Be the Change You Want to See in Others
 

[QUOTE=Gladys Turnip;2290704]My husband & I have noticed something when walking on multi-modal paths.

First off I'll mention that we always walk on the left side (ie, into traffic), and that our observation only applies if there are no carts coming from behind us (fyi, if there are carts coming from both directions at the same time, we simply step off the path onto the grass, ceding the right of way).

So, when there is a cart coming at us (and no other carts, bikes, or walkers anywhere around), our observation is this: When MEN are driving the oncoming cart, they pull way over to their left, giving us wide berth which provides us with a comfortable safety buffer. On the other hand, WOMEN do not do this and instead (inexplicably) generally hold to their current lane on the right side of the path.

Suffice to say we don't understand this phenomenon, and if anyone does, we'd love to hear the reasoning. But in any case, we walkers would like to thank those cart drivers who swing wide left when approaching walkers, and we'd like to ask more (all) of you to please do the same (when you can). Thank you.[/QUOT

Be the

Whether walking, biking or driving a golf cart on a MMP, you should slow down, make eye contact and wave. After all we have the dubious honor of living in America’s Most Friendliness Town. Let’s start acting like it.

But most insurance adjusters will pay out damages when a vehicle hits a pedestrian - .liability can be “comparative” - just because you have “right-of-way” doesnt mean you are not required to take evasive action to avoid an accident, if able to do so - failure to avoid an accident that is within your control to do so (like refusing to yield to someone in your path), will also place some liability on you. Court cases are filled with examples of this.

I agree, the design is flawed. But that's the design we have, presently. While we can advocate for a change in design (and some of us already are doing that), we still have to accept what IS, until and unless it changes.

Right now, the MMPs are considered wide private paved pathways in which golf carts are permitted to travel, sharing the path with pedestrians and cyclists. They're not considered roads, private nor public, and the regulation of the district government that oversees these MMPs have stated in writing that these MMPs do not allow vehicles. Therefore - according to the body of government that oversees these MMPs, golf carts are not included in the category of "vehicles." The laws of automobiles and motorcycles don't apply on MMPs, because neither of those types of mechanical transportation devices aren't allowed on MMPs. MMPs are their own thing, with their own rules, and their own lack of rules, with their own version of enforcement or lack thereof.

It's no different from dirt bike trails up in the mountains where I came from. The trails are somewhat regulated. Dirt bikes are allowed. X/C skiing and snowshoes are allowed. Pedestrians are allowed. But ATVs are not, nor motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, snowboards, downhill skis, horses, cars or trucks. They're called dirt bike trails. They're not roads, and the laws of roads don't apply. The biggest most significant difference, other than dirt bike trails aren't paved, is that pedestrians absolutely do NOT have the right of way on them, at all. Dirt bikes have the primary right of way, and only have to yield to emergency vehicles. Pedestrians walk those trails at their own risk.

Yikes! Be safe out there everyone! Be alert and defensive as possible! Once while walking on a wide open path, I was cut off by a runner and had to stop abruptly - all kinds of people out there.

I stop to let walking groups pass if I can't see a clear path for a long distance beyond them. I give single walkers plenty of space when it's safe to pass them. For dog walkers who use their dogs as a buffer, shame on you! I always say "good luck!" to those unfortunate pups and to any walker foolish or arrogant enough to not try to be careful by moving to the side when carts, electric bicycles, skateboarders, speed skaters, etc. approach. I wish all my fellow Villagers and guests good health. Please act cautious and stay safe.

"Common sense" In a previous life I did a fair amount of traffic accident investigations, I was always amazed when someone hit something or someone would insist they were doing the speed limit but couldn't stop because the road was wet or covered with snow and ice, apparently oblivious that they were telling they were going too fast for conditions

So, you're saying four pedestrian pals all walking abreast in the middle of an MMP, can continue to walk at 2-3 MPH, and golf carts that CANNOT pass them on either side since they're occupying both sides - have to just tough it out?

Or - is the responsibility the pedestrians to move over to the side of the road?

Be careful you are running and biking that poster lives in general area. Although we all know more than one exist, rarely will you see omissions in print

What do you propose as an alternative? Instead of just toughing it out, can the golf cart simply plow through because the pedestrian is not following the rules? Is there a third choice?

So, “kindness” is word with which you are not familiar. You are also not familiar with the basic vehicle/pedestrian laws: pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way! YIELD to them! (Sec 316.212(8)(e) of FL code covers it…for our purposes, a MMP IS a sidewalk!)

Yes, I have (hubby installed) a very loud air horn on the golf cart. And I would “politely” use it to let the people know I would like to pass.

Your dirt bike trail analogy doesn't work at all here.
I still mtb, ride motocross and ride trails. I also have SxS back in Indiana.

The mmp are a different animal completely. Hence the name, mmp.
Bottom line, a golf cart is a motorized vehicle that can easily kill a pedestrian.

We're really over analizyng this, it's not that hard. It just makes sense to follow common rules of the road on the mmp. Then we can all enjoy using them.

MMP giving walkers room
 

It’s not only courteous (put yourself in their place), but a lawsuit will shorten your life & your pockets…right fighting, No

MMP yield to pedestrians
 

Hopefully no walking group would act so clueless, but if one did, you could simply stop your cart & they are forced to walk around you. Sometimes silence speaks volumes…

Excellent advice, I follow the same procedure.