[bestmickey]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

They have no authority on the multi-modal paths.

What if your cart is going 25 mph on a multi-modal path? Then it's not within the State's definition of a golf cart, and you shouldn't be on the multi-modal path. Result should be a ticket.

[BogeyBoy]

Originally Posted by bestmickey

What if your cart is going 25 mph on a multi-modal path? Then it's not within the State's definition of a golf cart, and you shouldn't be on the multi-modal path. Result should be a ticket.

Point well taken but I think the State's definition is referring to golf carts operated on public roadways. This probably is a matter that needs to be addressed by the CDD. Maybe turn the multi-modal paths over to the counties so they can have authority? Maybe have mandatory golf cart inspection and/or ID? If you are observed/clocked doing 25 your cart is impounded?

Okay, reality check. I would just hope people use some common sense and don't kill themselves or some innocent bystander.

But if the local government were to act: The CDD has state issued license plates on the Community Watch trucks that roam our neighborhoods. The CDD is a state recognized organization. If they can fine you for not mowing your lawn seems they should be able to do something about speeding golf carts.

[Pturner]

Are there many accidents on the multi-nodal cart paths? Just curious.

[bestmickey]

Bogie Shooter, where is it specifically written that police have no authority on multi-modal paths?

I could be wrong, but it was always my understanding that police can do their jobs anywhere within their city/village/county of employment.

Is it State law that the police have no authority on multi-modal paths? That means I can't be arrested if I commit a crime on a multi modal path?

[BogeyBoy]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Are there many accidents on the multi-nodal cart paths? Just curious.

Of the ones I recall (and there weren't that many) most were the result of a medical condition, missing a curve, etc. Don't remember speeding ever being listed as a cause.

I personally know of three people that have had golf cart accidents. Two were medical. One was bad judgement and ran off the path. Two were taken to the hospital by ambulance. One just banged up, minor cuts and bruises. I support keeping it below 20 mph.

[elevatorman]

I for one don't want the multi-model paths turned over to the county. If they are, anyone can use them. Next the executive courses then the rec centers. Just saying.

[Indydealmaker]

If that statistic is correct, 80% of the golf carts are essentially uninsured.

[Dougout]

Originally Posted by bestmickey

Bogie Shooter, where is it specifically written that police have no authority on multi-modal paths?

I could be wrong, but it was always my understanding that police can do their jobs anywhere within their city/village/county of employment.

Is it State law that the police have no authority on multi-modal paths? That means I can't be arrested if I commit a crime on a multi modal path?

A traffic law will refer with specificity where it applies. Most traffic laws will state "highways" in their language or "roadway" or a few state "private property". You then have to refer to the Vehicle Code definations for those words to determine just what is a highway, roadway etc.

So some laws apply to highways, some roadways and some private property etc. I doubt that our rec paths fall into the definition of "highway" so any law that applies to a highway would not apply there. In order to determine what traffic laws if any can be enforced on our rec paths you need to consult a FL Vehicle Code. You would look at the definitions to see where our rec paths fall and then then look at the individual sections to see if they cover the type of roadway that the rec path is determined to be by definition.

I am using terms here from the PA Vehicle Code but the FL law would be similar.

[BogeyBoy]

Originally Posted by elevatorman

I for one don't want the multi-model paths turned over to the county. If they are, anyone can use them. Next the executive courses then the rec centers. Just saying.

So what stops "outsiders" from using the multi-modal paths now?

[Larryandlinda]

Originally Posted by elevatorman

I for one don't want the multi-model paths turned over to the county. If they are, anyone can use them. Next the executive courses then the rec centers. Just saying.

please help us here

What keeps 'anyone' and everyone' from using the paths now

cyclists from outside can and do use them, so can peds, dogs, carts....
Yes? No?

Thanks in advance

L and L

[redwitch]

LnL -- So far as I know, the multimodal paths are open to anyone and anything except cars (even though they've been known to be seen on a path or two). I've shared the paths with bicycles of various types, scooters (not convinced they belong on the paths), walkers, runners, dogs, a cat on a halter and lead, a jogger pushing a wheelchair (occupied), other golf carts. So far, haven't seen a horse on the paths but I wouldn't be surprised if I did. I haven't asked any of these people if they were Village residents. I certainly haven't seen any sort of device where I would need to swipe my card to allow me access to a path. Given all of this, I doubt there is anything written that prohibits non-residents from using the paths.

[bestmickey]

Originally Posted by Dougout

A traffic law will refer with specificity where it applies. Most traffic laws will state "highways" in their language or "roadway" or a few state "private property". You then have to refer to the Vehicle Code definations for those words to determine just what is a highway, roadway etc.

