Since January 2021, not 2022. Only that many gate strikes so far indicates a very slow year of bone head moves!

As we enter and leave gates at the same percentage (50%) of the time , I wonder why we don't need to use gate cards to leave?:icon_wink::icon_wink:
District staff says that "The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians."
OK, but why the need of a gate card when going in one direction and not the other?
I am just trying to understand the rationale for the use of gate cards when using public roads.


I was making a comment in jest -. kind of. If not using a gate card assess system for exiting a gate facility (a Village of houses) is safe then why not have the same system for entering (a Village of houses)? Having gates to slow traffic for users of the MM paths is understandable.

We have auto opening gates for 50% of the time when driving thru gate facilities (exiting) so why not 100% of the time?

:icon_wink: I have an idea on how to get rid of a few gates. Next time you take the plane up, bring a few hand grenades with you...... just be sure you don't take PennBF with you, if you know what I mean. :oops:

Well, it would be a bit difficult or too late to help any golf carts, bike and pedestrians, since you would have already run them over by the time you got to the place to wave your key card to open the gate when you are using the exit.

The only change from the current gate system would be to replace the card reader gates with similar auto open gates that are now used when you exit the gate system. If the current auto open gates on exit work safely now for golf carts, use the same system for entry thus doing away with cards. Just something to thing about.

I like having a card-gate system. Anyone that can't handle it, should be in assisted living where someone can keep them safe. :icon_wink:
At least the gate gives the "appearance" of security. Other communities require a lot more for entry, including checking in with the security shack before being allowed into the community. I think they should do away with the button for entry and use the button to call security to open the gate, so they can keep track of entry.

Remember we are talking about public roads that everyone can access. And, according to the District " In addition, the entry and exit lanes at our gate facilities have multiple cameras that are continuously gathering data. The Gate Operations Division of Community Watch remotely scans the video and immediately acts to begin restoration when a gate strike occurs. The video is also available to assist local law enforcement agencies."

Agree.

Some just like to complain and feel entitled for an explanation.

Enjoy the Journey!!!

Gate strikes: A couple of years ago I struck a gate. The attendants were angry. I was sober and calm and admitted I made a mistake. I was not tying to cheat, I only misunderstood the flow of traffic through the gate. It was a $250 bill. I continue to wonder, why don't they use foldable gates? No damage -- they just fold and let you go through; and no damage to the vehicle. Does the Developer have some kind of kickback arrangement with a contractor who repairs these gates? Just wondering.

John Quenell (unafraid to use real name)

:icon_wink: Shirley, you jest? You do know that the gates are owned by the District Gov. NOT THE DEVELOPER. :popcorn:

Just a guess.
 

Thinking if there was no consequences for ramming a gate, it might become standard practice for some to not bother even slowing down to smash their way through.

Yes, I can understand that some will still use their security blanket (gate card) as they always have. :icon_wink::icon_wink:

After clearly learning the system in and out through emails to and from District staff who are very responsive and great to work with, I am using my own cloned chip installed in a side mirror in place of the old Village gate card. I have people standing in line on my street to have me clone their old gate card for free. The cost of the RFID device to clone the cards is around $17 and the chips (new card) is around $.75 . So, my cost to make for neighbors is around $1 per card. For those that what to do this but are willing to pay, there are people who will do everything plus install for between $30 ~ $40.

It's your choice to stay the same or try something different and maybe better.

:shrug: I get very confused at times..... this is one of them. Why is this NOT considered tampering with a traffic control device? Gates in the Villages are traffic control devices that are owned, installed and maintained by our Government. I hope GWN pipes in with his vast knowledge of how things work around here. :)

How do you get the chip into the mirror housing? I checked the amount of adjustment, and I don't think the opening is big enough.

and "How do you get the chip into the mirror housing? I checked the amount of adjustment, and I don't think the opening is big enough."

From District staff -> "Thank you for the email. The gate cards that are issued to you when you purchase a home are assigned to you and that property. The purpose of the gates is to get vehicles to stop and watch for golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians. There is no law that would prohibit you from installing a third party proximity card in you mirror. While we certainly don’t condone or encourage the use of cards issued by third parties, all of the roads within The Villages are public and we cannot restrict access. The gate cards issued by third parties are also not guaranteed to work in the future as upgrades and improvements are made to the gates. "

It comes with a sticky mount side but I add mounting tape to it for the inside of the mirror.
see picture on how I insert the chip that is about a quarter in size ->

P.S. If you feel uncomfortable installing this yourself, please hire (not me as I am retired) someone mentioned in this thread to do it.