And, I am in total disagreement with you and Wanda.

As to my light being useless in daylight, that is simply false. I have a high intensity flashing red light that, I have been told by drivers, can be seen in bright daylight, over 1/2 mile away. However, I completely understand that nothing that I can say or do will satisfy that I may ride safely on the roads, and I am comfortable with that. I don't expect complete invulnerability in life. If I did, I would curl up in bed and stay there to avoid any chance of mishap. Every choice in life presents some degree of risk. My problem is with people who project their perception of risk tolerance onto others, and seek to nullify lawful behavior based on their determination that we have "no business" riding there. My concern is that hostile drivers will read this and feel justified in teaching us a "lesson."

It isn't clear to me that the multimodal paths are safer than the roads. I ride a fair amount and believe the roads are safer. Caution is certainly needed in the roundabouts. Riding in a group increases visibility and therefore safety.

It seems to me that most of us are oriented to look out for other cars while driving on state roads, highways,etc. Then we enter The Villages and there are now pedestrians, bikes, golf carts, and other cars that we need to reorient to - which means accidents will happen if we don't pay extra close attention. If you ride a bike on these roads be aware that your risk factor goes way up. Heck, even driving a car in The Villages is riskier - I almost got rear ended by a subcontractor in a pick up truck talking on his phone!

Also the parking lots with their minimal spacing are extra dangerous since I have seen two cars backing out simultaneously ready to hit each other or golf carts flying by you while you are halfway out of the parking spot.

To all those who rent out their houses complete with golf carts this is a MUST read. Especially since insurance can not be secured for your renters anymore...

That's your right.
But if you have young guests, 12 year olds, and they want to go biking, where would you advise them to ride?

I would take them on a short drive to ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail.

Good question and excellent answer.:wave:

The only thing I want to add to this thread is anyone who rides a bike ,should wear day glow yellow or orange shirts or jackets and have a very bright blinking or stationary light on the back and front of their bike. Be highly visible , many drivers around here don't see too well.

Just because it is legal doesn't mean it is smart or safe. Where I am from in Ct. We have winding roads without shoulders or overgrown shoulders that are heavily used in winter by commuters going to work. And there are runners in the early morning dark in rain and snow right next to the cars. I white knuckle it when I am passing them hoping my car doesn't skid or they don't run further into road at moment I am passig when they are avoiding mud or branch.

Every year there is a tragedy or two. Takes the life of runner, ruins life of driver, family without mother or father now. Legal battles ensue. It is an accident but like I say, just because it is legal ......seems to be a badge of honor to run or bike on busiest road under any condition, instead of the more quiet side roads.

I sure am glad I don't ride a bike in TV. It's almost as incendiary as walking a dog.:laugh:

its like allowing skateboards on sidewalks with pedestrians..accident waiting 2 happen..:shocked:

If we are going to share the road why not share the expense too?

I am all for these bicyclists having to purchase license plates, pay road taxes, taking driving tests and obtaining a license (at a fee). I am also supportive of police writing them tickets when they disobey traffic laws (like the rolling stop after they have drove up the side of other vehicles waiting their turn at an stop sign intersection).

If I had young guests, I would recommend they stay on the neighborhood streets.

Those who do not want bicycles on the road will never change their minds. Some just don't understand why a cyclist wants to ride on the road. Let me shed a little light on their reasoning. As a serious cyclist my husband and I rode about 2500 miles per year. That would be quite a task on the interior streets and multi modal paths. Most cyclist ride for cardio benifts. Riding thru tunnels, over speed bumps and around internal streets will not allow for a good cardio workout. It's true that some cyclist blow thru stop signs but so do other drivers. No, they should not do so but a cyclist doing so has a far better view of on coming traffic than other modes of transportation. IMO, Most claim that they worry about the cyclist Saftey but in most cases the cyclist just annoys them because they have to slow down or because it makes the driver nervous to pass them. As far as not paying for their share of road maintenance, cyclist also own vehicles and pay to drive those. Let's be reasonable. A 12 pound bike causes very little wear and tear on the roadway as compared to a 3000 pound vehicle. Share the road...it's the law. It's also the nice thing to do. Oh, and cyclist do get traffic citations just as other vehicles.

