Is it safe to ride a bicycle on the multi-modal paths?
 

I would really like to purchase a bicycle (either conventional or e-bike), but after living here for almost one year, I’ve seen way too many close-calls between cyclists and golf carts on the multi-modal paths. I think it would stress me out, vs being a relaxing, enjoyable ride on the paths, trying to dodge golf carts, or worry about them passing me on blind corners.

Maybe I’m over-thinking this, and it’s not as big a safety concern as I’m envisioning it to be. Would be interested to hear what cyclists have to say about their comfort and safety level when riding on the paths.

Dave and Brenda did a video titled "Peddling the Villages." Jerry and Linda did some titled "Cruising the Villages on E Bikes."They take you on a ride with them through the trails. I think these will help you decide.

Just wear a helmet and practice defensive riding. Golf carts will pass you on blind corners and have no problems getting people out of their way to make that tee time. I can't count how many times I've witnessed close calls as well. Look just what happened with the poor fellow down your way. They'll never find the golf cart driver that hit him. No traceable means to identify him or the cart. I personally would not ride a bicycle on any of the multi modal paths.:22yikes:

You have two options first you can ride the roads doing 16 miles an hour while cars drive 30 to 60 miles an hour,(that on Meggison)

Or one can ride the internal streets your neighborhood feel a little safer, especially early in the morning, and on the weekends.

I also strongly suggest you wear a GoPro, that way if there should be any incidents, it can be recorded.

Plus later in the day you can review those who live in your neighborhood that drive like a crazy person.

I did the internal streets thing and I'm telling you that is not safe either. Every day I had at lease one very close call and some days multiple times. You really have to be defensive on a bike around here and have a rear view mirror or two, people are on their cell phones, driving in the wrong lanes when turning onto another street, don't look when coming out of their driveways, and golf cars are the worst offenders of all.

I have ridden a Catrike for 6 or so years on the multi-modal paths and feel safe doing so. I get passed at least once per ride (I am not a slow rider) and I have been cut off on the multi-modal paths by carts racing to beat me to the path splitting, passing me on blind curves, as well as a couple of knuckleheads passing me as I approached a downward sloping path to reach the tunnel system under both Morse and Buena Blvd. I have even had a car squeeze by me on my right on Old Mill road heading out to the circle. Having said that, I naturally ride very defensively and make frequent use of my mirrors, so I assume every single driver is going to do something stupid and try to put myself in the best position possible when stupid does what stupid will do. My biggest peeve would be the people walking WITH traffic flow on the multi-modal paths, especially those two or three abreast, or those with ear phones on who can’t hear me or see my LED lights coming.

Perhaps you might rent a bike for a week or 2 before investing in an expensive bike and see what your risk tolerance level is out there.

That GoPro tip is a great idea.

Actually at our age in not safe to ride bicycle like lot of other activities including walking if you don’t pay attention and take precautions. But, can’t be hermit so get out and enjoy.

I have a 21 speed men's bike I am getting ready to sell, probably has a total of 500 miles on it. It is dusty, and needs a rear tube, unless I get a chance to replace it.

Twice a day we have group of 10-20 bike groups ride our neighborhood no issues except two residents that live in the neighborhood who truly believes they should be the only driver anywhere, because and I quote “this is the way I drove back home, and you need to get our of my way”

Have been riding in 4 neighborhoods since 2010, never had any incidents or even a close call. Maybe farther south they have the “I own the road (car or cart) get off my road :crap2:

I only ride on the street ,years ago I started out on those paths , after a certain amount of golf carts passing inches away from me I stopped .No place is perfect and that includes driving in your own car and . we shouldn’t expect it to be ,but the villages roadways are the safest place I’ve ever ridden .FYI age doesn’t matter ( I’m 85 ) just be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine

I would not ride on the MMPs myself. IMO, there are too many places where the curbs don't give you an "out" should a golf cart put the squeeze on you.
I wouldn't ride anywhere in TV. Too many poor drivers. Some drive too fast, some are just clueless as to the boundaries of their car. Some are just old and slow. Some are in a hurry, and drive too fast for the roads, and for their own reflexes.

Not all, of course, but it only takes one.

I prefer the residential streets when possible.

When biking the MMP's, as a cart approaches just slow down and let the carts pass as quick as possible. Especially if on an ebike that does 20mph.

Yeah! They can play the video at the funeral.

Look. Every activity has certain inherent dangers. Many times those dangers increase due to age, physical condition, population density, etc. You wanna ride, by golly you ride! Just be as safe as you can. It's your life. Live it as you like, but be aware. Be VERY aware!

The key, Michael, is to 'take your lane'. Ride the MMP like you are in a cart. This way carts will not try to share your lane. Second, use an ebike. At a top speed of 28 mph you can pick up speed at the blind corners, leaving the carts behind. Generally I don't recommend by this but there are times when it is necessary. It's usually easier to let them pass.