[Challenger]

Originally Posted by Average Guy

According to the Michigan state website:

"Pedestrians are reminded to:

Walk on the side of the road as far to the left as possible or on a paved shoulder AGAINST oncoming traffic where there are no sidewalks;"

SOS - Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Tips

Never heard of bikers going against traffic anywher that I have lived. Florida law requires that pedestrians(including joggers) use sidewalks when available-- no exceptions.

[PeteI]

It's not a "northern thing". I grew up in CT and when I joined the boy scouts, one of the first things we learned was to always walk against the traffic if sidewalks were not available. Very dangerous walking with traffic.

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by Challenger

....Florida law requires that pedestrians(including joggers) use sidewalks when available-- no exceptions.

That brings up another question....when a sidewalk is available, why do so many people walk in the street anyway?

[tomwed]

I found that walking sideways like a crab with traffic is the safest way to go. It does take a little longer but you can wear headphones and listen to Diane Rhem to pass the time..

[Average Guy]

Originally Posted by Suzi

In the state of MI bikers, joggers and walkers are required to go WITH traffic as opposed to AGAINST traffic. I absolutely hated that because of safety issues. But I am surprised to read here that in FL you are to go AGAINST traffic. Have to admit that I have not seen bikers doing that here in TV. Is it restricted to the MMP? Or should bikers do that on the regular streets also?

I checked on this Michigan state government website:
SOS - Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Tips

It states:

"Pedestrians are reminded to:

Walk on the side of the road as far to the left as possible or on a paved shoulder AGAINST oncoming traffic where there are no sidewalks"

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by Average Guy

According to the Michigan state website:

"Pedestrians are reminded to:

Walk on the side of the road as far to the left as possible or on a paved shoulder AGAINST oncoming traffic where there are no sidewalks;"

SOS - Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Tips

First, this is Florida. The rules are simple. When riding, ride with traffic. When walking, go against traffic.

[Average Guy]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

First, this is Florida. The rules are simple. When riding, ride with traffic. When walking, go against traffic.

First, my post was in response to someone who stated that in Michigan the law is to walk with traffic. I was pointing out that that was not true.

Second, you merely restated the same thing that I posted.

[Average Guy]

Originally Posted by Challenger

Never heard of bikers going against traffic anywher that I have lived. Florida law requires that pedestrians(including joggers) use sidewalks when available-- no exceptions.

Nothing in your post contradicts the Michigan laws that I referenced.

[kcrazorbackfan]

As kids, we were always taught to walk against traffic and ride bikes with traffic, a safety thing. Over the years, I've worked several calls where people walking along a state or US highway, with the traffic, were hit by something thrown at them by passing vehicles. I've always walked against traffic so I could see if anything is thrown at me, but, I won't have to worry about that in The Villages.

[Skip2MySue]

I had the unfortunate experience to have had a traffic accident by hitting a walker that was walking with the traffic. It was at sunset and as I drove down the street and came around a small bend I was blinded by the sun. My reaction was to slow down and proceed cautiously until I could regain my positioning. At that exact time and circumstance a visiting couple were walking side by side with traffic. I clipped the woman who was on the outside with my side view mirror and she was knocked to the ground with a broken arm. This was my first car accident in 51 years and although I didn't get a ticket I still am haunted by the incident. Fortunately the victim is recovering nicely.
Skip 2

[Chazz]

Originally Posted by Skip2MySue

I had the unfortunate experience to have had a traffic accident by hitting a walker that was walking with the traffic. It was at sunset and as I drove down the street and came around a small bend I was blinded by the sun. My reaction was to slow down and proceed cautiously until I could regain my positioning. At that exact time and circumstance a visiting couple were walking side by side with traffic. I clipped the woman who was on the outside with my side view mirror and she was knocked to the ground with a broken arm. This was my first car accident in 51 years and although I didn't get a ticket I still am haunted by the incident. Fortunately the victim is recovering nicely.
Skip 2

What a traumatic experience for both parties! Glad that the result wasn't much worse!

[archerlc]

Bicycle with traffic, walk against traffic.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Originally Posted by Skip2MySue

I had the unfortunate experience to have had a traffic accident by hitting a walker that was walking with the traffic. It was at sunset and as I drove down the street and came around a small bend I was blinded by the sun. My reaction was to slow down and proceed cautiously until I could regain my positioning. At that exact time and circumstance a visiting couple were walking side by side with traffic. I clipped the woman who was on the outside with my side view mirror and she was knocked to the ground with a broken arm. This was my first car accident in 51 years and although I didn't get a ticket I still am haunted by the incident. Fortunately the victim is recovering nicely.
Skip 2

Must have been horrible; that is something that will haunt you and make you wary when driving into the sun. Hope everything is better for all.

[DougB]

Can't believe we have people in their 50s - 80s who still need to be told what side of the road to walk or bike on!

[tomwed]

I'm not comfortable walking on a cart path or multi-tasking lane. When my hearing was 20/20 it wasn't the case.