[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Perhaps this is what the golf cart driver did. We don't know. We know there was a collision but we don't have the detailed information necessary to know how it could have been avoided.

Doubtful... Because if the driver had slowed to a crawl, the bike rider could have slowed down and/or avoided her...

[jimbomaybe]

[QUOTE=JMintzer;2201547]Because the accident occurred on Hillsborough Trail, and not on an MMP?[/QUOTE

I stand corrected,, I was previously told about this by a friend who told me it happened on a MMP

[dnobles]

It’s sad for his family and also sad for the lady. It was an accident. She will never get over it.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by NoMo50

"SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—An 80-year-old bicyclist was killed after a golf cart turned into his path Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Villages man was riding his bicycle westbound on the Hillsborough Trail shortly before 8:30 a.m. when a golf cart being driven by a 69-year-old woman of Rochester, New York, turned left at the intersection of Ichabod Way, directly in his path. The golf cart driver was unable to see the man due to the glare of the early morning sun, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release.

The bicyclist struck the golf cart, was thrown into the road and seriously injured. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries; the golf cart driver was not hurt, Gaskins said."

Just a reminder for everyone to be careful out there.

Wow how fast was this cyclist going to result in death ? Did he have a helmet and /or other protective gear on ? How about one of those flashing headlights like they use on motorcycles ? Did he see the cart driver merge from the cart lane into the car lane before the turn took place ? Perhaps he was wearing earphones and listening to tunes.

Two sides to every coin as the attorneys will now litigate.

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by jswirs

Such a short-sighted, illogical, completely false statement. Even at the age of being a senior, I still remain amazed at the lack of intelligence and lack of social skills some folks display.

But the statement is mostly correct and you are out of line. A large portion of bicycle riders me included skirt the laws because stopping and restarting a bicycle is harder (especially for the quasi professionals with the shoes clipped into the pedals) sooooo they glance over their shoulders and proceed through intersections or stops signs. Everyone sees it so drop the indignant attitude.

[dnobles]

It’s sad for his family and also sad for the lady. It was an accident. She will never get over it.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Doubtful... Because if the driver had slowed to a crawl, the bike rider could have slowed down and/or avoided her...

Doubtful, yes, but not impossible.

(Any further speculation/explanation on my part would be taken as inconsiderate)

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

I couldn't have said it better...

Disagree. If I see someone who appears to be looking at me and is inching forward, my first thought is that they can see me and have decided to go behind me and they are gaging speed and distance.
I no longer ride bikes or motorcycles after witnessing a few incidents involving cars. The first words the car drivers said was almost always, "I never even saw him".
One case, I was in my car southbound on PCH , south of Huntington Beach, CA. Warm, bright day just about noon. Bright yellow HD, bright safety vest and helmet, lights on, just ahead of me. Woman in Cadillac gaging traffic. Had eye contact with her when she floored it to beat the traffic. T-boned the rider and dragged him under. First words out of her mouth? I never even saw him.
That was 50 years ago. I still wake-up sweating

[gighilton]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

This story is horrific - be careful out there, and drive defensively, always assuming another car/golf cart could do something crazy at any moment.

Yes and golf carts have to dodge walkers and bikers in the fog going north.. maybe its not the carts???

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by gighilton

Yes and golf carts have to dodge walkers and bikers in the fog going north.. maybe its not the carts???

Or, maybe, well, you know.

[JMintzer]

[QUOTE=jimbomaybe;2201624]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Because the accident occurred on Hillsborough Trail, and not on an MMP?[/QUOTE

I stand corrected,, I was previously told about this by a friend who told me it happened on a MMP

Please... Sit... Take a load off!

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Larchap49

A large portion of bicycle riders me included skirt the laws because stopping and restarting a bicycle is harder (especially for the quasi professionals with the shoes clipped into the pedals) sooooo they glance over their shoulders and proceed through intersections or stops signs.

You can ride your bike however you please, but if you have a stop sign, I expect you to stop. I'm not looking out for you. If you don't stop and I hit you, you will probably get more injuries than I will.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Wow how fast was this cyclist going to result in death ? Did he have a helmet and /or other protective gear on ? How about one of those flashing headlights like they use on motorcycles ? Did he see the cart driver merge from the cart lane into the car lane before the turn took place ? Perhaps he was wearing earphones and listening to tunes.

Two sides to every coin as the attorneys will now litigate.

None of that matters as he was hit by the golf cart driver who turned in front of the cyclist and caused the accident...

According to reports, the cyclist was driving straight on Hillsborough and the cart driver turned in front of him, not seeing him due to being "blinded by the sun" (her words).

Even if he WAS wearing a helmet, he still could have died from the trauma.

It happened at 8:30 am, so it wasn't dark...

Ear buds would have changed anything, since the cart driver "didn't see him" so how could music play a role?

To me, it sounds like you're making excuses for the cart driver...

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Larchap49

But the statement is mostly correct and you are out of line. A large portion of bicycle riders me included skirt the laws because stopping and restarting a bicycle is harder (especially for the quasi professionals with the shoes clipped into the pedals) sooooo they glance over their shoulders and proceed through intersections or stops signs. Everyone sees it so drop the indignant attitude.

Dear Bicycle Rider,
I have a great deal of admiration for the folks that are serious riders. The workout you get is great and the comradury is great. Many belong to clubs and travel many miles on public roads. These roads and the vehicles that travel on them (bicycles included) are supposed to obey all the laws applicable to the mode of transport. This includes stopping and putting your foot down, if need be. Reminder, unless you are part of some sanctioned event with safety escorts blocking traffic for you and clearing your way, you are just another vehicle on the road, and the most likely to be injured in a collision. I used to ride motorcycles with large groups. I imagine the fun with bikes is similar. Still, you are the most vulnerable vehicle on the road. Respect the danger. Never get cocky or complacent or assume that others will defer to you or ever see you. Have fun, but ride like your life depends on it, because it does.
PS: Starting from a dead stop is hard. It takes added effort and burns more calories. Consider it an essential part of your workout.

[Nucky]

Sorry for everyone involved. What a disaster for everyone.

I had an experience that same morning where I had to be in Leesburg at 8 AM and the route along 44 was horrendous because of the sun. I will try never to schedule anything in that direction at that time of the day. We made it without incident but I finally saw firsthand the unbelievable blinding while driving with the sun directly in my eyes. I also got a small taste of the fog that I've been getting text messages about for years from Accuweather. We usually schedule in the afternoon. Don't have a clue why I accepted an appointment so early during "Rush Hour". I will try to not be on the road at that time ever again.

I feel sorry for the lady who was driving the Golf Cart but even worse for the man who passed away RIP Sir! A real shame. If the sun is as bad as what I experienced I know it won't take the lady's pain away and bring the gentleman back but it really was an ACCIDENT, not an on purpose!