www.runnersathletics.com/blogs/news/benefits-of-barefoot-running-shoes)

[VApeople]

What it means there are many blind spots don’t get in one so driver can’t see you.

OK, with proper punctuation and an additional verb, your post makes a little bit of sense:

"What it means is that there are many blind spots. Don’t get in one so that a driver can’t see you."

So how does a walker get into a driver's 'blind spot' ?

When I am driving a car and I need to pass a car on their left, I know I am in their 'blind spot' as I start to pass. As a walker, I don't pass many cars that are moving, so how would I ever get in their 'blind spot'.

[Lea N]

We support lights and/or vests for both walkers as well as bikers. In addition, we strongly recommend helmets for bikers. I clearly remember riding my bike over a small hill and finding a sharp turn at the bottom that was covered with a thin coat of mud. My bike skidded, I fell off and then impact of the fall split my bike helmet into two pieces. Had I not been wearing a bike helmet I would have had a severe TBI. Most bike trails require helmets for good reason.

Wow! I'm glad you avoided a TBI..

[Carlsondm]

Villagers aren’t smart enough to walk on the correct side of the street or wear appropriate nighttime clothing. If there is a sidewalk Florida requires that pedestrians use it. There are even knuckleheads running in the cart/bike lane when there is a sidewalk right next to them
Some of the older Villages don’t have sidewalks. Please pay attention.
Sidewalks are often concrete. Old bones may chose the more cushioned asphalt to finish their walk. Most walkers I know carry reflective bands at night. They are cheaper than vests. That is what The Villages may give you if you walk home at night. Don't know about early morning. They probably misjudged the sun up time.

Be kind. You may be walking more if your Doc suggests it.

[photo1902]

Sidewalks are often concrete. Old bones may chose the more cushioned asphalt to finish their walk. Most walkers I know carry reflective bands at night. They are cheaper than vests. That is what The Villages may give you if you walk home at night. Don't know about early morning. They probably misjudged the sun up time.

Be kind. You may be walking more if your Doc suggests it.

I bought one of these devices, the Elite model, to wear while working in certain conditions. The light is extremely well made and is very bright. They make a cheaper model as well.

Wearable Safety Light & LED Personal Safety Lights Devices (https://www.guardianangeldevices.com/)

[BobnBev]

"Walkers in the night exchanging glances,
Wondering in the night
What were the chances they'd be getting home
Before the night was through...................":sing:

Really LOL