[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Gladys Turnip

But when walking on sidewalks and paths that only allow walkers & bikers, both are supposed to stay to the right, in which case bikes (and runners) pass on the left (while providing a robust warning, well in advance, like the universal "On Your Left").

With the injection of electric bikes (going 20mph) on these paths, and if you can't hear them coming, your old "suppose to" may not be wise or defensive as a walker.

[Topgun 1776]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

Why was it when I was a following a group of bicyclists in my golf cart on and MMP that one or more of them would move over to the left every time I tried to pass them? They were going about 13 mph and my cart goes 20 but they wouldn't allow me to pass for over two miles.

If it was recently going down Meggison, this was a group of 100 E-cyclists (in 3-4 large groups) that had no idea about courtesy. We were on our bikes going the opposite direction and we were yelling at them to get over and let the string of carts go through because they were going the speed you indicated.
FROM A CYCLIST TO CYCLISTS....on the MMP...get over and let the carts go through! You are creating a dangerous bottleneck.
Thanks!

[Waltdisney4life]

Great Opening post the comment not so great

[srswans]

[QUOTE=Accidental1;2090499]

Originally Posted by Gladys Turnip

I’ll share my thoughts on this because I walk these paths frequently. I like bikers that use bells to alert walkers. Whether they use bells or say “on the left” it should be done well away from the walkers so as not to startle them. Actually, It makes sense to me to treat the walk/cycle paths like walking on a street and walk to the left facing oncoming wheeled traffic.

No, no, no - walk on the right on pathways

[kkimball]

It's good to see the wide range of opinions and insight. As promised, here are my (still opinionated) answers to your questions:

Q: Why don't cyclists call out "on your left" when passing?
A: They should. It does startle some people. I think bells are better.

Q: Why won't the cyclist allow me to pass in the same lane?
A: Most likely, they don't feel safe allowing you to pass. You need to respect their decision just like you would for any other vehicle. Please don't yell or lay on your horn. That's not fun for anyone.

Q: Why should cyclists be allowed on the road if they don't pay fuel taxes?
A: Cyclists own cars and pay the same taxes as everyone else. If this is a genuine concern, electric car owners also need to get off the road.

Q: If cyclists want a better workout, why not get a heavy bike?
A: Heavy bikes are not as fun to ride.

Q: Why don't cyclists stop at stop signs?
A: They should, and the law requires it; however, many cyclists will roll through a stop sign when it's obvious the coast is clear because regaining momentum after a stop is not fun.

Q: Why do cyclists wear dorky outfits?
A: Every sport has its specialized gear. Some are dorkier than others. Road cycling clothing is comfortable, breathable, and aerodynamic. The bright, reflective colors make it easier to see cyclists, and the cycling industry loves to brand their gear. Yes, it's very dorky.

Q: Why do cyclists wear clicky shoes?
A: The clicky shoes clip into the pedals and allow power transfer throughout the pedal stroke. No one likes walking in them.

I'll keep an eye out for more questions in this thread. Please repost if I missed yours.

[GRACEALLEMAN]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion. However, I was just "taking my lane."

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

We like to ride our bikes everyday 8 miles..on MMPs...but we are not so much called "cyclists" But we agree with every single word that you said. We are from Portland Oregon. Enough said.

[Mortal1]

Originally Posted by kkimball

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.

Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.

Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.

Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.

Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.

Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.

Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.

These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.

cyclists are not supposed to ride abreast of each other, cyclists do not have the right to a whole lane(that is part of the arrogance you yourself ignore), cyclists should ride in single file(you want to take lead then do it when no traffic is present).

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

(snipped)

Additionally, stopping and dodging, even slowing for traffic lights causes a myriad of biomechanics issues to a body's dynamics when it is training at a high level. Have you ever watched a marathon? Do you really think they can just side-step an obstacle and not cause phenomenal counter-impacts to their tendons, ligaments, ankles, knees, and hips, never mind the break in breathing rhythm necessary to continue at a certain pace for many many miles.

If that's the case, that stopping or slowing ad dodging for traffic lights causes a myriad of biomechanics issues, etc., then the cyclist should not be on the road. It's both dangerous for him to NOT BE FOLLOWING the traffic laws (which are clearly stated cyclists must do), but it is dangerous for drivers who have equal rights as him to be on the streets

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by rrtjp

I don’t understand why a runner or a walker rather use the street than a sidewalk or path?

Because paths are short and sidewalks have the driveway up and downs and intersection curbs, not to mention uneven sidewalk cracks caused by roots - that constant uneven surface is murder on a runner's calves and shins and leads to injury. In addition, focusing on those dynamic surfaces takes away from the "in the zone" a runner's head strives to get into for training purposes. A serious runner is trying to focus on one's breathing patterns (breaths to steps ratios) to maximize oxygen exchange in the lungs and pace to increase performance

Remember, we are talking about MILES and MILES at a time. Only streets (and occasionally paths along an ocean) have the miles of non-stop, graded level terrain that allows a runner to truly train for distance racing.

[Glowfromminnesota]

Very true in Minnesota.

[Windguy]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Why have I not seen a bicycle stop at a sign in 7 years? Yes, never

Probably for the same reason that I have not seen a car or cart come to a complete stop at a stop sign unless cross traffic forced them to.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by rrtjp

I don’t understand why a runner or a walker rather use the street than a sidewalk or path?

First you seem to be generalizing that all walkers/runners" prefer streets. Not the case. If it is concrete vs. blacktop (this has been covered many times here) the blacktop (street) is much more resilient than concrete (sidewalk) and much easier on the feet EVEN WITH TOP NOTCH RUNNING SHOES. If the "paths" you are referring to are the MMP's which ARE blacktop it makes no sense why a walker or runner would prefer the street over the blacktop MMP. Never seen a runner going down Morse or BV. If it's local blacktop streets with or without a diamond lane vs concrete sidewalks the streets will win for the reason above. Kinda why running tracks aren't made of concrete. Concrete is much harder on the bones & joints.

[Love2Swim]

Originally Posted by kkimball

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.

Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.

Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.

Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.

Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.

Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.

Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.

These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.

Great questions and answers. Thanks for taking the time to educate, or try to educate, the non-cycling community. Happy trails.

[admiral72]

s. 316.130 – Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic. see below

Originally Posted by kkimball

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.

Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.

Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.

Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.

Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.

Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.

Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.

These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.

s. 316.130 – Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

And paved shoulders are not allowed to be used by vehicles or runners/pedestrians just cyclists in Florida

Different rules apply to marked bicycle lanes

[admiral72]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion. However, I was just "taking my lane."

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

s. 316.130 – Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

And paved shoulders are not allowed to be used by vehicles or runners/pedestrians just cyclists in Florida

Different rules apply to marked bicycle lanes