Walking with and riding against traffic
 

Why do so many people walk with traffic and some cycle against traffic? Is it a northerner or big city thing? This happens daily on the MMP and frequently on roadways. Do these people not realize how dangerous it is? Especially those who have earphones.

:popcorn: :popcorn:

You just can't fix stupid.

Apparently some communities ask for walkers to go 'with traffic'. My former community didn't ascribe to this BUT I did encounter a walker one time south of 466a who was walking this way. I approached her saying I wasn't trying to start anything but wanted to let her know it was a safety issue for her. She told me she was from CO. and in their community they were required to walk "with traffic". She thanked me. It could just be folks aren't aware and aren't trying to be obnoxious.

just like the many golf cart drivers here in TV these folks are doing things for the first time, because they can and there is a convenient place to do it.
And just like all the new golf cart drivers, have never had a lesson or discussion about what to do or not in the name of saftey!!!

They seem to never have heard of wearing a white or brightly colored shirt, either, and insist on wearing grey, the color of the pavement and everything at dusk.

It seems like they think all car and cart drivers own 100% of the responsibility for the walker or bicyclist's own safety. It's arrogant and FOOLISH.

I think you hit the nail on the head!:agree:

I don't think I'd call it arrogant, but it is certainly foolish. I doubt that anyone goes out there and actively thinks that they'll wear the least visible clothing possible, to see if they can have others avoid hitting them. I think that they just don't give the situation the consideration that they should. That's why I am extra vigilant when riding or driving around here. I assume that some people will do foolish things, and I'm too often not disappointed.

That would be an interesting topic to research.
I thought all laws in North America required walkers to walk against oncoming traffic for safety reasons.
Our laws in Ontario, Canada, are consistent in that regard.

Yes, there is a Florida statute covering this
 

Decided to do a quick search. Where there are no sidewalks, pedestrians are required to walk facing oncoming traffic. The statute covers a lot more than you ever wanted to know.

Here's a link:

Chapter 316 Section 130 - 2012 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate

That said, foolish people will no doubt argue that the cart trails are not public roadways and they can do whatever they want. Just watch out for them.

In the state of MI bikers, joggers and walkers are required to go WITH traffic as opposed to AGAINST traffic. I absolutely hated that because of safety issues. But I am surprised to read here that in FL you are to go AGAINST traffic. Have to admit that I have not seen bikers doing that here in TV. Is it restricted to the MMP? Or should bikers do that on the regular streets also?

When people are walking WITH traffic, I tell Deanna that they obviously were not Cub/Boy Scouts as we were always taught to walk AGAINST traffic to be able to get out of the way of an oncoming vehicle. Bicycling WITH traffic is the thing to do.

Hi Suzi,

Regarding bikes, they are required to ride in the same direction as other vehicle traffic. Indeed, a bicyclist is considered a "driver" required to follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles, with some added specific requirements unique to bicyclists. For reference, the applicable law is Florida 316.003(1).

According to the Michigan state website:

"Pedestrians are reminded to:

Walk on the side of the road as far to the left as possible or on a paved shoulder AGAINST oncoming traffic where there are no sidewalks;"

SOS - Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Tips

Where I used to live, we had this very narrow road (think typical roadway in England) that cut through a subdivision on the way to a local golf course. It was a main artery through this subdivision. You can just imagine the cars speeding down this road late to their tee times. There was no sidewalk along this road. Talk about the perfect storm! I especially cringed when, more than once, I would see a young mother pushing her baby in a stroller WITH this traffic. One sneeze; one dropped cigarette, one phone call, and there could be a monumental tragedy. Fortunately, in 20 years there, I never heard of a pedestrian getting hit.

Never heard of bikers going against traffic anywher that I have lived. Florida law requires that pedestrians(including joggers) use sidewalks when available-- no exceptions.

It's not a "northern thing". I grew up in CT and when I joined the boy scouts, one of the first things we learned was to always walk against the traffic if sidewalks were not available. Very dangerous walking with traffic.

That brings up another question....when a sidewalk is available, why do so many people walk in the street anyway?

I found that walking sideways like a crab with traffic is the safest way to go. It does take a little longer but you can wear headphones and listen to Diane Rhem to pass the time..

I checked on this Michigan state government website:
SOS - Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Tips

It states:

"Pedestrians are reminded to:

Walk on the side of the road as far to the left as possible or on a paved shoulder AGAINST oncoming traffic where there are no sidewalks"

First, this is Florida. The rules are simple. When riding, ride with traffic. When walking, go against traffic.

First, my post was in response to someone who stated that in Michigan the law is to walk with traffic. I was pointing out that that was not true.

Second, you merely restated the same thing that I posted.

Nothing in your post contradicts the Michigan laws that I referenced.

As kids, we were always taught to walk against traffic and ride bikes with traffic, a safety thing. Over the years, I've worked several calls where people walking along a state or US highway, with the traffic, were hit by something thrown at them by passing vehicles. I've always walked against traffic so I could see if anything is thrown at me, but, I won't have to worry about that in The Villages. :smiley:

Walking with traffic
 

What a traumatic experience for both parties! Glad that the result wasn't much worse!

Pennsylvania
 

Bicycle with traffic, walk against traffic.

Must have been horrible; that is something that will haunt you and make you wary when driving into the sun. Hope everything is better for all.

Can't believe we have people in their 50s - 80s who still need to be told what side of the road to walk or bike on!

I'm not comfortable walking on a cart path or multi-tasking lane. When my hearing was 20/20 it wasn't the case.

I also have hearing problems, I can't tell which way noise is coming from due to only one ear. I never walk with the traffic. I want to see what about to hit me! I also step off cart path or road cart path (diamond lane) when cart or cart and car are coming side by side. If my wife and I are walking we walk single file when traffic coming and ready to step off the road way/cart paths.

I cringe whe I see couples walking side by side and won't budge when cart and car coming together. Causing the cart to take action. I mean really get out of way not worth getting hit or killed? Why take chance?