No,no,no when walking always go against the traffic. Remember some carts are electric and very quiet as are bicycles. If you don’t hear the vehicle how can to avoid it? We were taught at a young age ,if no sidewalk is available always walk against the traffic for safety

I'd hitch a ride!

In the Chicago area, we walk with the traffic at our back. Down here, people walk with the traffic facing them and coming at them, which is a much better idea, frankly. That way you can see the traffic coming toward you.

Walkers and joggers always move against cart flow. Dont count on cart drivers seeing you, because some wont and they will run right over you.

Walking on the left, facing traffic is not a matter of opinion or choice (or your dog’s choice). It is Florida Law.

I skipped first grade

In my first year in TV, I was walking on the multi-modal path on the right side. Up north, along bike/ped trails, the rule of the National Park Service is to walk on the right. So,that is what I was doing. A fellow walker on the opposite side of the multi-modal stopped me and she suggested I walk facing traffic. She used a very good example. She pointed out that many of the cart drivers in TV are old and may not see that well. Indeed, some may have lost their driving privileges because of their vision. She simply asked, "Would you really rather see such a driver coming to you....or would you like to hear a cart slide up behind you when it slams on its brakes just before hitting you?" Her point was well taken and is the same direction we had as kids: Walk against traffic! Shame on the National Park Service!

Are they trying to reduce the population? :icon_wink:

Pedestrian Traffic on Multi-Modal Paths in Southern Region of VillagesReply to Thread
 

Here's a twist to consider.

I run on the MMP daily. I always run facing oncoming traffic. I've observed a lot of cart driver behaviors while out there. Here are couple of suggestions for safety and enjoyment of all...

1.) I suggest that the distance allowed for runners/walkers should be the same as for passing a biker - 3 feet. I very much appreciate when carts allow a lot of room when passing, and when they do I smile and wave my thanks.

2.) Often carts expect runners/walkers to get completely off the MMP. Please, please don't force a runner/walker into the grass. It is VERY difficult for a runner/walker to get all the way to the edge of the MMP BECAUSE the concrete and the bituminous are at different levels and the concrete is too narrow for two foot plant. It is also VERY difficult to run in the grass. These are trip hazards, and at our age, we have to limit those as much as possible.

3.) I have noticed that in the DIVIDED areas of the MMP (one way sections), carts are reluctant to move to the inside (high curb side) for fear of hitting the curb. I often switch sides of THAT one way lane, still facing traffic, in these areas so that I am running nearest the raised curb, on the driver side of the road. I have found drivers are more willing to increase the space as they pass me.
Yes, I have gotten a few strange looks when I do this, but also get a lot more room when being passed. Again, I ONLY do this on the DIVIDED parts of the MMP.

4.) With the social distancing rule of 6 feet, when I meet another runner/walker on a sidewalk, one of us will usually move either stepping into the road in the cart lane, or if possible onto the grass. The one facing traffic should be the one to step into the cart lane if no cart is coming, then return to the sidewalk ASAP.

I will say that for the most part cart drivers are pleasant and considerate.

Let's all stay safe and be kind to one another!

Thanks!

We had tried walking the multi-modal paths but decided to just stick to sidewalks. Having to cross the street a few times to keep going just felt safer than the mm paths. Even walking against traffic on them felt dangerous to us. It was clear that many cart drivers were really annoyed when they came upon us, and we found ourselves stepping off the path often to let the cart pass. Plus we could rarely walk next to each other to talk comfortably. We would NEVER walk those paths on the right, that’s just a death wish.

So, the dog was walking its people. :icon_wink:

I walk 5.5 miles per day on the multi modals. I've been doing that for five years. Always walk against traffic. I have been brushed by more golf carts than I can count. The worst time is when snowbirds are around. They believe the multi modals are golf cart expressways and apparently many can't see past the windshields. NEVER let them approach from behind. I used to carry a 2 iron to swing at carts that approach too close. Now I just scream at the unsafe drivers.

If they have lost their driving privileges, it also applies to golf carts--the exact term, is shall not operate any motorized vehicle

From the Boy Scouts: Generally Facing traffic.

Always walk against traffic either on roadway or multi media road. That way you can see what is coming at you. Stay safe.