[villages07]

...or other heavily traveled major roads?

I ride a bike 4 or 5 times a week, casual pace, enjoying the scenary around the Villages. I either ride neighborhood streets, cart lane, or multi-modal path.

This is not a complaint...just a question -- I see many bike riders in the traffic lanes on Morse and Buena Vista, on heavily traveled parts of these two major thoroughfares. Many of these are serious looking cyclists but others look more casual than me. I know it's legal to ride there, but, it sure looks scary to me with all the auto traffic.

So, why does a cyclist ride on Morse or BV when there is a nicely paved multimodal path right there? The multimodal paths seem much safer than dealing with full size cars. Again, not complaining...just trying to understand the reasoning.

[Ooper]

I've wondered the same thing. I know it is perfectly legal but I also think it is quite dangerous, especially when there is a large group of the riding in a clump. Would seem like it would be safer at least to ride single file if they are in a busy road.

[golfnut]

death wish?? if i was on a bike i would even steer clear of the bike lanes on those streets and i know i would never ride in the traffic lane on a major road in TV....gn

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by villages07

...or other heavily traveled major roads?

I ride a bike 4 or 5 times a week, casual pace, enjoying the scenary around the Villages. I either ride neighborhood streets, cart lane, or multi-modal path.

This is not a complaint...just a question -- I see many bike riders in the traffic lanes on Morse and Buena Vista, on heavily traveled parts of these two major thoroughfares. Many of these are serious looking cyclists but others look more casual than me. I know it's legal to ride there, but, it sure looks scary to me with all the auto traffic.

So, why does a cyclist ride on Morse or BV when there is a nicely paved multimodal path right there? The multimodal paths seem much safer than dealing with full size cars. Again, not complaining...just trying to understand the reasoning.

Good point, villages 07. Florida law says autos must give bicyclists 3 feet of clearance. So, in order to pass safely the autos usually moves into the other lane. With the heavy traffic on the mentioned roadways a very dangerous situation can arise. I would like to think things might improve when the paths north of 466 are widened and repaved. But, as you pointed out. a lot of them will still use the streets.

Originally Posted by golfnut

death wish?? if i was on a bike i would even steer clear of the bike lanes on those streets and i know i would never ride in the traffic lane on a major road in TV....gn

I'm a cyclist and have wondered why anyone would cycle on the "multimodal" paths. Have you all seen some of these people driving these carts?I definitely feel safer on the roads where I can have enough room to get out of the way if need be.Besides cyclists on these paths move way too slow.There are times when speed is part of the ride and these paths don't allow you this option.
Another question I've been meaning to ask is what's up with the runners & walkers that insist on being in the" multimodal" paths where there are sidewalks.I realize that not all streets have sidewalks but where I live & run there are sidewalks and I still see people using the paths.

[cybrgeezer]

I am a frequent visitor to TV and usually bring my bike. I ride those major roads on the multi-modal paths and have never had an issue with a cart driver. Some courtesy, a wave, a friendly word and there's no problem.

I have noticed some erratic driving, of course, but if I let it bother me, I'd have to ride a stationary bike in the gym.

One thing about my rides in TV, I'm never in a big hurry and am willing to let others have the right of way. Sometimes, even when I'm in the right. It's all a matter of attitude.''

[jtdraig]

The multi-modal paths are for everyone..walkers, joggers, golf carts, cyclists, etc.....most are courteous, no attitude, and get along just fine. So, go ahead and ride in the roadways, it's your choice and your life. I ride bikes too...and stay off Morse and Buena Vista because I have survived alot in my life and getting clobbered by a brain dead, texting or cellphone chatting motorist isn't on my bucket list.............enjoy!

[NJblue]

As a bike rider who has always used the paths, up until today I would have agreed with the sentiment about staying off the roads. However, on my ride today I was almost hit head-on by a golf cart that was rounding a corner by coming into my side of the path. Fortunately there was no collision, but I can now appreciate why some choose to be in the roads.

[SABRMnLgs]

My parents are the oneswho told me about reality. Stay OFF the streets with your bicycle. To this day, I would never ride a bicycle on a street. Thats why they make sidewalks . And walk your bike across a major road. Lets see ........ avg person is about 180 lbs. Add the bicycle about another 100 lbs. Average automobile is about 2500 lbs. My math tells me the
bicycle unit is 280 lbs vesus a 2500 lbs car. Ummmmmmm, I'd say the car would win most of the time, IRREGARDLESS IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.
(whoever passed that law anyway??)

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads. otherwise, they should be ticketed as a road nusiance, and made to work at least 5 days a month in an E.R. to see what happens when a bikster goes against a car. Boy I sometimes wish I had a 6 or 8 foot 2x4 and could nail a few of them as I go by. Clogging up the streets. UGH!!!!

[NJblue]

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads.

In case you haven't noticed, there is a maintenance fee attached to your annual taxes. Everyone pays this - even the bicyclists.

Thats why they make sidewalks .

No, they make sidewalks for pedestrians. Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is putting the pedestrians in danger.

[GMONEY]

Had to sit and think about this for a few minutes before typing. Road Maint tax?? Are you flippin serious?? I have a DL, Class A with all the endorsements possible. So your telling me I need to pay more than you??? That is excatlly what is wrong with this world, thoughts like that!!! Enough even trying to figure out what they were thinking when posting something like that..

There are two types of cyclist. The ones like most of you on here are saying you are. Take it easy ride alittle look around stop and sit on the bench and chat with friends or feed the animals. Then there are those that are cycling for a workout and love cycling who would be called the serious cycling fanatic as myself. In doing this you dont want to have to stop every 100 yards for people walking in front of you, golf carts or walkers. You maintain a very even pace. I used the paths one time, and will never do it again. Crossing Morse Bridge on cartpath got ran off the path by a oncoming cart trying to pass another Golf Cart. As luck would have it, I was paying attention and they were not. I was able to stop my Bike in the wrong lane as the cart swiped me. And oh yea, dont think I didnt run him down. He thought he could out run my Bike, not happening. I called the sheriffs office and they came to LSL and had a talk with the Gent and lady in the cart. I had the cart they passed on the bridge with me. Their deal was the cart in front of them was going to slow across the bridge so they passed them. Needless to say they got a big chewing.
SO I use the roads all the time. I hear the same thing when I rode motorcycle, cars cant see you...... then open you eyes...

Of all things, this is a retirement community, your suppose to sit back and relax. Most seriouse cyclist which you see on the roads can just about maintain the speed limit for cars on all roads with some exceptions. On Buena Vista and Morse alittle harder for most, but some of us do just that. As another post stated cyclist have right to the road also. Sure it is of danger, but so is riding on the cart paths around here.

I know I drifted some here, but that is the jist of it. If your a recreational cyclist you stay on the paths. If your a serious cyclist and can maintain good pace you ride on the roads . And it always better to ride in a pack. Makes better visibility and allows the pack to maintain a faster pace.

As for the working in the ER remark and wieght of a car, it dont matter what your in. when it is your time to go, its your time!!! I wonder if SABRMnLgs is the one that was yelling at me the other day about riding my bike on the road and ran the stop sign and almost plowed another car. They were to busy crying about a bike in the cart path on Morse North of 466 and ran the lite at San Marino. things that make you wonder?????????

[GMONEY]

Originally Posted by SABRMnLgs

My parents are the oneswho told me about reality. Stay OFF the streets with your bicycle. To this day, I would never ride a bicycle on a street. Thats why they make sidewalks . And walk your bike across a major road. Lets see ........ avg person is about 180 lbs. Add the bicycle about another 100 lbs. Average automobile is about 2500 lbs. My math tells me the
bicycle unit is 280 lbs vesus a 2500 lbs car. Ummmmmmm, I'd say the car would win most of the time, IRREGARDLESS IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.
(whoever passed that law anyway??)

When bicyclists have to get a license and be made to pay road maintenance, then they should be allowed to use our roads. otherwise, they should be ticketed as a road nusiance, and made to work at least 5 days a month in an E.R. to see what happens when a bikster goes against a car. Boy I sometimes wish I had a 6 or 8 foot 2x4 and could nail a few of them as I go by. Clogging up the streets. UGH!!!!

And after reading this post again, and the 6 or 8 foot 2x4 remark, I think you are the **&*$&)* that ran your mouth that day. It is peole like you that would run into someone kill them then go home and have a toast about it, like you boast in this post. Just like that car that day, run your mouth while your moving but you dont have the Intestinal Fortitude to stop and explain those comments face to face. Cloggin up the streets??????????

Admin, if you feel the need to Slap my hands or edit my post by all means do, but after the 2x4 remark someone eeds something slapped.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by SABRMnLgs

Thats why they make sidewalks . !

In many places, if not most, it is illegal to ride your bike on the "sidewalk."

[BB14616]

Gmoney, thanks for the informative post. I agree with you about Morse Blvd. going across the bridge. I hate doing it even in my golf cart, I can't imagine being on a bike. The carts don't even begin to obey the speed limit, its pretty dangerous.

Cyclists certainly have the right to ride in the road, and if they choose to do so, that is their option. I like to see the cyclists (in the road) in groups - it looks a little safer to me.

[redwitch]

I used to be a serious cyclist. I raced in at least one century (100 miles) a month. You couldn't pay me to ride in the bike lanes in California -- too many pedestrians, joggers, casual riders. As was said by TH, it's illegal to ride on the sidewalks. So, that meant I rode on the road with the cars. I did it in suburbia. I did it in the City. I did it in the country. I maintained the speed limit on the roads. I could do 50 mph for a short period of time and 35 for extended rides. Some people would honk in a friendly way and wave. Many would honk for all the wrong reasons.

The laws allows bikes on roads for a reason -- it's safer for the biker and for the pedestrian. We must follow the same laws the car driver does. We can get ticketed for holding up traffic as well as for speeding. We should stop at all stop signs and lights. We must yield the right of way.

Here, I hate seeing bikes and people on the multi modal lanes on Morse. It is just too dangerous to pass them during high season, so you either hold your breath, pray that the car you've spotted doesn't suddenly speed up and hit you and pass them or crawl along until all patience is gone while in your golf cart. If I had a choice, I wouldn't even take Morse on my golf cart, but I live off Morse so there's really not a lot of choice.

My attitude is that if the bike rider is fast enough, go for the road -- it's safer for all concerned in the long run (even if car drivers don't quite "get" that). If you're slower or just riding for fun, try to stay off the main drags (especially Morse).