I am a cyclist and I pay plenty of taxes to support the roads because I have 2 cars, I pay property taxes, and I pay federal income tax. Bicycles do not damage the roads the way that cars and trucks do. Please don't bring up the issue of cyclists violating traffic laws. Cars violate the traffic laws also and there are a lot more cars. I see plenty of cars crossing double solid lines to pass cyclists because they are too impatient to wait for a safe place to pass. Sharing the road is the law. If you are unhappy with the law then put the time and effort in to try to change it.

Don't know if there is a helmet law here. in CT you have to wear a helmet to ride a bike but not a motorcycle.

Perfect example of just because it's legal doesn't mean is smart or safe or even makes sense.

I work at a hospital and we call those motorcyclists without helmets organ donors...and those are The lucky ones.

Florida's helmet law for bicyclists states that anyone under the age of 16 must wear one. Anyone above 16 is not required by law to do so.

(Revised in accordance with 2012 statute change)

s 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(3)(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. A helmet purchased before October 1, 2012, which meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z 90.4 Bicycle Helmet Standards), the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation (1984 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling), or any other nationally recognized standards for bicycle helmets adopted by the department may continue to be worn by a bicycle rider or passenger until January 1, 2016. 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.

I agree with another poster there are people on the road that absolutely do not want to share the road . Be it a motorcycle a bicycle etc. If it is not their mode of transportation it should not be allowed. For those against bicycle's on the road suggest you bone up on the laws re same. Take your road rage and corral it. Life is shorter than you think.

I believe the law for interstate travel requires a motorized vehicle must maintain a speed no less than 15 mph below the speed limit or may be ticketed for causing a hazardous traffic condition. That seems logical to me. Maybe that should be applied to all modes of transportation on heavily traveled roads. If that was applied to Buena Vista, cyclists would have to maintain 20 mph.

Actually, there is likely to be more cardio conditioning benefits from using tunnels and slowing and accelerating than just constant tempo. Studies have shown that intervals of higher anaerobic intensity, such as hill climbing and acceleration, increase cardio capacity more than constant aerobic intensity. As a cyclist (with a mirror), I have found I don't have better visual awareness behind, and on the side of me than I do in my car with side view and rear view mirrors. In fact, I find I have trouble turning my head far enough around to clearly see behind me and at the same time keep my eyes on the situation in front of me. How would you feel about requiring a license and registration with accompanying taxes and fees, just like motorcycles, to use the roadways?

I will never ride as much as you and your husband have. And believe me...I respect your opinion. But I must disagree about cardio benefits off the main streets. I ride quite a bit and pretty good distances for cardio and I get plenty. I will ride on the roadside paths (like on O'dell, Stillwater and many others, as well as the MMP's. I don't often ride on the strictly internal subdivision streets. I never ride on Morse or Buena Vista proper (auto lanes...I will ride on Morse roadside bike lane). But I rarely have to stop for bumps, signs or such. I can go as fast as I like for as long as I like while never entering a "main road". The rare tunnel is inconsequential. I'm to it and through it very quickly...and safely.

There is no comparison in visual awareness between when I am riding and in my car. I can see much better when I am riding. My mirror is on the end of my drop bars and my helmet/sunglasses do not restrict my peripheral vision. Where is your mirror?

Regarding a cardio workout, the opportunities are much better on the roads than the multimodal paths. I can stand up and accelerate when I want and there are some hills in The Villages and north of The Villages. You are much more restricted as to what you can do on the multimodal paths and frequent stop are necessary with traffic and the entrances to the different Villages. The tunnels are dangerous and not a cardio opportunity for me. I also like to ride at a pretty good clip - something you can't do on the multimodal paths.

Why aren't all of you out riding your bikes today?

Pretty much says it all..... I would add SLOW DOWN! :ohdear:

\\\\

And I answered you - the neighborhood streets. I would not suggest a 12 year guest ride on Buena Vista anymore than I would let a 5 year old play with a gun. As for myself, I am perfectly comfortable riding on Buena Vista and consider it safer than the multimodal paths but caution is needed in the roundabouts. Just like caution is needed on the multimodal paths around every corner, in the tunnels, where they cross the Village entrances, where the paths split, where carts, cyclists, and runners all converge, etc. I think you get the idea.

