Walker should be on the left side, biker should be on the right side of the path.

:shrug:

Like an electric cart...........I can hear the bike coming.

(I'm not an electric bike owner)

Bottom line: if everybody--automobile, golf cart, motorcycle, bicycle, e-bike, segway, scooter, walker, runner--would both KNOW and OBEY the rules of the road, we'd all be a whole lot safer. many of the above share the same roadways or MMPs, and ALL of them share the intersections.

That--and keep your head in the game. I witnessed a pretty nasty car-golf cart accident a few weeks back, where a golf cart stopped for a stop sign (four-way intersection but only a three-way stop) dutifully stopped at the stop sign, then accelerated into the intersection completely oblivious to the fact that the guy in the SUV coming from the right, who DIDN'T have a stop sign, didn't stop. The SUV rammed the golf cart on the passenger side probably less than a foot ahead of the passenger seat of the golf cart. Luckily there were no injuries, though the cart was totaled, but that was merely a matter of luck. Had the cart been two feet ahead of where it was hit, there would surely have been some serious injuries.

Someone in this thread made an observation to the effect that there are few real accidents. I wholeheartedly agree with that.

Walker on Right
 

[QUOTE=dewilson58;2090500]Walker should be on the left side, biker should be on the right side of the path.

:shrug:

Like an electric cart...........I can the bike coming.

We have walked/hiked all over the USA and if you are walking on a real road (that is, with automobiles) or MMP (with golf carts) you are supposed to walk on left (into traffic).

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").

BTW, this is also the process followed by 90% of the walkers here in The Villages. Now if only more bikers could provide the requisite warning call.

A loud, robust "On Your Left" *will* startle some, including me. Any loud, robust sound will startle some. If given enough in advance then the walker can recover from being startled and all is good.

Three possible concerns:
1. If given too close, the announcement could startle the walker causing them to move the wrong direction
2. Some may not hear the announcement over the music they are listening to.
3. Not everyone has a loud, robust voice

Still, a loud, robust "On Your Left" will help more often than it will hurt.

Bikes in road golf cart/bike lanes
 

I am more than willing to allow bike riders the 3 foot allowance as I pass in my vehicle. It would be appropriate if the bike rider did not crowd the white line making that allowance impossible for a car in some instances.

Hand signals are wonderful indicators as to what the bike rider intends to do at any given intersection;
an outstretched right arm or a raised bent left arm signals a right turn
an outstretched left arm indicates a left turn
a lowered bent left arm indicates a stop.
We all learned those as children and would do well to use them as adults.

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.

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!

Great Opening post the comment not so great

Walk on Right in Pathways
 

[QUOTE=Accidental1;2090499]No, no, no - walk on the right on pathways

More answers to your questions
 

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.

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.

cyclists only own 3' from the white line...
 

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).

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

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.

Very true in Minnesota.

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.

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.

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

Florida Law
 

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


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

study and follow the Florida laws
 

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

Where did you get that information? It is wrong (see below). What book or website or official is providing misinformation?


Florida law states:
- Depending on the width of the lane, bicyclists may have the right to the whole lane: 316.2065(5)(a)3. Most (all?) roads around the Villages are of "substandard" width.
- Cyclists may not ride *more* than two abreast: 316.2065(6)(a)

Hard to believe you didn't read the very next sentence in that statute:

(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

If you don't believe that applies then which statute says that paved shoulders are reserved for bicyclists only?

Maybe because you don’t notice those who follow the rules, only the ones who don’t.

I don't get that either. I've been running for 41 years. Given the choice I always opt for a sidewalk when available. We have mountain bikes at our home in TV. We ride the MM paths quite a bit and have no issues for the most part, but it's casual riding. We would rather bike than use a car or golf cart.

When we want a more intense ride we simply drive to Santos Trailhead and ride the trails there. Awesome place, and all we have to worry about is other riders and trees. lol.

I've been riding motorcycles since I was 10. I still love riding my dirt bike but I gave up street riding 8 years ago. Too many bad, distracted and impaired drivers.

