Avid Villages Cyclist Answers Your Questions
 

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.

Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.

Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.

Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.

Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.

Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.

Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.

These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.

Why was it when I was a following a group of bicyclists in my golf cart on and MMP that one or more of them would move over to the left every time I tried to pass them? They were going about 13 mph and my cart goes 20 but they wouldn't allow me to pass for over two miles.

Probably because the cyclists believe that they, and they alone, are the sole arbitrators of when it is safe for them to be passed. Apparently the rest of us don't get a vote.

I vote for them to ride on the open roads.

Because THAT particular group of cyclists had some jerks in the group...

I agree with you opinion on Road v. MMPs. However, not so bad now that many snowbirds are leaving BUT, the MMPs I feel are just as dangerous as the road. With many walkers and golf cars on the MMPs, and many are impatient golf car drivers, the MMPs are often more dangerous. I only feel safe on the paths that prohibit golf cars (walkers and cyclists only).

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion. However, I was just "taking my lane."

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

[QUOTE=ElDiabloJoe;2090189]

But, how do you really feel??????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

So this is interesting train of thought vomitus. Let's take that apart shall we?

1. Peloton is not a bicycle that people can ride. It's a stationary bicycle. That means you set it up on your lanai or somewhere in the house, and it doesn't go anywhere. It has one wheel - the other end is attached to a base. So you're griping about something you clearly know nothing about, and making it up as you go along.

2. It sounds like you have a lot of anger against teenage girls, or possibly have some resentment against teenage girls who wear tight clothes and heels when they go dancing? Pretty weird, and possibly creepy, if you ask me.

3. I don't know what you mean by cyclist shoes. I wear sneakers, just normal sneakers. I also wear leggings or skin-hugging shorts, because otherwise I get chafing on my thighs from constant peddling up and down against the bike seat.

4. You're running in the street, at probably around 6-7mph. A bicycle is riding, usually between 13-17mph. A golf cart is driving between 17-20mph. And a car is driving at 20-45mph. If they're all approaching each other, whether from behind or in front, then everyone has to squeeze in so everyone fits and has room to pass each other. It has to be paced, timed so that no one ends up tipped over and injured. The pedestrian has the easiest job of stopping or getting out of the way. That's just physics. The golf cart has the second easiest job of stopping or getting out of the way. The car has the third easiest job. And the bicycle - has the hardest time either stopping or getting out of the way.

So cut those cyclists some slack. If you see them coming toward you, get as close to the edge of the path as you can. In fact, if it's safe to get on the grass, then get on the grass. YOU won't be inconvenienced even a smidge.

I guess that “taking my lane thing” can work for more than just bikers. What bothers me is the “taking my lane” thing on the MMP’s where there is only one lane. Regardless of your form of transportation, if there is only one lane and you are going slower than the person behind you, get out of the way! That includes the golf carts that like to drive slow and then floor it when you try to pass them.

There are about a dozen, perhaps double that, of regular posters who dominant the posts here in general discussion. One or two try to be funny most are just talking to themselves. Given the vast amount of time they spend getting in the last word and spreading mostly inaccurate negativism. All hate cyclists.

1. The word peloton existed long before a company adopted it. Look it up.

2. ????

3. While looking up peloton, look up bicycling footwear too.

4. The four conveyances would never be side-by-side in a single lane. Only runners would be in the same lane as a bicycle, car, or golf cart. All the others would take up two lanes if side-by-side. Also, unless specifically indicated, the runner/pedestrian has as an equal right to be in the lane as any of the others.

Excellent opening post. It would be good to see more such. Engaging in dialogue is better than spewing anger.

Lots of roads and streets in Minnesota have dedicated bicycle lanes where only bicycle traffic is allowed. I haven't been to many places yet in Florida but I've not seen them here. While they don't solve all problems those lanes do help. The problem is that not all streets have them and there are bicyclists up there who insist on riding their bicycles on streets with no bike lanes--during rush hour traffic. Rush hour in downtown Minneapolis, as in most large cities I imagine, can become nightmarish, and there is a lot of resentment from motorists when bicyclists are navigating those streets two abreast and going much slower than the vehicular traffic. It doesn't make a lot of sense: driving in rush hour there is hurry-up-and-wait most of the time, but there have been numerous incidents when that resentment boils over into out-and-out rage, with bicycles bumped off streets by cars, quite a few injuries of bicyclists, and some deaths.

When it is bicycle vs. car, bicycle loses every time.

