[VApeople]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

My wife WAS hit by a cyclist while walking along the right side.

That's too bad. Thanks for posting that.

We have nice hiking sticks with sharp metal points and we are going to start carrying them when we walk on the walking/biking paths.

If I have one in my left hand with the sharp point pointing behind me, that might discourage a biker from coming too close to me.

[charlie1]

I feel a major part of the issue is having higher speed motorized devices on the paths! In fact, I wish the District would prohibit any MOTORIZED device that exceeds 5-7MPH (this would allow disabled or handicap scooters) from the paths. They should be allowed only on multimodal paths or streets only just like golf carts. This would include E-Bikes and small motorcycles that I have seen on the paths. In reality, the e-bikes and some of the scooters travel as fast or faster than golf carts (I have been passed going 21mph in my cart by e-bikes numerous times.) The only real difference is the width of the two modes of transportation. The stability could be an issue on an e-bike as they race around the walkers on the narrower paths. It is dangerous to have anything traveling at higher speeds on the walking paths where most people using the path are enjoying their walk! With the explosion of e-bikes in the Villages, I feel more guidelines are necessary. Right now, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

[ohioshooter]

Originally Posted by charlie1

I feel a major part of the issue is having higher speed motorized devices on the paths! In fact, I wish the District would prohibit any MOTORIZED device that exceeds 5-7MPH (this would allow disabled or handicap scooters) from the paths. They should be allowed only on multimodal paths or streets only just like golf carts. This would include E-Bikes and small motorcycles that I have seen on the paths. In reality, the e-bikes and some of the scooters travel as fast or faster than golf carts (I have been passed going 21mph in my cart by e-bikes numerous times.) The only real difference is the width of the two modes of transportation. The stability could be an issue on an e-bike as they race around the walkers on the narrower paths. It is dangerous to have anything traveling at higher speeds on the walking paths where most people using the path are enjoying their walk! With the explosion of e-bikes in the Villages, I feel more guidelines are necessary. Right now, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

Don’t think it will happen, at least I hope not.

[margaretmattson]

When walking, I follow the standard traffic rule. Slower traffic to the right, faster to the left. No matter if you are walking WITH traffic on the path (sometimes a necessity) or AGAINST traffic on the path (so you can see what is coming), if you are a walker you should stay as far right as possible. This allows room for bikes and scooters to pass on your left. This is why bikers are trained to say, "passing on your left.". The faster traffic ALWAYS passes on the left.

If you are walking with others, it is not a good idea to spread out onto the path. Everyone should stay as far to their right as possible. Sometimes this is impossible but when a bike is coming remind everyone in your group to move far right. Everyone then should stop walking until the bike passes.

This is what I have always been taught. If I am wrong, please let me know.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

When walking, I follow the standard traffic rule. Slower traffic to the right, faster to the left. No matter if you are walking WITH traffic on the path (sometimes a necessity) or AGAINST traffic on the path (so you can see what is coming), if you are a walker you should stay as far right as possible. This allows room for bikes and scooters to pass on your left. This is why bikers are trained to say, "passing on your left.". The faster traffic ALWAYS passes on the left.

If you are walking with others, it is not a good idea to spread out onto the path. Everyone should stay as far to their right as possible. Sometimes this is impossible but when a bike is coming remind everyone in your group to move far right. Everyone then should stop walking until the bike passes.

This is what I have always been taught. If I am wrong, please let me know.

Well, since you asked...

"Traffic" is typically cars, bikes, golf carts, etc (yes, I know there is "foot traffic")... And yes, slower traffic should stay right...

And I was always taught to walk FACING traffic, so you can see what is coming at you...

Others will give you different advice. You make your choices, you take your chances...

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by charlie1

I feel a major part of the issue is having higher speed motorized devices on the paths! In fact, I wish the District would prohibit any MOTORIZED device that exceeds 5-7MPH (this would allow disabled or handicap scooters) from the paths. They should be allowed only on multimodal paths or streets only just like golf carts. This would include E-Bikes and small motorcycles that I have seen on the paths. In reality, the e-bikes and some of the scooters travel as fast or faster than golf carts (I have been passed going 21mph in my cart by e-bikes numerous times.) The only real difference is the width of the two modes of transportation. The stability could be an issue on an e-bike as they race around the walkers on the narrower paths. It is dangerous to have anything traveling at higher speeds on the walking paths where most people using the path are enjoying their walk! With the explosion of e-bikes in the Villages, I feel more guidelines are necessary. Right now, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

You do realize 90% of all motility vehicles rarely do less than 8 unless the battery need’s charge, or they are really old. Even Disneys new blue scooters are 6.5mph

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Well, since you asked...

"Traffic" is typically cars, bikes, golf carts, etc (yes, I know there is "foot traffic")... And yes, slower traffic should stay right...

And I was always taught to walk FACING traffic, so you can see what is coming at you...

Others will give you different advice. You make your choices, you take your chances...