12 miles today.

An Excellent Post!
 

My mirror is on my top tube aimed between my legs. Before coming to TV, I would ride about 50-60 miles per week (2500 miles per yr), all on neighborhood streets with speeds up to 27 mph and averages for 10-15 miles 14 or 15 mph (including stops, slow downs, etc.). I have also ridden all over TV and can easily do 20 to 30 miles without riding on BVB with some pretty hilly rides, as you already know. If you think you need to ride on open roads to get a good workout, I suggest you wind through your neighborhood until you get on some of these local country roads outside of TV. You can ride for miles with maybe only see a few cars. I know, because I have done it. In my opinion, anyone that thinks riding BVB regularly with all the roundabouts and 70-80 year old seniors driving all over the place is safe just isn't thinking logically. It's the same logic as the motorcyclist that thinks riding with a helmet is less safe than with one because they claim the helmet impairs hearing and peripheral vision (which is not true). Anyway. Good luck; be safe.

I rode 35 miles into work this morning at 4am....... So now I can sit here and read all this..

Cardio benefits are much greater on the open roads... the tunnels are have no affect or change to the cardio. They are not big enough to change any routine. The little rolling hills on Stillwater are nice little challenge and will hit your cardio hard when doing timed sprints on them.
But for overall cardio riding the open road is unmatched when you can do interval sprints when you want to. You can ride for the most part with out having to stop every mile or so, then the cardio benefits are much greater. On my long rides, we usually avg about 23 or so MPH. alot of times we are rolling at speeds up to 30 or more pushing pace for the work out. When you can do that for a extended period of time, then you will see the benefits. especially in the 100 mile ride range. Thus is why most cyclist that are in it for the workout as much as the fun will ride on the roads.

Now with that said,, I do not recommend young ones and the average beach cruiser rider to ride up and down Morse or Buena Vista, No Helment, no anything. Then only doing like 5 mph and wobbling along the road. Our group passed a gent on Buena Vista by Lake Sumter Landing the other day. He had on no helment,, regular shorts and T Shirt. We had to swerve way out because of he was like almost in middle of the outside lane. We were rolling near 25mph. Riders like that need to be on the MMP. For the most part when I am by myself I will go up on the MMP. But in a group, road all the way.
:bigbow::clap2::MOJE_whot:

Licensing and fees are not just about wear and tear. It is about regulation, making sure your vehicle (cycle) is in proper working condition, maintenance of stop signs, warning signs, traffic lights, drainage improvements, beautification, NEW roads, better access, maybe even more attention to cycle friendly design, and on and on.

Many of my miles are outside of The Villages with the Sumter Landing Bike Club but I do ride a fair amount on Buena Vista getting to the meeting place and back plus other rides. I don't have any issues with Buena Vista but the roundabouts do require caution. I watch my rearview mirror. I ride 2000 miles per year.

The Villages was, recently, awarded the silver designation as a bike friendly community by The League of American Bicyclists. I wonder if the ranking committee ever read the posts on this forum?

You're right, Walter! It was a beautiful day to ride and that is what I did...a pleasant 30 miler with 8 others in my recumbent bike club.

good question..bikes are allowed on all roads but golf carts aren't ...tractors and haybalers are allowed IF they display
an SLOW MOVING VEHICLE triangular shaped reflective sign on the back of their unit...but bikes aren't required to do that..I think that ALL bikes/recumbents and golfcarts should be REQUIRED to display that rectangular SLOW MOVING VEHICLE sign on the back of their vehicle

I'm sure if they did they would take it for what it is...a very typical forum where a vocal minority can make anything sound worse than it really is.

You are right. I was thinking about what I wrote while I was shopping and then asked myself are there things that I do that I would not feel comfortable allowing a 12 year old to do. I apologise. Sometimes I get cought in the debate and forget about common sense.

No problem. If I was to give a single piece of advice to cars and golf carts regarding cyclists it would be "give them a lot of space".