I remember seeing this when I was researching riding in Florida. Florida Bicycle Laws, was posted in the Gainesville Cycling Club.

Roadway Position (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)

A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must ride in the lane marked
for bicycle use or, if no lane is marked for bicycle use, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except in the following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.
A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as practicable.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, and shall ride within a single lane.
This was copied from the Gainesville Cycleing Club’s website.

Correct and has been posted ad nauseam however there are also laws governing speed limits, proper use of turn signals, stopping at stop signs, declaring all one's income, littering, keeping to the right, spitting, urinating in public, putting up illegal signs, golf carts capable of exceeding 20mph, making noise after hours, unleashed dogs and many others as well which I am sure everyone follows to the "T". ;)

It doesn't say who gets to determine when it's safe or not.

Really
 

Really, I am a cyclist and I very much take issue with your rant. It seems we have a many arrogant, selfish people out there of all kinds, but to characterize a group as all being that way is just unfair. Also, when I run, there is plenty of room for a cyclist to pass in the same lane as I. Only a jerk would closeline someone else under any conditions.

Florida does: Section 316.083

I'm sure no one EVER has....because they don't!!!!

The 2021 Florida Statutes


Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES
Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL
View Entire Chapter
316.2065 Bicycle regulations.—
(1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
(2) A person operating a bicycle may not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.
(3)(a) A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped, except that an adult rider may carry a child securely attached to his or her person in a backpack or sling.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (a), a bicycle rider must carry any passenger who is a child under 4 years of age, or who weighs 40 pounds or less, in a seat or carrier that is designed to carry a child of that age or size and that secures and protects the child from the moving parts of the bicycle.
(c) A bicycle rider may not allow a passenger to remain in a child seat or carrier on a bicycle when the rider is not in immediate control of the bicycle.
(d) A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger’s head by a strap and that meets the federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, final rule, 16 C.F.R. part 1203. As used in this subsection, the term “passenger” includes a child who is riding in a trailer or semitrailer attached to a bicycle.
(e) Law enforcement officers and school crossing guards may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection. A bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection may be issued a citation by a law enforcement officer and assessed a fine for a pedestrian violation, as provided in s. 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider or passenger for a first violation of paragraph (d) upon proof of purchase of a bicycle helmet that complies with this subsection.
(4) No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle may attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway. This subsection does not prohibit attaching a bicycle trailer or bicycle semitrailer to a bicycle if that trailer or semitrailer is commercially available and has been designed for such attachment.
(5)(a) A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing must ride in the bicycle lane or, if there is no bicycle lane on the roadway, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition or potential conflict, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, turn lane, or substandard-width lane, which makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge or within a bicycle lane. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(b) A person operating a bicycle upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.
(6)(a) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway or in a bicycle lane may not ride more than two abreast except on a bicycle path. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing and must ride within a single lane. Where bicycle lanes exist, persons riding bicycles may ride two abreast if both are able to remain within the bicycle lane. If the bicycle lane is too narrow to allow two persons riding bicycles to ride two abreast, the persons must ride single-file and within the bicycle lane. On roads that contain a substandard-width lane as defined in subparagraph (5)(a)3., persons riding bicycles may temporarily ride two abreast only to avoid hazards in the roadway or to overtake another person riding a bicycle.
(b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.
(7) Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section. A law enforcement officer may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider who violates this subsection or may issue a citation and assess a fine for a pedestrian violation as provided in s. 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider for a first violation of this subsection upon proof of purchase and installation of the proper lighting equipment.
(8) No parent of any minor child and no guardian of any minor ward may authorize or knowingly permit any such minor child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this section.
(9) A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
(10) A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
(11) No person upon roller skates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, or similar device, may go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk; and, when so crossing, such person shall be granted all rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians.
(12) This section shall not apply upon any street while set aside as a play street authorized herein or as designated by state, county, or municipal authority.
(13) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its rider to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.
(14) A person engaged in the business of selling bicycles at retail shall not sell any bicycle unless the bicycle has an identifying number permanently stamped or cast on its frame.
(15)(a) A person may not knowingly rent or lease any bicycle to be ridden by a child who is under the age of 16 years unless:
1. The child possesses a bicycle helmet; or
2. The lessor provides a bicycle helmet for the child to wear.
(b) A violation of this subsection is a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in s. 318.18.
(16) The court may waive, reduce, or suspend payment of any fine imposed under subsection (3) or subsection (15) and may impose any other conditions on the waiver, reduction, or suspension. If the court finds that a person does not have sufficient funds to pay the fine, the court may require the performance of a specified number of hours of community service or attendance at a safety seminar.
(17) Notwithstanding s. 318.21, all proceeds collected pursuant to s. 318.18 for violations under paragraphs (3)(e) and (15)(b) shall be deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund.
(18) The failure of a person to wear a bicycle helmet or the failure of a parent or guardian to prevent a child from riding a bicycle without a bicycle helmet may not be considered evidence of negligence or contributory negligence.
(19) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who violates this section commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a pedestrian violation as provided in chapter 318. A law enforcement officer may issue traffic citations for a violation of subsection (3) or subsection (15) only if the violation occurs on a bicycle path or road, as defined in s. 334.03. However, a law enforcement officer may not issue citations to persons on private property, except any part thereof which is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 2, ch. 76-286; s. 1, ch. 78-353; s. 8, ch. 83-68; s. 5, ch. 85-309; s. 1, ch. 86-23; s. 7, ch. 87-161; s. 21, ch. 94-306; s. 899, ch. 95-148; s. 1, ch. 96-185; s. 2, ch. 97-300; s. 161, ch. 99-248; s. 6, ch. 2010-223; s. 7, ch. 2012-27; s. 6, ch. 2012-181; s. 7, ch. 2020-69; s. 1, ch. 2021-20; s. 5, ch. 2021-180.
Note.—Former s. 316.111.