So some laws apply to highways, some roadways and some private property etc. I doubt that our rec paths fall into the definition of "highway" so any law that applies to a highway would not apply there. In order to determine what traffic laws if any can be enforced on our rec paths you need to consult a FL Vehicle Code. You would look at the definitions to see where our rec paths fall and then then look at the individual sections to see if they cover the type of roadway that the rec path is determined to be by definition.

I am using terms here from the PA Vehicle Code but the FL law would be similar.

I hear what you're saying, but I don't find your argument persuasive. Automobile laws are written addressing their operation being on "streets, roadways, and highways". So, you're saying that if I drive my automobile on a sidewalk or a multi-modal path within The Villages, the police can't give me a citation? I disagree.

It is partly defined in Florida statute that a "golf cart" is a motor vehicle that does not exceed 20 mph. Low speed vehicles (LSV) are also partly defined in Florida statute as going faster than 20 mph. Agreed? (If you want to see the specific citations, I can lead you to them). It's further stated in Florida statute that LSV's must be registered and can only be driven by licensed drivers. Go to: http://laws.flrules.org/1999/163. If the link doesn't work cut/paste the address into your browser.

See Section 316.2122 (1) (which I cut/pasted here)

"(1) A low-speed vehicle may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour."

I put the first sentence in bold, but the operative word in the sentence is "only". An LSV may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

My read of this statute indicates I can not legally operate my LSV on a sidewalk or multi-modal path.

I'm not a lawyer, but in my work life I had to frequently reference Civil Service Law and many union contracts. Therefore, I tend to refer to laws and other legal agreements when I have confusion or question issues.

Since Bogie Shooter and others on this forum have frequently stated that the police "have no authority" on the multi-modal paths, and since I don't understand why that is so, I looked up some laws.

Please note that I'm not commenting on what is (in my opinion) a reasonable or safe speed limit in a golf cart. I'm sticking with the laws, which are binding.

I could be wrong. I readily acknowledge I'm never right 100% of the time.

I ask that Bogie Shooter and/or others show me in Florida law where it states that the police have "no authority on multi-modal paths". I'm ready to be corrected.

[thistrucksforyou]

Originally Posted by Sparky-30

Give me a break, as a ret. member of a large city police dept. is that all they have to do? Jesus, we were just trying to stay alive at the end of the shift.
Gonna hassle golf cart drivers, what rookies

I agree totally...Of all the things the police have to worry about, golf cart saftey is at the top of there list ?

[l2ridehd]

Sounds to me like this police department has to much money to spend if they can buy golf carts. Also seems to me that as voters we should control that budget. Sounds to me like we have the wrong elected officials representing us as they are approving these excess budgets. Shouldn't that be the place to start? I would think as a voting group we have the ability to control how our tax money is spent. So follow the money and this issue can be resolved.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by bestmickey

See Section 316.2122 (1) (which I cut/pasted here)

"(1) A low-speed vehicle may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour."

I put the first sentence in bold, but the operative word in the sentence is "only". An LSV may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

My read of this statute indicates I can not legally operate my LSV on a sidewalk or multi-modal path.
<section of original post removed>
I ask that Bogie Shooter and/or others show me in Florida law where it states that the police have "no authority on multi-modal paths". I'm ready to be corrected.

Here is something I found in an old Villages Voice issue with regards to enforcement on multi modal paths. This comes from The Villages Voice at: http://thevha.net/the-villages-voice...14&article=288

Question: What enforcement functions can Community Watch perform, such as trespassing, soliciting, and improper use of golf carts? Where can law enforcement issue tickets to violators (on streets only or cart paths and streets)?

Answer: Community Watch is The Villages eyes and ears, but has no law enforcement authority. CW aggressively pursues solicitors and closely cooperates with local law enforcement on other issues. Tickets may be issued on city and county roads (used by golf carts). Law enforcement cannot issue speeding tickets on multi modal trails (cart paths), but can ticket reckless driving (which could include speeding) on the cart paths.

It really clears things up about speeding tickets doesn't it ? It does seem to indicate that speeding alone on a multi modal path is NOT an issue law enforcement would deal with.

As far as LSV laws, here is the actual statute:

316.2122 Operation of a low-speed vehicle on certain roadways.--The operation of a low-speed vehicle, as defined in s. 320.01(42), on any road as defined in s. 334.03(15) or (33), is authorized with the following restrictions:

Item 1 which you quote is a limitation to that statute. The purpose of statute is not to define the only places an LSV can drive, but is written to ALLOW an LSV to drive on roadways.

I do not find a set of rules for what is allowed on multi modal paths? What is to prevent a Smart Car?