Talk of The Villages Florida - Bicycles vs. carts

Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)

- The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)

- - Bicycles vs. carts (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/bicycles-vs-carts-318208/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Franklin (Post 1925480)

So when someone says jump...?

You answer, "How high Sergeant?":icon_wink:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toymeister (Post 1925377)

Because it is legal for bicycles to be on the road an illegal for carts to be on the road.

There is nothing more to this discussion.

Yes, however crossing at a light controlled intersection is also legal (north of TV on SR 441/27), so crossing at Pinallas to Trailwinds should be legal. (Not a state law, because it is done across SR 301 in Sun City Center, Fl also)

It is not the chicken or the egg, bicyclists do not comply with the very rules they whine that they want cars to obey. If bicyclists would take out their own trash, the car/bicycle relationship would be much better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toymeister (Post 1925377)

Because it is legal for bicycles to be on the road an illegal for carts to be on the road.

There is nothing more to this discussion.

Actually, there IS more to the discussion.

I don't think the OP was looking for WHAT the law is, but rather WHY it is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtennent (Post 1925329)

When a similar thread arose about a year ago, I decided to observe golf carts coming to intersections. I stopped counting after 100 carts. Results - 86 carts did not make a complete stop at any stop sign. Of the other 14, there were golf carts coming down the intersecting path for 10. Only 4 people came to a complete stop without a golf cart near by.

I have to admit that I roll through intersections if I don't see any traffic - that includes both my golf cart and my bicycle. However, given what I see from cars and golf carts around here, I never assume someone is going to stop at a stop sign. I also don't go out onto Morse and Buena Vista south of 466.

I'll bet that if you count cars that don't come to a full stop, the numbers will probably be similar.

Just because it is legal does not make it a wise decision. Lone bicyclists riding on Morse or BV creates the potential for deadly accidents due to the differential in speed and smaller profiles. I have seen at least two close calls in the roundabouts.

If you want to go on a long bike ride, then buy a rack for your car and travel to an area with bike lanes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtennent (Post 1925329)

IMHO at least 90% of the stop signs in TV should be YIELD signs.
:clap2::clap2:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1925269)

Why cant bikes stay in the golf cart lanes as speeds are similar.

Stu you must be a professional cyclist to be at 20 MPH. The average is 12 MPH.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Franklin (Post 1925243)

While driving south on Buena Vista, a single bicyclists was peddling in the left lane and cars had to get into the right lane to pass him. I have also observed bicycle groups doing the same thing. I'm not against bicycles using the road, but why can't all carts have as much equal access on the same roads as bicycles

I'd love to take my cart to Seven Mile Drive, even if it's just to cross the 466A at Pinella's Place. It wouldn't be hard to do and would most likely increase business and revenues for Wildwood and the county.

People and bikes and even thoes little scooters disables use can cross main roads at a light so why shouldn't golf carts be able too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtennent (Post 1925329)

I also used to roll through stops if no one was near, but a cop stopped me on Rio Grande and Del Mar for not doing my full stop. Now I'm one of the very few who always do my full stop. I feel stupid, but definitely don't want a ticket. Beware the cops will stop you if you don't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by La lamy (Post 1925529)

Stu you must be a professional cyclist to be at 20 MPH. The average is 12 MPH.

The e-bikes do 20 mph or more, would be nice if those riders used the diamond lanes when available.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctmurray (Post 1925260)

Bicycles pre-date cars, so were on the roads ahead of cars. So the rules were written such that bikes have the same access to roads as cars. Bike access to roads is important to general commerce in the US, in some places people bike to work and provide services, think of a crowded city for example. The bike in the left lane is legal. Probably they were preparing for a 3/4 turn around a roundabout which is legally done from the left lane. Golf carts came after cars, when safety was a bigger concern in society, so the rule makers decided that unprotected carts could only be on roads with low speed limits to limit the damage of an accident and the speed difference between cars and carts would be less. These rules (and the multimodal paths, tunnels and bridges here) allow for cart access to (nearly?) everywhere in the Villages.

Yes, bikes can be on the road and MUST follow the same rules as a car. Its Florida law not just a courtesy thing. No bike should be holding up traffic in the left lane and can be given a citation for impeding traffic. They also must follow all laws for vehicle traffic and can be given a citation just like a driver. They are supposed to ride single file on the right side of the road. Not 3 abreast blocking lanes. Drivers must give them 2 feet leeway when passing them. So, if us drivers have to be careful passing them and allowing more room , maybe they should have some care about their own safety. Anyone who bike rides and impedes traffic in any way can be cited and should be. Im an avid rider and these knuckleheads give us all a bad name. If you dont know bike laws and rules. Look them up. Its public record and not a secret the cops keep.

Just remember that if you hit one of these bicycles it is always your fault. You will be crucified on this forum and the local press. The fact that they all abuse and ignore all traffic signs will never come up. IT IS YOUR FAULT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BevEnglish (Post 1925535)

Uh, yes there are.

Who are you talking to?