Walkers on the walking trail
 

We've discussed motorized vehicles and bikes on the walking trail, now I should be grateful for clarification on a related matter.

I have always been advised to walk on the left so that I can see any approaching traffic (whether that be cars, golf carts, e-bikes or pedal bikes) and take appropriate avoiding action if needed.

Yet there are some posts on TOTV suggesting that I should walk on the right if there is no motorized traffic in that location.

Why the difference? Surely if we all walked on the left all of the time then no-one would bump into each other and, should some traffic appear (even if it is just a pedal bike), we would know well in advance?

Thank you

I've been a runner for over 40 years and always run against traffic so I can see whats coming. That includes the mm paths.
The only exception for me is sidewalks, I run on the right side

In the end, some people in the Villages are stubborn and are going to do what they want because that's the way they've always done it. We can discuss and debate what is best but we will never get everyone to agree on what is best or to follow it.

That said...

Because of the way we drive and typically walk in the US, the natural tendency is to walk to the right. You see this on sidewalks, in shopping malls, in airports, in boating rules, and at theme parks. When two pedestrians approach each other in the US it is typical for each to bear to their right. Without giving it any thought at all, Americans will typically stick to the right.

For vehicles of any type, driving to the right in the US is the law.

In the US we are taught to walk on the left, facing traffic, on a roadway. In many places this is the law as well. This enables the pedestrian to more easily see the traffic that is closest to them. Cars on the same side as the pedestrian come towards him from the front where he can see them. Cars approaching the pedestrian from the rear are on the far side of the street. This also makes it safer for the driver. If the driver sees the pedestrian looking at him then the driver has some confidence the pedestrian is aware of the car and less likely to suddenly move in front of the car.

Walking paths (sidewalks) are usually indistinguishable from designated walking/biking paths, particularly because bicycles are allowed on sidewalks.

Being predictable helps keep us safer. I can't know what you are thinking but if you act predictably (stay to the right/left, walk in a straight line, etc) then I can maneuver to avoid you.

Putting all the above together:
- Americans will likely walk to the right on any path (sidewalk) that doesn't carry automobile (or golf cart) traffic
- On a sidewalk or a walking/biking path, bicyclists will assume that walkers will stay to the right.
- When walking along a roadway (or a path that carries automobile or golf cart traffic) Americans will likely walk to the left
- On a roadway (or MMP here in the Villages) drivers expect walkers to be facing traffic
- Deviating from the above, typically by the pedestrian, creates an unpredictable situation which is unsafe for all.

There have been numerous threads on this topic which all have come to the same conclusion: People are going to do what they want to do regardless of what is safe. Then when there is an accident, those same people are going to stomp their feet and insist they were being the safest and the problem is with everyone else.

I have no idea why some people feel the need to switch from walking on the left to walking on the right, unless they are worried that their first grade teacher is looking down on them and will hit them with a bolt of lightning if they don't do what they were told to do seventy years ago.

There have been a few threads about this in the past few days. Seems everyone has differing opinions. I took the time to look up the Florida statutes regarding this to make certain I remain safe.

Here is what I found:

When a sidewalk or designated path is not available, a pedestrian (when feasible) must walk facing traffic keeping as far away as moving vehicles as possible.

A pedestrian must adhere to the same rules as motor vehicles. Obeying signs, stopping at traffic lights, and crossing intersections at posted crosswalks. No jaywallking.

I could not find any statutes that pertain to pedestrians on sidewalks or designated paths. This is probably why everyone does as they see fit.

I spoke to my neighbor this morning about this issue. She said she believes the disagreement comes based on where you lived before you came to the Villages. I believe she is correct. I can easily find as many people who agree with me as disagree. I was raised up north and from the time I was in Kindergarten, I was taught to walk on the far right. Everyone in my city, young to old, did it this way. Never any confusion, ever! Problems did not arise until I came to the Villages.

From this moment on, I am going to observe the walkers around me. If most are walking far right, I will follow suit, if most are walking far left, I will follow suit. I will always leave enough space around me to allow faster traffic to pass. I am willing to change. We live, we learn, we adapt.

While this has been "discussed" umpteen times in the last days, weeks, months etc etc I think the real answer is in the form of a question:

Would you rather see what is coming AT you so you can mutually avoid being hit OR would you rather be surprised when someone or something rides or creeps up BEHIND you and kills you when you inadvertently take a step out in front of them?

Some of these electric golf carts and bikes are virtually silent so you could easily have no idea you are stepping out in front of one coming up behind you.

First of all, let's clear up any confusion about what a "walking trail " is. At the Lake Miona Rec Center, there is a "walking trail" that is quite nice. It's only about the width of a sidewalk (a regular sidewalk, not the skinny sidewalks we have in TV) and bikes and e-bikes are NOT Allowed. I don't think dogs are allowed either, but I'm not sure. Since there is no vehicular traffic, we can accurately call this a "walking trail". It makes perfect sense to walk on the right.

However there are trails that do allow bikes and e-bikes. An example being the Hogeye Preserve Pathway. Note that it is not referred to as a "walking trail", but rather as a "pathway". Bikes and e-bikes are allowed. Golf car(t)s are not. Bikes and e-bikes are considerably faster than human foot traffic, and also rather quiet, so they can sneak up on you from behind.

Hence, it makes perfect sense on the "pathway" to walk on the left, so you can see approaching two-wheeled vehicles, and move to the left, into the grass if needed, and avoid being startled and maybe making a move unanticipated by the cyclist, that could lead to a collision.

Thank you for clarifying, Laker14.

I was unaware that there were any "walkers only" trails in TV, and it certainly makes no sense for cyclists (e- and otherwise) to be on something so narrow.

The pathway that runs north from the Okahumpa Rec center and the pathway at Clarendon Rec center are two newer ones that are marked walking only, no bicycles.

Yes, you are exactly right!

We often walk on the beautiful walking/biking trails south of Route 44 and we always keep to the right.

I have read about some walkers being hit from behind by bike riders, so I have decided to carry my hiking stick with a sharp metal tip in my left hand with the sharp tip pointing backwards. Hopefully, that will deter some bike riders from coming too close to me when they pass us.

If you are successful with this, try to get them not to wear black clothing. 🤣🤣🤣🙃🙃

Wouldn't it be easier and safer just to walk on the left, facing oncoming bicycles ?

Sometimes I see people walking on the right on the multi modal paths and I assume they are new to the Villages and when I pass them I often let them know that golf carts and bicycles can come up very fast and they may be safer walking facing the traffic. I just mention it quickly and don’t wait for agreement as sometimes people are very set in their ways. But anyone with safety in mind knows it is best to walk facing oncoming traffic so you can move out of the way if necessary. Vehicles passing you from the opposite direction (behind you) have no problem as they pass you on the right and you are far enough to the left to not be in their path. In addition, when the path splits in two it is extremely dangerous to walk on the right path.

Safety first, walking facing traffic allows you to see what’s coming at you. These silent e-somethings can sneak up behind you suddenly and easily, even in parking lots. Use your eyes. If you get hit you may be in the right - but guess who suffers?

Would you rather see what is coming AT you so you can mutually avoid being hit OR would you rather be surprised when someone or something rides or creeps up BEHIND you and kills you when you inadvertently take a step out in front of them? My mother had eyes in the back of her head. LOL:girlneener: