[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Simply put, this is the one time the golf cart has the right of way. If a car is turning and the cart is going straight (whether a right or left turn), the cart is to proceed through and then the car go. If the car is in a certain position, the cart or bicyclist cannot see the vehicle's turn signals.

The Deputy Sheriff may feel it is okay to move in the golf cart lane but I've talked to other deputies who say it is not okay -- cars belong in their lane, golf carts in theirs unless the cart is in a merge situation or turning left. Basically, by moving into the multi-modal path, you are forcing the vehicle that has the right of way to slow down for you. Not exactly fair, is it?

Personally, I slow down and let the car turn ahead of me. It's not worth fighting about and even though I would be in the right, I'd be just as injured because some driver didn't know the law and couldn't read a basic sign.

Red,
I go the other way. If I'm approaching a right turn and there is a cart ahead of me in the cart lane. I judge whether I will pass enough in front of the cart to safely make the turn without hindering the cart at all. If not, I hang back so the cart passes the road before I get there. I think either will work. It just depends on whether the cart is ahead of the car, or they are even.

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by mikeod

Red,
I go the other way. If I'm approaching a right turn and there is a cart ahead of me in the cart lane. I judge whether I will pass enough in front of the cart to safely make the turn without hindering the cart at all. If not, I hang back so the cart passes the road before I get there. I think either will work. It just depends on whether the cart is ahead of the car, or they are even.

Mike, from what I understand of the law, you are doing absolutely the right thing. If you have time to turn right, do so. If you don't, stop and wait. I just have learned to slow down (remember, I'm the one in the cart most times) because too many cars really think they have the right of way at all times or they really can't stop and wait for a golf cart to cross the road -- they are much more important. Wish these folks would understand that, like motorcycles, golf carts don't safely stop on a dime and the life they are risking to save 10 seconds could be their friend and neighbor.

[Posh 08]

[looneycat]

Originally Posted by DAWN MARIE

yes that's a good idea. We have the same problem as we're taking a right onto our street from Odell. We pass by golf carts and sometimes unsure as we're taking our right exactly how far behind the are. So going into the golf cart lane isn't a bad idea because it forces the golf carts behind you to slow down as you're making your turn. No one gets hurt that way.

it's a terrible idea. If you are not sure then WAIT UNTIL THEY PASS what is your rush! you are supposed to yield to them, not illegally cross a solid line.

[looneycat]

Originally Posted by rubicon

or the car tried to speed up in front of the cart to make the turn

how many times do you see your 'neighbors' speed up just before a merge so that they don't have to slow down for 2 minutes,

[chuckster]

How about the 20+ mph carts......When it's safe to do so I move to the right (cart/bicycle) lane. If I didn't, the 20+ mph (illegal-not the licensed) carts (some at 30+) will close too fast for me to avoid a collision, therefore I block the right lane. I intend to continue to pursue this plan of action to avoid a collision.

[ohhappyday]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

If the vehicle is using their turn signals to turn, the cart or biker should be aware of the car turning and come to a halt. Something like - would you rather be right, or dead right.

That's if the signal is working. See a lot of them that don't or aren't used. Generally I watch the cart lane as I'm driving along so I know when I pass a cart and if the turn is coming up and cant get by I slow up and turn in behind them. Don't look just when you're ready to turn...keep an eye on the lane and who you've passed.

I saw a women get in the golf cart lane almost immediately after she went thru the gate coming from 466 heading north & she didn't turn until Rio Grand .She was doing about 15 m. p. h.in a big white SUV.When I continued up morse she gave me the finger before she turned because I was trying to tell her she didn't belong in the golf cart lane where I was driving my cart.So no I don't think it's a good idea for anything like an automobile be be traveling in the golf cart lane.Even if it is for a short distance

[REDCART]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

I saw a women get in the golf cart lane almost immediately after she went thru the gate coming from 466 heading north & she didn't turn until Rio Grand .She was doing about 15 m. p. h.in a big white SUV.When I continued up morse she gave me the finger before she turned because I was trying to tell her she didn't belong in the golf cart lane where I was driving my cart.So no I don't think it's a good idea for anything like an automobile be be traveling in the golf cart lane.Even if it is for a short distance

If you live here long enough you'll see cars driving in the golf cart lane but that's not what's been suggested earler. The suggestion is that when a vehicle plans to make a right turn, that by partially blocking the golf cart lane you insure that the golf cart can't possibly slip past you on the right. You protect yourself and more importantly the golf cart. Isn't' that really what's important?

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by chuckster

How about the 20+ mph carts......When it's safe to do so I move to the right (cart/bicycle) lane. If I didn't, the 20+ mph (illegal-not the licensed) carts (some at 30+) will close too fast for me to avoid a collision, therefore I block the right lane. I intend to continue to pursue this plan of action to avoid a collision.

Sure is a difference of opinion on this one. I agree with you chuckster. I would rather you pull in front of me than cut me off at the last minute. With the speed of some carts, they can close a large gap very swiftly and t-bone your car. Better to pull right before the turn to notify them of your intention. They may not see your turn signal, but they will see your car.

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by DAWN MARIE

yes that's a good idea. We have the same problem as we're taking a right onto our street from Odell. We pass by golf carts and sometimes unsure as we're taking our right exactly how far behind the are. So going into the golf cart lane isn't a bad idea because it forces the golf carts behind you to slow down as you're making your turn. No one gets hurt that way.

Ah....you must remember that a lot of people here in the villages don't use turn signals, so it is a dangerous situation.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by gryoung

If you live here long enough you'll see cars driving in the golf cart lane but that's not what's been suggested earler. The suggestion is that when a vehicle plans to make a right turn, that by partially blocking the golf cart lane you insure that the golf cart can't possibly slip past you on the right. You protect yourself and more importantly the golf cart. Isn't' that really what's important?

Right on!

[redwitch]

What bothers me about what many of you are saying (getting into the golf cart lane to SLOW the cart down) is just plain wrong. The cart has the right of way! You should stay in your lane and slow down or come to a complete stop until the cart has crossed the street. Obviously, if you have enough distance, you turn in front of the cart, but if you don't, you don't impede the cart's rights so that you can go first.

As I said, I've come to expect cars to cut in front of me to turn and I slow down in my cart accordingly. That doesn't make it right, just prudent.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by redwitch

What bothers me about what many of you are saying (getting into the golf cart lane to SLOW the cart down) is just plain wrong. The cart has the right of way!

Redwitch, I agree with you that a cart has the right of way. I would never get in a golf cart lane to SLOW down an existing cart. I don't think anyone is advocating that. Rather, we would get into the golf cart lane only if it is CLEAR of carts and bicycles. That way no-one can unexpectedly zoom out of a side street and get broadsided.

[paulandjean]

If I have enough room I pull into cart lane. Its not like I am driving a long distance. Remember at some point you will always be in the cart lane.