Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 1844527)

I am of the opinion that sooner or later a walker is going to get killed or seriously injured walking on the "multi modal" paths. When that happens I wouldn't be surprised to see the victim or their family sue the Villages for encouraging people to walk on these paths. I'm all for personal responsibility but they way lawyers and courts view things like this I believe that the developer have left themselves in a precarious position.

People walk on these paths all the time because they have a right to. IMHO, you are taking your life in your hands by exercising your right. There are several blind corners and the brakes on golf carts are not all that great. They are not meant to stop a cart going 20+mph. With all of the places to walk, why would someone choose to walk where 600 pound vehicles with bad brakes and elderly drivers are zipping along at 20+MPH?


The Villages should call these "Golf Cart Paths" and either strongly suggest that people not walk on them or ban walking on them all together.

Originally Posted by jacksonbrown (Post 1844216)

Watching the latest of Don's videos, I am surprised (or maybe not surprised) at the lack of foretought in the design of the Chitty Chatty bridge.

Unlike the bridge crossing Lake Sumter, where there is a dedicated walking and biking lane, the Chitty Chatty bridge features(?) a single walking / biking lane on the Rohan side of the bridge which abruptly ends at the top.

While a good idea (developer liability), won't this cause more problems than it attempts to all

As a walker / runner / cyclist, with many years sharing space with carts and cars, here is my take.

On a flat roadway / sidewalk

1. Walkers travel at 2 to 5 mph.
2. Runners travel at 6 to 10 mph
3. Cyclists travel at 8 to 18 mph
4. Carts travel at 20+ mph

So what happens at the top of the grade when the four groups merge together to travel across the bridge?

Answer, the walkers walk at 5 mph, the runners run at 8 mph, the cyclists cycle at 14 mph and all the carts line up behind them, even though the cart drivers are used to traveling 20 mph.

Hopefully, all the cart drivers will be abundantly patient and slow to 5 mph. The carts will not attempt to pass the walkers / runners / cyclists. Yeah right!

Can you say Morgan and Morgan?

Originally Posted by 8notes (Post 1844544)

I suspect when these "multi-modal" paths were first created, golf carts were only going about 13 mph. Now, of course, we have higher speed golf carts, and the difference in speeds of the pedestrians, cyclists and golf carts is larger, and more dangerous. I really think they need separate walking trails. Of course, that would cost more money to build.

Originally Posted by joseppe (Post 1844581)

I agree that Walkers on Multi-Modal paths are in danger. The path through Marsh Bend and Deluna starting at Everglades Rec center is full of Walkers and bicycles. Some days driving that path in a Golf Cart is very frustrating. Two carts CANNOT fit when there are bicycles and walkers preset. Someone has to give way to the other side. I have had walkers virtually walk right into the path of my golf cart. When the Water Lily bridge over the Turnpike opens this path will be full of golf cart traffic and there will be problems.

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 1844607)

Been here almost 20 years. I do not recall an instance of a walker being hit by a golf cart. Somebody must be doing thing right.

Originally Posted by 8notes (Post 1844514)

Its dangerous to have carts, bikes and pedestrians who all travel at different speeds, sharing the same space.

Originally Posted by NoMoSno (Post 1844609)

There have been many instances.
One was Joan Colonna who died from her injuries 12/30/2018.

Originally Posted by Marathon Man (Post 1844647)

That did not happen on an MMP. She was walking in the diamond lane on Sunset Blvd.

I also can not remember a walker being struck on an MMP. Let alone many. I can remember at least on bike rider.

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 1844527)

I am of the opinion that sooner or later a walker is going to get killed or seriously injured walking on the "multi modal" paths. When that happens I wouldn't be surprised to see the victim or their family sue the Villages for encouraging people to walk on these paths. I'm all for personal responsibility but they way lawyers and courts view things like this I believe that the developer have left themselves in a precarious position.

People walk on these paths all the time because they have a right to. IMHO, you are taking your life in your hands by exercising your right. There are several blind corners and the brakes on golf carts are not all that great. They are not meant to stop a cart going 20+mph. With all of the places to walk, why would someone choose to walk where 600 pound vehicles with bad brakes and elderly drivers are zipping along at 20+MPH?


The Villages should call these "Golf Cart Paths" and either strongly suggest that people not walk on them or ban walking on them all together.

Originally Posted by b0bd0herty (Post 1844727)

So much for The Villages much touted "accessibility" for those South of 44 eh? ;)