[Bikehike]

Is a small atv allowed on the multi modal paths?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Bikehike

Is a small atv allowed on the multi modal paths?

Not sure why you'd make a poll for this question, there is a right and wrong answer.

From the Villages official documentation: Multi-Modal Path Information and Safety

"Who is allowed to use the multi-modal paths throughout The Villages?” This is a question that the District receives on a regular basis. The multi-modal paths are for use by NON-AUTOMOTIVE traffic such as bicycles, golf carts, pedestrians, and skaters. It is not legal…nor is it smart…to drive vehicles such as smart cars, motorcycles, or mopeds on any of the multi-modal paths in The Villages. For additional information, please click on the header of this announcement to read a memo from District Counsel regarding the use of multi-modal paths.

And here's the memo referred to above:

PDF Viewer

And finally - the law about ATVs in Florida:
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine.

ATVs are not permitted on paved roads at all. Multi-modal paths are paved. Walking trails designated AS walking trails are for pedestrians only, no motors of any kind, including golf carts.

[BrianL99]

The response below is so wrong and misleading, I don't know where to start ...,

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Not sure why you'd make a poll for this question, there is a right and wrong answer.

From the Villages official documentation: Multi-Modal Path Information and Safety

"Who is allowed to use the multi-modal paths throughout The Villages?” This is a question that the District receives on a regular basis. The multi-modal paths are for use by NON-AUTOMOTIVE traffic such as bicycles, golf carts, pedestrians, and skaters. It is not legal…nor is it smart…to drive vehicles such as smart cars, motorcycles, or mopeds on any of the multi-modal paths in The Villages. For additional information, please click on the header of this announcement to read a memo from District Counsel regarding the use of multi-modal paths.

And here's the memo referred to above:

PDF Viewer

And finally - the law about ATVs in Florida:
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine.

ATVs are not permitted on paved roads at all. Multi-modal paths are paved. Walking trails designated AS walking trails are for pedestrians only, no motors of any kind, including golf carts.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Not sure why you'd make a poll for this question, there is a right and wrong answer.

From the Villages official documentation: Multi-Modal Path Information and Safety

"Who is allowed to use the multi-modal paths throughout The Villages?” This is a question that the District receives on a regular basis. The multi-modal paths are for use by NON-AUTOMOTIVE traffic such as bicycles, golf carts, pedestrians, and skaters. It is not legal…nor is it smart…to drive vehicles such as smart cars, motorcycles, or mopeds on any of the multi-modal paths in The Villages. For additional information, please click on the header of this announcement to read a memo from District Counsel regarding the use of multi-modal paths.

And here's the memo referred to above:

PDF

And finally - the law about ATVs in Florida:
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine.

ATVs are not permitted on paved roads at all. Multi-modal paths are paved. Walking trails designated AS walking trails are for pedestrians only, no motors of any kind, including golf carts.

Sadly, what you posted in your link is only an unenforceable "suggestion". Fully Download & Read sections 3 & 5 (some cuts posted below) of the linked document. Diamond lanes are another story, this is about MMP's.

Districtgov PDF document

As owner of the paths the districts can adopt reasonable rules regarding the use thereof including
the establishment of speed limits for safety purposes and in order to maintain and preserve the
amenity. However, such a rule would have no real value due to the districts' lack of enforcement
power as discussed below.

The districts could also use Florida's trespass statutes as a means of enforcement in regards to a
rule prohibiting certain types of conveyances upon its paths. An individual commits the offense
of trespass on property when, without being authorized, the person remains on the property after
notice against entering or remaining has been given. The districts would need to provide notice
to the trespasser and then call local law enforcement to charge the violator with trespass

The Sumter County Sheriffs office has advised that its attorney has opined that the districts'
paths do not meet the statutory definitions of"street," "highways" or "roads".

V. CONCLUSION:
The districts may adopt a rule regulating the type of conveyances used on their paths so long as
the underlying development orders are not violated and speed limits may be established and
posted for safety purposes and to maintain the districts' infrastructure. However, until and unless
legislatively or judicially determined otherwise, the districts lack sufficient law enforcement
powers to enforce such rules.
Ifthe statutes were legislatively amended to provide the necessary enforcement powers to enable
the districts to adopt rules regarding their multi-modal paths, I would recommend prior to
adopting any such rule that it be submitted to the applicable county attorney for an opinion that
the rule would not be in violation ofthe underlying development order. The counties will most
likely look to the districts for guidance on what has been allowed in the past and what types of
conveyances are typically allowed on the surrounding golf courses.
It should be noted that the districts are not alone in facing this issue of lack of enforcement over
traffic control on multi-modal paths. I have spoken to other county attorneys and they have
expressed their frustration over the same jurisdictional issues. The continued growth of golf
communities throughout the state of Florida has increased the awareness ofthe issue, but in
regards to multi-modal paths it has yet to be addressed by the legislature. During the past
legislative session the legislature did pass House Bill 971, which will become effective
September 1, 2010, but it only addresses the use of golf carts and bicycles on sidewalks and bike
paths as defined in Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, and not the use thereof on multi-modal paths.
I strongly recommend that the districts hold a joint workshop to discuss the matters covered
herein regarding the use of speed bumps, whether to seek legislative changes to expand the
enforcement jurisdiction of local law enforcement agencies, speed limits and desired types of
conveyances so there is continuity among the districts as required by the development orders.
5

[Djean1981]

Ahh.. I was thinking that a moped would be fun..

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Djean1981

Ahh.. I was thinking that a moped would be fun..

And I think driving my lawn tractor to the square would be a hoot.

[Djean1981]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

And I think driving my lawn tractor to the square would be a hoot.

Is there is huge difference between golf cart and an electric moped. As long as 20 mpg is not exceeded..

The lawn tractor would be loud and might gouge up the path..

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

The response below is so wrong and misleading, I don't know where to start ...,

I often wonder if people just wish to argue. The police, YOU need to research when, have a regular meeting in the Savana Center where they answer these questions.