You can not always walk facing traffic. Example: Everyone who lives in a particular village is invited for a gathering at a nearby rec center. Some drive their cars, others bikes or scooters, and those who live close walk. It is obvious everyone must go in the same direction to get to the rec center. A walker can not walk against traffic, he/she will be going the wrong way.

This is when you follow the standard traffic rules. Bikes and walkers stay off the road. Cars always have the right of way. Walkers stay to the far right on the path that leads to the rec center allowing faster traffic (bikes, scooters, joggers etc) to pass them on the left.

This seems to be standard practice everywhere except here in the villages. Walkers, for their safety, should always heed to faster traffic. Remember when you were in grade school and you were taught to walk in single file keeping to the right?

Again, this is how I have always been taught. Seems to be the safest. If anyone knows how it is done in the villages, please let me know. I don't want to be hit by a faster vehicle.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

You can not always walk facing traffic. Example: Everyone who lives in a particular village is invited for a gathering at a nearby rec center. Some drive their cars, others bikes or scooters, and those who live close walk. It is obvious everyone must go in the same direction to get to the rec center. A walker can not walk against traffic, he/she will be going the wrong way.

This is when you follow the standard traffic rules. Bikes and walkers stay off the road. Cars always have the right of way. Walkers stay to the far right on the path that leads to the rec center allowing faster traffic (bikes, scooters, joggers etc) to pass them on the left.

This seems to be standard practice everywhere except here in the villages. Walkers, for their safety, should always heed to faster traffic. Remember when you were in grade school and you were taught to walk in single file keeping to the right?

Again, this is how I have always been taught. Seems to be the safest. If anyone knows how it is done in the villages, please let me know. I don't want to be hit by a faster vehicle.

It's done in The Villages however the person decides they should, obviously.

I was taught to always walk on the right side of the sidewalk, and bicyclists should pass me on the left, and if the bike behind me sees someone else coming toward them and can't pass safely, they need to just wait til they can, and then they do. I was taught, that bicyclists shouldn't HAVE to call out that they're passing a pedestrian, because - the bicyclist is passing on the left, and the pedestrian is walking on the right. But that as a matter of courtesy, they call it out anyway - or they ring their little bell if they have one.

If you're in a street where there is no sidewalk, I was taught to walk against traffic most of the time. If the destination is on the same side of the road as walking WITH traffic, and it's within a block, then you stay on the "with traffic" side of the road as close to the curb as possible, instead of crossing the street, walking the block, and crossing the street again to get to your destination.

If you're going north, and the street is a one-way street that also goes north, then it doesn't matter which side of the street you're on, because you'll be walking "with" traffic no matter what, anyway. Just stay near the curb.

I wasn't taught about MMPs because we didn't have them where I come from, so I treat the MMP as if it were a very narrow street, and stick to the opposite side.

On the trails at Paradise Park where it doesn't say "Pedestrians Only," I ride my bicycle near the center of the trail unless someone is approaching - and then I pull over to the right edge. I call out to pedestrians ahead of me, before I pass them to let them know I'm coming.

Edited to add: The car doesn't have the right of way on the road by the way. The pedestrian does, unless there's a sign posted indicating that pedestrians are not allowed. That doesn't mean a pedestrian can just walk into the middle of a roundabout. But it does mean that if a car sees a pedestrian already in a roundabout, the pedestrian has the right of way and the car needs to yield to them until that pedestrian is - wherever the heck he thought he was heading when he was stupid enough to walk into a roundabout.

That's what I was taught, that's what I've been doing all my life. Unless there is an actual regulation that requires me to do otherwise, I'll just keep doing that.

[margaretmattson]

Thanks! I do exactly the same as you. The only reason I typed cars have the right of way is because of their size and the OBVIOUS danger. I understand pedestrians have the right of way but I only use that rule in a posted crosswalk waiting to see if the cars stop first. I would never assume right of way on a road while walking. My chance of death being the reason. Other than that, I do exactly as you do. Seems like common sense as a walker to stay to the far right not walking down the middle of a path. It is just as enjoyable and much safer.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by ohioshooter

I guess you are supposed to have eyes in the back of your head. No matter what side of the path you walk on there will be traffic coming from behind. My opinion, and I won’t change my mind, walk on the right like you are supposed to.

I think it comes down to common sense. It sounds like the trails are set up for bikers and walkers only. No golf cart traffic. If I was a walker, and I knew that bikes were using the trail, and my hearing was not so good, or I had earbuds in, I would walk on the left so i could see oncoming bikes. If I'm walking around a curve, and sight distance is not so good, a bike come from behind me, could sound their horn, but I might not hear it in time. So, IMHO, the walkers need to make accommodations, i.e. walking on the left, which doesn't seem like a big deal.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

You can not always walk facing traffic. Example: Everyone who lives in a particular village is invited for a gathering at a nearby rec center. Some drive their cars, others bikes or scooters, and those who live close walk. It is obvious everyone must go in the same direction to get to the rec center. A walker can not walk against traffic, he/she will be going the wrong way.

Wut? Sorry, but no...

