[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Again, why would you use the phrase "want to be"? THEY ARE!!!

Understood.

That's why they need to obey the law also.

It's not just cyclists that don't follow the rules.

Very weak reasoning....for deliberately breaking the law.

.

[perrjojo]

As I always say,
Share The Road, it's the law!!! On one thread I see people blast those who do not lead a healthy life style and then on the next thread blast cyclist and walkers who are out trying to exercise and be healthy. These people are walking and riding where they have a right to be and I am sorry that it seems to annoy some. Yes, there is a risk riding on the road, just as there is a risk driving on the road. It would be interesting to find out why this particular cyclist was hit.

[GaryW]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Again, why would you use the phrase "want to be"? THEY ARE!!!

It's not just cyclists that don't follow the rules.

I agree with you 1000%. But I gave up the argument long time ago. Especially after a car pulled up beside me on Parr Drive and yelled at me I had no right on the road.. Funny thing to note, I was doing 28 MPH and the speed limit is 25 mph. Then the car took off on down the road,, I was smiling when they turned right at Belvedere and got stuck at the red light at 466. Because that is the way I was going. And of all things they were in a convertible. Not good for them.
It will always be the cyclist fault. Will never change...

[2-crazy]

The speed limits on most of the roads in the Villages are conducive for bicyclist and street legal golf carts as well as cars. I agree with Mr. Bieniaszek's post for he talking in general terms. Some readers like ‘ilovety’ apparently had occasion to come into contact with some bike riders and noticed their color of clothing, and determined they were invisible therefore, doomed to be hit. I guess it would be nice if they had those revolving red lights on their heads or wore very bright colors but there is responsibility on both sides of this issue let us not forget. Drivers need to be a where of what is around them at all times as does the bicyclist and obey the common traffic rules.

Not just an armchair quarterback, I operate all the apparatuses, bike, car, and golf cart here in the Villages.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by OnTrack

Very weak reasoning....for deliberately breaking the law.

.

Don't ever take my words out of context. I never said it was OK in any way to break the law. My point was that YES they break the law and NO they are not the only ones. So don't point fingers at just the bikers.

You're the one who said they "want" the same rules when they already HAVE them.

And yes it is in capital letters meaning I'm yelling.

Perhaps like the previous poster said I should just give up trying to defend cycling in TV. There are just some people who will never think that, despite the laws, they have equal rights to the roads.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by johnboy

Yesterday I saw a cyclist on the side of the road (Buena Vista) who had been hit by an automobile. He was being tended to by paramedics and hopefully he is OK. My comment though is why would anyone riding a 30 pound bicycle, put them selves in harms way of traveling with 3000 pound autos. I know they think they have the same right as a motor vehicle, but its like taking your high school freshman running back and having him play in the NFL, your going to get hurt! Yes I do have a bicycle but when I drive I am on the recreation trail to stay out of harms way of automobiles. With all the people who are texting and talking on their cell phones, it doesn't take much for them to be distracted and hit a unexpected bicyclist. Plus although the cyclist clubs don't agree, when you come upon them, they think they have the right of way on the road and in the round a bouts, and STOP signs mean nothing to them. I'm sure it's not all of them, but a good amount.

Yes, but they're just trying to enjoy themselves; they're out to have some fun. Don't spoil their fun by giving them warnings! Coincidentally, that's what people say when they go out to eat fast food. They just want to enjoy themselves. In both cases, they don't think anything bad will ever happen to them, like an accident or heart attack. The problem: They think they are still teenagers.

[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Don't ever take my words out of context.

Dude, mellow out.

Unfulfillable threats...aren't required.

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

I never said it was OK in any way to break the law.

Well, any reasonable person could have that impression after this post....

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Why do we constantly worry about bikes who "blow thru stop signs"? Have there been accidents because of this?

Especially since, in no subsequent post (until this one) did you make any indication that you thought that cyclists should obey street signs and/or signals.

In fact, the distinct impression I got (apparently incorrectly) was.... "don't worry about whether cyclists stop at stop signs, unless there are accidents."

