[Full-timer]

Walking is great exercise for anyone at any age. But, people need to use some common sense while out walking.

In the last rain storm (dark out, 6:45 am.) last week, I drove by 3 walkers (on my golf cart).

2 were on modal path, one was on street cart path. ALL 3 had no reflective clothing or lights.

Not very (bright) LOL! of any of them.

Thoughts for ALL walkers:

Remember;
It is NOT how well YOU can see others. It is how well others can see YOU.

Most folks drive around with windshields up. Very poor visibility looking through them. (you know that if you own one).

Many people driving carts already have vision issues. (poor vision, glasses on or off.)
Again, we all know that, we live in The Villages.

Many people here think they drive just fine while on cell phones driving in a cart (or car). Answer is: NO your driving sucks. WE ALL KNOW THAT right?

So, for all the walkers out there, try to use more common sense when out. You see all these problems every day yourself even in day light!!!

Wake up.

[RICH1]

I love the “ side by side “ walkers!

[dhdallas]

I either ring the bell on my bike or call out to walkers as I approach from behind (and use the horn on my cart) but so many are listening through their headphones/ear buds that they don't hear me. If you insist on plugging your ears with these things then don't blame the cyclist or golf cart that runs you over when you step sideways into their path.

[MrFlorida]

I only walk on roads that have sidewalks, because I know how people drive around here.....

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by dhdallas

I either ring the bell on my bike or call out to walkers as I approach from behind (and use the horn on my cart) but so many are listening through their headphones/ear buds that they don't hear me. If you insist on plugging your ears with these things then don't blame the cyclist or golf cart that runs you over when you step sideways into their path.

If you are in a golf cart and approaching a walker from behind then someone is on the wrong side of the road or path. Fixing that will make things much safer. Yes, I know there have been multiple threads on this topic and no, I don't know why it is so hard to understand.

Bicyclists could approach someone from behind on a sidewalk or walking/biking only trail. Bicyclists demand that cars and carts give them at least three feet of space when passing so why not do the same? Why not give the walker three feet of space when passing them on a bicycle? Sure, the walker could take a step sideways but three feet would take a big step.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Full-timer

It is NOT how well YOU can see others. It is how well others can see YOU.

Wise words.

Whatever you are doing, you may legally have "right of way" but that will be cold comfort if a vehicle runs into you.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by MrFlorida

I only walk on roads that have sidewalks, because I know how people drive around here.....

Unless your house backs up to a main road (most do not), how do you get from your house to the sidewalk?

(Edit: corrected "now" to "not")

[MrFlorida]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Unless your house backs up to a main road (most do now), how do you get from your house to the sidewalk?

My house has sidewalks.

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by dhdallas

I either ring the bell on my bike or call out to walkers as I approach from behind (and use the horn on my cart) but so many are listening through their headphones/ear buds that they don't hear me. If you insist on plugging your ears with these things then don't blame the cyclist or golf cart that runs you over when you step sideways into their path.

I have two bells on one bike and three on another. I do this for different ring tones and patterns.

Almost all women and most men hear me. Regardless, though, it is my obligation to watch for them. Just as it is the responsibility of cart drivers to do the same.

If cart drivers find that they can't see walkers it's time to stop driving in the rain. Personal responsibility is hard for anyone to accept. While common sense is a super power nowadays, walkers have every right to take the entire MMP wearing whatever they choose FOR THIS REASON YOU SHOULD EXPECT IT. Certainly not the best idea in low visablity conditions, however, cart drivers should be aware of their own abilities and responsibilities.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

Wise words.

Whatever you are doing, you may legally have "right of way" but that will be cold comfort if a vehicle runs into you.

Bingo!

We can stand around and point fingers all we want, but bottom line is that is better to be alive than right.

I do a lot of walking. I'd say 95% of golf cart drivers are courteous and safety-conscious, with the other 5% standing out both because of their lack of driving skill and/or lack of knowledge of the laws and rules govering the MMPs. I've had a few close calls and have voiced my displeasure to a few of the more egregious offenders over the past couple of years. But if possible (and I walk on the left) when a cart or bicycle is coming toward me I step OFF the path whether or not there is a vehicle approaching me from behind. Gas powered carts coming up from the rear make noise but electrical ones make very little, and there are always bicyclists on the paths as well, so you never know. I get a lot of appreciative waves and thumbs-up from the cart people.

It makes no sense asserting your "right" to be anywhere if by so doing you're risking a month in the hospital. And I've never yet had to pay a price for being courteous.

[billethkid]

It is comforting, again, to know that most of us do what is right on shared use amenities/facilities.....as usual/normal most discussions are about the few.

[DonH57]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

If you are in a golf cart and approaching a walker from behind then someone is on the wrong side of the road or path. Fixing that will make things much safer. Yes, I know there have been multiple threads on this topic and no, I don't know why it is so hard to understand.

Bicyclists could approach someone from behind on a sidewalk or walking/biking only trail. Bicyclists demand that cars and carts give them at least three feet of space when passing so why not do the same? Why not give the walker three feet of space when passing them on a bicycle? Sure, the walker could take a step sideways but three feet would take a big step.

Not only walking the wrong direction with their backs to traffic but wearing headphones or ear buds.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by DonH57

Not only walking the wrong direction with their backs to traffic but wearing headphones or ear buds.

........and blindfolded, and jumping up and down on Pogo Sticks!

[Stu from NYC]

Whenever possible walk against traffic and I do avoid walking at night.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by billethkid

It is comforting, again, to know that most of us do what is right on shared use amenities/facilities.....as usual/normal most discussions are about the few.

Unfortunately, there are those who extrapolate "the few", to mean "all"...