Bicyclist Killed on Hillsborough Trail
 

"SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—An 80-year-old bicyclist was killed after a golf cart turned into his path Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Villages man was riding his bicycle westbound on the Hillsborough Trail shortly before 8:30 a.m. when a golf cart being driven by a 69-year-old woman of Rochester, New York, turned left at the intersection of Ichabod Way, directly in his path. The golf cart driver was unable to see the man due to the glare of the early morning sun, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release.

The bicyclist struck the golf cart, was thrown into the road and seriously injured. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries; the golf cart driver was not hurt, Gaskins said."

Just a reminder for everyone to be careful out there.

This story is horrific - be careful out there, and drive defensively, always assuming another car/golf cart could do something crazy at any moment.

Sad

Will she face any charges?

I gave up riding a bike in TV a long time ago after almost being hit head on by a golf cart. He never even slowed down as he went by me.

Lights and mirrors at all times! So unfortunate.

You are a wise young man.

We love to ride our bikes on the walking/biking paths in the Southern Area but we stay away from any place that allows carts or cars.

I don't know which would be worse, being on a bicycle and getting hit by a golf cart, or being in a golf cart and getting hit by an SUV or a truck. So, I don't ride a bike or a golf cart.

He got to 80 yrs old and then was killed in such a way. If she could not see due to the morning sun, she should have been going at a very slow pace or at least be stopped to check for traffic. Heartbreaking for his [wife] family.

What does it mean to "be spotted"?

It means to have spots.

bicycle dont stop for cars or golf carts so get hit

He likely had the right of way since it was reported that she turned into his path. Bike did the hitting, this time. Very sad this old man died. Condolences from us both, I'm sure.

It appears that he was "left hooked" - he had the right of way. I know people who have been "left hooked" and I have personally seen people "right hooked". The people that were hit were not at fault. Stupid comment by you.

Correct. When I approach any intersection, I lean up and back while checking for anything that might be traveling in any of the blindspots. Folks often have no idea of vehicles approaching at right angles that are completely hidden by the windshield frame and roof supports.

I'm see so many people & bicycles walking in the middle of roads, & facing the wrong direction.
These common-sense rules have stood the test of time, so why just disregard them?
I hope the lady is charged.

And then the person goes to jail...or, loses everything in a civil suit... because cyclists have the same rights to public roads or MMP as vehicles or anyone else.

Multi modal paths are very dangerous, by putting pedestrians bicyclists and golf carts in such close proximity creates a hazardous situation, not building sidewalks saves costs for the developer, but golf carts are a popular way to get around, perhaps I am wrong but is there any enforcement of rules of use on the paths? A lawsuit is almost a certainty , why would the victims family and attorney not see the developer as a co defendant ?

When driving cart late day when sun angle is blinding, I always put my windscreen down to enhance visibility. Rather kiss a couple bugs than a cart car or jogger.

Like it or not the driver should be charged for vehicular homocide and prosecuted to the full extend of the law. Who in their right mind pulls out into traffic without making sure the path is 100% clear. If you can’t see, don’t move until you can

I wish walkers would always walk facing traffic on any surface be it cars, golf carts or bicycles. i don't understand not wanting to see what's coming at you.

Bikes don't stop for anybody it seems.

Such a short-sighted, illogical, completely false statement. Even at the age of being a senior, I still remain amazed at the lack of intelligence and lack of social skills some folks display.

The accident happened on the road, not an MMP.

There but for the grace of God go I. I have had so many close calls, it's absurd. 95% of the golf cart drivers are fine. Maybe 3% could use some improvement and 2% should be banned.

The worst are those who drive around 90 degree blind corners on the wrong side of the trail. What is wrong with these people? They could just as easily cause a golf cart smash-up as hit a bicycle. I could go on with multiple examples, but I guess most of you have seen them as well.

?
 

I always here this happens when they hit their head - use a seat belt

This is the second person from our club to be hit in the early morning. Both drivers that hit them said they had been blinded by the sun. I won’t ride when the sun is low.

Do you mean use a "helmet"? BTW, it is "hear" not here.

What charges do you expect. It’s a traffic violation at best for fail to yield. Nothing in this information would come close to supporting criminal charges. It’s an accident, yes a tragic one but still an accident. There is civil liability but nothing criminal by no means.

Cars have anti collision technology. Hope they get to work on them for gc
rip villager

With all the legal background you must have please enlighten us what charges you would bring based on the current statutes and not you opinion.

New resident here - really would like to buy a bike, but am second guessing my decision whether to or not - I don’t know if I would feel safe riding on the streets and paths of The Villages.

I feel very safe riding on the streets, but "you" have to be aware & alert, not listening to music and be young enough to react quickly if needed.

AND

Don't ignore traffic signs.

I am a regular bicyclist and ride 25+ miles 3-4 times a week and feel That is a completely ignorant and plain stupid statement. Try reading the statute before you make such a ridiculous comment. No way you can argue depraved indifference in this situation.

A guy is just riding along hillsborough having a wonderful morning and taken out by somebody else's mistake, so sad.

Joe

We are going bike riding today on some of the beautiful walking/biking paths, but we will not ride on any street or path that allows cars or golf carts because it is much too dangerous.

Buy one and enjoy the good weather and miles of flat roads and paths.

You won't know whether you will feel safe until you try it. While accidents get a lot of attention on these boards and certainly are tragic for those involved, when compared to the number of riders and cumulative miles they are rare. Obey the traffic laws and maybe avoid riding when the sun is low in the sky and you will reduce the chances of having a problem.

My biggest concern the few times I ride is the chance I might not notice a car behind me as I move into the lane to make a left turn; a mirror helps with that. Otherwise, I feel as safe on a bike as I do on foot.

How sad you people make a tragedy into a joke comments. A man lost his life and all you can do is make fun with your stupid jokes. It’s an article just telling you to be aware and your stupidness comes out right away so disrespectful. Enjoy your time above ground.

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What in the world are you talking about??

You really need to include the comment you are replying to. I just looked back over the previous 37 comments and didn't see one joke in there.