Why all the hubbub ? Cycling in The Villages is just nature's way of voluntarily culling the herd. Fewer people lessens the negative impacts on the planet.

Of course you do. If the shoe fits. me, not I. "...to pass in the same lane as me." But it's okay for them to sideswipe me, a vulnerable pedestrian wearing no helmet or other PPE? I guess it makes them feel like vroom-vroom a racecar passing a competitor or some other form of superiority? I have no idea why they do it, really, I just have experienced that they do do it. Am I to remain defenseless?

Cycling in TV
 

So much anger, WOW
In my five plus years of cycling I never witnessed any negative behavior toward walkers or joggers.
When in large groups (peloton) on two lane roads we always either stayed in a tight mass or split into two or more groups, leaving space in between for passing vehicles.

THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM FOR ALL OF US!

Lighten up and enjoy retirement.

Great answers!

Kkimball, absolutely correct. I’m a cyclist and while driving on Buena Vista crossing 466A, told a cyclist who blew through a red light that he gives cyclists a bad name and should follow the rules of the road. He gave me the finger. That says volumns about him as a person and not cyclists in general.

Where in those 10,000 words does it address when a lane is too narrow for both a car and a bike to pass safely?

To whom are you responding?

It's a generic post. It applies to everyone. (except me).

official website of the Florida Legislature
 

Sorry but it comes direct from the Florida statute. Here is the link or just google the citation.

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine

There is a lot of misinformation out there but this is not. Here is what I put together:

I already gave you the rule pedestrians, walkers and runners are required to use sidewalks, if available.

I think I have a good understanding and wanted to confirm my review. Please let me know if anything I say is wrong.



Vehicle is a cart, car, motorcycle or moped.



Roadway is from yellow line to white line.



White line to curb is paved shoulder or berm.



There are no bike lanes where I live so I ride on paved berm or shoulder.



Vehicles must operate within roadways and not on the paved shoulder or berm. Pedestrians, walkers and runners are not allowed on the road or paved shoulder if sidewalk available.



Carts are prohibited from operating on sidewalks.



Bikes may operate on sidewalks, roadways or on paved shoulders unless required to only use a marked bike lane..

Please share the road and use common sense. Nothing in the law should be relied on when lives are at stake.

Avoid the risk of collision and, if you are not sure, assume there is a risk.