This is when you follow the standard traffic rules. Bikes and walkers stay off the road. Cars always have the right of way. Walkers stay to the far right on the path that leads to the rec center allowing faster traffic (bikes, scooters, joggers etc) to pass them on the left.

Once again... No... Walkers staying to the far left have no effect on bikes or carts on the right side of the path... And how does one "stay off the road" when taking a walk in the neighborhoods? And bikes have every right to be on the road. Just like cars. They have the same "right of way" that cars have...

This seems to be standard practice everywhere except here in the villages. Walkers, for their safety, should always heed to faster traffic. Remember when you were in grade school and you were taught to walk in single file keeping to the right?

Nope... Unless you're talking about walking in the halls at school.

Pretty sure you're safe from getting hit by a car there... Apples and Kumquats...

Again, this is how I have always been taught. Seems to be the safest. If anyone knows how it is done in the villages, please let me know. I don't want to be hit by a faster vehicle.

Once again having the ability to SEE what is coming at you, rather than have a bike/cart come up on you from behind, seems to be the safest...

You keep asking "how it's done in The Villages. You've been told that. Yet you don't want to accept the answer... Strange...

[margaretmattson]

In this thread, we are talking about two different issues.

First issue: do you walk with or against traffic? Most of us agree! Face traffic whenever possible so you can see the traffic coming toward you. That decision will put you on the LEFT side of oncoming traffic.

The second issue. Once on your selected path, Never walk down the middle! Walk on the far RIGHT of that chosen path. If a biker, jogger, scooter, or whatever comes up from behind, You are allowing enough room for them to pass you on the left without hitting you or falling off their bike.

This rule is practiced everywhere and we learned this rule in grade school. Keep tight and to the right when walking. Forming a single file if needed to allow room for faster traffic passing from behind.

Hope this clarifies there are two issues. Choose the best path where you can see oncoming traffic (usually on the left side) then once on that path walk on the far RIGHT of that path, never down the middle.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

In this thread, we are talking about two different issues.

First issue: do you walk with or against traffic? Most of us agree! Face traffic whenever possible so you can see the traffic coming toward you. That decision will put you on the LEFT side of oncoming traffic.

The second issue. Once on your selected path, Never walk down the middle! Walk on the far RIGHT of that chosen path. If a biker, jogger, scooter, or whatever comes up from behind, You are allowing enough room for them to pass you on the left without hitting you or falling off their bike.

Sorry, but you're contradicting yourself...

I see you just joined a month ago. Have you actually moved into your home yet?

If so, and you've walked on the MMPs, you physically cannot do what you're suggesting...

If you're walking down a street/path, facing traffic, how is it possible to stay to the right?

[SusanStCatherine]

Originally Posted by Goldengirl22

Hi there, I am all about sharing the walking trails. But I was seriously startled this morning while walking my dog when a bike came up behind me. He blew past me, very close to me, and I couldn't help but think, what if I had moved over just a little bit, I would have walked right into his path, and we both would have been hurt.

Would it not be a good idea for a person coming up behind a walker to ring their bell? And if they don't have one on their bike, get one?

Just curious if other walkers have had this experience.

Interpreting your post, by "walking trail" you mean "pathway". These are common south of 44 and prohibit golf carts. I see no formal rule for the "pathways" which allow bicyclist including e-bicycles which can travel at what seem like very high speeds. What I have been told by an avid bicyclist is to walk on right of these "pathways." The cyclists will be riding on the right and when they come around blind corners you do not want to be walking toward them. Apparently this is what is expected. That being said, people will do the opposite for whatever reason. Therefore walkers need to be alert and be able to step off into the grass if necessary. Bikers should always announce their approach from behind with either a bell or "on your left" audible announcement. Bikers should be considerate of walkers (especially clueless ones) and slow down while passing and be prepared for sudden stopping.

I am an avid walker and walk on the right on pathways. I often look behind me and keep aware and often step aside onto the grass for bikers. Often bikers will fly by me unannounced at a high rate of speed in the center of the path. Bikers understandably don't want to ride on the edge of the path much less the grass. There will always be these "entitled" people along with clueless walkers. The pathways are narrower than the MMPs. Everyone should be aware and considerate.

Once I was actually cut off by a runner while I was walking on a very open pathway. He wanted to take a fork in the path. He ran so close in front of me I had to abruptly stop. I was very visible and he could have easily slowed down or stopped but chose not to. Unbelievable! Talk about entitled! He mumbled he wanted to go that way and completely stopped just a few yard later. So expect anything! Utility vehicles and forbidden golf carts may appear on the pathways at times.

"MMP" is multi-modal path and allows golf carts and you definitely walk on the left facing oncoming golf carts. If you are walking in the street you obviously walk on the left as well so you can see oncoming traffic.

Be safe and considerate y'all!

[Two Bills]

This is turning into a roundabout thread, with so many interpretations of where to place yourself for safety..
One thing I am sure of, is you do not keep to the right when walking and facing oncoming traffic!