Why have I not seen a bicycle stop at a sign in 7 years? Yes, never

jerks dont stop so i domt stop and just keep on ridding right on and dont stop on my golf cart

Can't we all just get along... I came from Minneapolis and I familiar with the bike lanes mentioned. What wasn't mentioned is that those lanes came at the expense of a lane of traffic or someone's parking, which is especially difficult when they tend to lose that in the winter anyway. The larger related issue is paying for the bike lanes, like electric vehicles they don't buy gas so they don't contribute to some of the funding of the roads or surfaces they use.

The real issue is we all just need to get along, which most of us do. When passing bikers and walkers with my Golf Car, I go out of my way to give them room, more so for people walking their dogs. Yes, you will always run into jerks, but as I tell my wife, wait and get around them and you'll likely never see them again. Forget about it and go about your business....

So this is interesting train of thought vomitus. Let's take that apart shall we? Clearly you are confusing recreational cycling with hardcore cyclists.

1. A peloton is a massive group of cyclists. The term has been around much longer than the recent few years and the uber popular stationary bike;

2. You are projecting wayyyy too much. "Creep" is a quick way to severely disparage someone. Usually used by those with little else to retort since there is little defense from the accusation. It's not "Creepy" like putting up cameras in bathrooms. THAT'S creepy, not comparing attire from one group to another. Is it "creepy" to say someone is on their cell phone all the time like a pre-teen girl? It's an apt comparison.

3. I'm simply saying, when cyclists and their specialized shoes (not the Keds you are wearing) stop at Starbucks, all you can hear is the clicking of their "clip-in" cycling shoes;

4. Physics aside, the slower traffic generally has the right of way. You have clearly never done serious running. First, you cannot slow and step out of the way easily when you are running because one does not have eyes in the back of their head in order to see the rapidly approaching cyclist. Using your logic, cyclists should always stop and pull over to the curb when faster cars approach from behind.

Additionally, stopping and dodging, even slowing for traffic lights causes a myriad of biomechanics issues to a body's dynamics when it is training at a high level. Have you ever watched a marathon? Do you really think they can just side-step an obstacle and not cause phenomenal counter-impacts to their tendons, ligaments, ankles, knees, and hips, never mind the break in breathing rhythm necessary to continue at a certain pace for many many miles.

By the way, the word you wanted to use is "Pedaling" not "Peddling." Unless you're selling something besides illogic.

You are clearly responding out of context. A person running dozens of miles a week and a very serious cyclist are far different than you out for a walk/jog or casual bike ride on your Schwinn.

PS- Sorry Bill14564, I didn't see you already addressed her points before I replied. You were far more succinct.

This happens a lot on the way to Fenney area

Hmmm, you mean those aren’t just for cars????

Looks like you failed...

A good try. The pseudo names. When you read the posts, it is clear too many of our fellow villagers are astronomy professors. They always did and continue to be sure the world revolves around them.

I ride a bike, drive a golf cart and drive a car so see and experience all sides. Truth, I don't think any will change their mind but......... In terms of speed to get a workout, like all other vehicles on the road, sharing the road, safely being on the road. There are places where it is safe to ride a bike, a car, a golf cart at speed and then others where slower speed is SMARTER. In terms of exercise. I own several bikes. Exercise? Buy an old Schwinn I had a 1950 Phantom that I picked up in the trash and restored it to be rideable. Single speed, bike weighs 50 pounds. If the goal is exercise that will do it.
Same of course applies to people who buy motorized bicycles. For exercise?

Manners, rules, common sense. I think we tend to see, to notice those who do not seem to know or care and not the most who do. Drivers? I think far too many people think they are better drivers than they are. The goal the win is everyone gets to where they are going in one piece. Realize what do you accomplish by????????????????
Get to the next red light sooner? Cars are expensive, gas is expensive, tires are out of sight, tickets etc etc etc etc.

Read my post about astronomy. Law is supposed to apply to all. Re: golf cart. The law is the golf cart is low man on the totem pole. By LAW, they yield to cars and yes to bicycles.

People. Accident is a word and often not the proper one. Most accidents are avoidable thus an impact is at least one person doing what they should not be doing.

The reality. Stop sign. You are supposed to come to a complete stop even with the stop sign. Then, as is often the case you may need to go past there in order to see. Proper stopping for a stop sign I doubt you will see anyone do that.

Unlike a car or golf cart a bike that is not motorized some of them really should be forced to be registered vehicles with plates and insurance. A bike, a human powered one cannot accelerate quickly from a dead stop. At a stop sign, you need to be concerned with the traffic in front of you as well as cars or golf carts who will decide to drive around you.