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

My point was that YES they break the law and NO they are not the only ones. So don't point fingers at just the bikers.

I didn't just point at cyclists.

The difference being, I also didn't say....."Why do we constantly worry about automobiles who "blow thru stop signs"? Have there been accidents because of this?"

I think BOTH (not yelling )....should be held accountable.

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

You're the one who said they "want" the same rules when they already HAVE them.

OK, I could have worded that better.

My point was, that cyclists have successfully lobbied to be treated like autos on streets...by law.

The key to my comment, was that they should also be held to the same laws/regulations as autos.

It's great that you finally admitted......that you agree with that.

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

And yes it is in capital letters meaning I'm yelling.

No need to yell.


.

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Yes, but they're just trying to enjoy themselves; they're out to have some fun. Don't spoil their fun by giving them warnings! Coincidentally, that's what people say when they go out to eat fast food. They just want to enjoy themselves. In both cases, they don't think anything bad will ever happen to them, like an accident or heart attack. The problem: They think they are still teenagers.

Wow! an interesting point of view to say the least.

Originally Posted by CFrance

I think serious cyclists have farther to go than the trails allow, plus they are usually traveling at a speed more commensurate with streets with auto traffic rather than multi modal trails. I'm not a serious cyclist and would never ride on anything but a bike trail because I'm not experienced enough, but that's just my opinion of why they prefer the streets.

And they do have the right, and we do have the responsibility...

Thank you...someone finally understands! Multi modal paths are more dangerous for the experienced cyclist..Period!!!

[NotGolfer]

It's no different here in FL than up north, where we do share the roads with bikes of all kinds. They do have a right to be there just as we do in our vehicles. It's about being careful and watching out for one another.

Yesterday we were out running errands and an observation I had with drivers of BOTH cars and carts "seem" to be some folks have a vision issue. I've seen vehicles straddling the white line of the diamond paths with the car/lanes---this is BOTH cars/trucks and carts. I've seen vehicles make a turn by cutting over into the other lane (also verboten)--scarey!!!

Again...this thread has been posted (by different posters) time and again on TOTV. We all just need to be defensive drivers when out and about. If you see a biker in your lane and you're concerned---go to the left lane if you have time and room, to go around them. On the roundabouts---you should not be going fast anyway in the event you encounter ANY type of vehicle!!!

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by skip0358

I ride just about everyday. If you think the roads aren't safe for a cycle you should try the trails. When I first started riding I used the GC trails after the 2nd time I got forced off the trail I switched to the road. I ride on the right side and stay on the right thru the roundabouts. I signal, watch my mirrors, use my light and wear my helmet. Most people keep their distance and watch what your doing. The GC trails were far more dangerous as far as I'm concerned.

I'm honestly curious how you mean that, Skip...do golf carts force you off? Something else?

[eremite06]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

As I always say,
Share The Road, it's the law!!! On one thread I see people blast those who do not lead a healthy life style and then on the next thread blast cyclist and walkers who are out trying to exercise and be healthy. These people are walking and riding where they have a right to be and I am sorry that it seems to annoy some. Yes, there is a risk riding on the road, just as there is a risk driving on the road. It would be interesting to find out why this particular cyclist was hit.

Yeah....there's a risk breathing the air. I do not ride my trike recumbent on the road or multi-modal paths......period!!!! I don't ride either of my motorcycles anywhere in the Villages, unless I'm exiting same.

Just give a wide berth to everyone and drive very defensively. Do Not Speed. A cop will get you eventually.

[LndLocked]

A dog poop thread is just around the corner ..... it circumnavigated a roundabout in the wrong direction and is currently running a stop sign after saving 84 seats in each square.

Rinse & repeat

[cquick]

The motorist is at fault if he hits a bicyclist. The bicycle has as much right to the road as a vehicle. Motorists in The Villages do not follow the rules of the road. It's a shame!

[cquick]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

Thank you...someone finally understands! Multi modal paths are more dangerous for the experienced cyclist..Period!!!

I agree