Then I assume that also having a pitch fork handy is optional? :thumbup:

The only time I tried walking through a tunnel was when I parked my car by Turtle Mound and walked over to Sand Hill. I did not have a flashlight but I don't think it would have helped. The carts had enough time to slow down but there is no room to dodge a cart if a cart is coming the other way.

Now I cross BV on the road. There is an island and it's easy to wait for a big break in traffic so you can walk slowly to the divider and then again to the other side.

That's how I do it. I am not recommending this to anyone.

I'll bring the marshmallows

Thank you all for your thoughts on this topic

While there seems to be no consensus - with some of you happy to walk in the tunnels and others preferring to cross roads above ground - I think we can say:

Walkers - be seen and be alert

Drivers - slow down and anticipate

The Villages - make tunnel-users more visible with lights and light paintwork

Arctic Foxes - buy a flashlight

I walk the south end every morning and use many of the tunnels. I choose to walk against traffic, hugging the side wall as close as possible. Given the curved roof line of the tunnels, carts tend to ride closer to the center than the sides. I do walk as fast as possible when I'm in a tunnel, though... :)

I've not had an incident thus far with that strategy. That being said, I kinda like the idea of wearing a flasher.

BTW, I see the light fixtures, but have yet to see them illuminated.

What *does* surprise me is the number of path walkers that walk *with* traffic. I see several every day. Seems like a death wish, especially if they have their earbuds in or their dogs on a long-ish leash!

And wear light clothing and a flasher.
Sometimes kids from the Villages School walk with the traffic, three abreast, through the Belvedere tunnel. :shocked:

I have noticed that too. And every once in a while there is a car or truck coming through that tunnel.

You can often hear the kids long before you see them.

Maybe we should have the Villages require people to sing while going through the tunnels. "It is a beautiful day in the Villages...."

I enter a tunnel slowly. I stop at the end of the tunnel before going on my way. So far, the biggest incident I have had with walkers in the tunnels is a nice, friendly wave (whole hand, not just the one finger). It really isn't that hard to share the paths and tunnels. A little courtesy and a lot of common sense with an attitude that everyone is new and lost goes a long way to making every journey more enjoyable.

and there is the simplest solution.....

and if you're out tonight, on your bike, wear white....gee, that's kind uf catchy!