You didn't answer any questions, you gave your opinion. Your opinion is wrong on several levels because you are biased. If you were being honest and not opinionated the answers would be quite different.

I don’t understand why a runner or a walker rather use the street than a sidewalk or path?

Yay for the cyclists! But...
 

My ONLY problem are the ones who ride in "packs" (sometimes 15 - 20 or more in the pack), three and four abreast and disregard the road rules on major thoroughfares (e.g.:ho: Buena Vista Blvd) . In the event they do stop at a signal when there is a car in the right lane, they get upset if the car turns right and inhibits their forward progress. These are the folks that create the distain for cyclists. You know who you are.

If you had a clear lane all to yourself, where you wouldn't have to share the lane with the cyclist, and you knew you could pass safely, they were wrong in doing that. If you were trying to squeeze in between the cyclist and oncoming traffic, or trying to squeeze in between the cyclist and the left hand curb, in an area where the MMP is divided, then they were within their rights to take the lane and prevent you from giving them the squeeze.

If it's a really long line of cyclists, and I can safely pass some, but not all, I pass who I can pass, and when I need to get back into the lane, I signal and slowly reenter the lane. I expect the long line of bicycles to give me some room to get back in. I respected their space, and now they have to respect mine.
I signal, and come back slowly, giving them time to give me room with no abrupt braking on their part required. I have never encountered hostility from the cyclists doing this.

Where there is only one lane is precisely where the "taking the lane" is a must for the biker. Otherwise carts will try to squeeze between the left curb and the bike.
That's a no-no. The cart has to wait until there are two lanes, and no oncoming traffic in order to pass safely.

I think many ride just so they can ware thoes dorky outfits and head gear.:clap2:

Why Don't They Say "On Your Left"?
 

[QUOTE=kkimball;2090031]Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Dear OP - I'm a walker, and my question concerns the walking paths in the south end of the The Villages (not the MMPs, but the narrower paths that only allow walkers and bikers, no golf carts; for example the Hogeye Sink Pathway).

I understand the need to share these paths, but they are very narrow. My question is, why do so many bike riders not say "On Your Left" as they zoom past, just off the shoulder of walkers? It's very dangerous.

I'd estimate that 50% of bike riders (the considerate ones) provide a nice, clear, robust "On Your Left" announcement as they approach a walker. When I hear that, I move over even further to my right to ensure that the biker has plenty of room. (I also always give a nice loud "thank you" to the biker for providing the warning.)

The other 50% of bike riders however, never say a word and just fly by, often only inches from a walker. As I said it's very dangerous for both the walker and the rider. It would seem to take very little effort for a biker to open their mouth and provide a quick safety warning.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

In other words, that is an excuse for breaking the same law that cyclists expect everyone else to follow?????

I am a cyclist who rides seven days per week. If I had been in a golf cart behind such a group, I would have been tempted to lay on my horn until they let me pass. Cyclists like them give the rest of us a bad name.

[QUOTE=Gladys Turnip;2090477]
It's not only walkers who have to contend with these inconsiderate riders, it's other riders as well. I have had other bikers (road bikes) zoom by me on my left with no warning whatsoever. I have a mirror, but sometimes I miss their approach. I always give out passing warnings.

Just a note-often, an "on your left" statement sometimes startles the walkers and they turn into the path of the cyclist. Sp please do not necessarily judge the cyclist negatively. They do not want to run into walkers.

My problem is with those electric bikes. they are quiet and fast. At least three times yesterday while walking the Hogeye path towards Edna's and back, those bikes came from behind and whizzed by without even a horn or bell to warn us. Just a grunt as they went by. Some weren't even peddling, just going almost as fast as a golf cart. Manners?

Put the bottle down

No Startle
 

"On Your Left" does not // will not startle a walker or endanger anyone as long as it it given a sufficient distance in advance. This gives the walker time to slide a bit more to the right (to make both safe). The startling happens when the first thing the walker knows about the bike is when it is passing him/her, just inches away to the left.

A loud, robust "On Your Left" provided far enough in advance is courteous and will keep both walker and biker safe.

Admits he is the Devil right there in his username. I agree with most of his posts however. Does that mean I’m No Angel. No reference to Gregg Allman

On the left
 

[QUOTE=Gladys Turnip;2090477]I’ll share my thoughts on this because I walk these paths frequently. I like bikers that use bells to alert walkers. Whether they use bells or say “on the left” it should be done well away from the walkers so as not to startle them. Actually, It makes sense to me to treat the walk/cycle paths like walking on a street and walk to the left facing oncoming wheeled traffic.