walkers
 

The road is easier on one's legs than the sidewalks. People do it for the same reason golfers who walk walk on the grass not the cart path. I don't care where they walk but have to walk facing traffic !!! I want to stop when I see them walking on the wrong side and yell at them, "Are you crazy".

Last Tuesday I entered the tunnel under 466 (at the CR 101 intersection) and came up behind about a dozen pedestrians walking two abreast with their backs to the traffic. They were spaced far enough apart I didn't dare pass them for fear another cart could enter approaching me. They were completely oblivious to their situation.

I have no idea where they were going or were they had been. They were all well dressed in business attire.

The Belvedere tunnel can be dangerous. If you are wearing sun glasses, better remove them when entering the tunnel. It is NOT brightly lit!

The tunnel is close to the Charter Schools, and kids often use the tunnel walking several abreast with their backs to traffic.

There is a pedestrian crossing on CR 466. Methinks the kids are just being a bit rebellious. Please watch out for them.

i don't advocate walkers not moving out of the way of golf cart traffic but yes, the asphaltroad cart trail lanes are easier on aging joints than the cement sidewalks or older village recreation trails.

I'm a cyclist and when I'm riding I'm riding WITH the flow of traffic.I am considered a vehicle.I have side view mirrors that allow me to see traffic behind me.

a good friend of mine was killed last year riding his bike with the flow of traffic, he never saw the car coming since it hit him from behind, if he had been riding against the flow he may still be alive today, I realize the recommendation might be to ride with the flow of traffic, but I choose to ride against the flow, I want to see what is coming at me, I choose to increase my odds of avoiding a collision, life is about choices....gn

The recreational trails are just that - trails for all recreational users:, bikers, walkers, golf carts, joggers, etc., to share. That said, there are so many really aggressive golf cart drivers out there, I'm very careful on the trails, watching my mirrors all the time to see where the traffic is. The golf carts seem to think they own the road. Not!

Recreational Trails vs Cart Lanes on Street...
 

Taj44;
I believe you have mixed the use of the "Rec Trails" useage with the original post over safety concerns on the on street "Cart Paths" that are a part of the street. I don't know their legal name or designation. I agree with you on the trails. They are wider and not near the traffic and walkers, runners and bikers are not as great of a safety concern. Both golf carts as well as the pedistrians that use them have room to move over and thus allow a safe distance between them as they pass each other. However, the designated cart lanes, the ones that butt up to the vehicle roadway are really an accident waiting to happen to a walking or running pedistrian at some point in the future.

Wonder what would hurt those walkers more; the hard sidewalk surface or the undercarriage of a golf cart rolling over them? A little common sense somehow should apply. Why should rules that have always made sense in our prior existence suddenly be over-ruled just because we are in The Villages. When possible, feet go on sidewalks and wheels on streets.

yes, you guessed it, the roadway is much easier on the feet.

It is my understanding that "all" paths south of 466 are multi modal paths which means the paths along the roadways are not "golf cart" specific. They are "Share the Road". Yes, cement is harder on your knees, etc. than asphalt.

Cart Lane Safety Issue
 

To repeat my post of earlier this year ... Running/racewalking helps with my weight control. I use the multimodal paths for the following reasons: 1) Paths are blacktop vs concrete and, believe it or not, your knees/hips can tell the difference after 5 miles; 2) Too many people walking 2-3 abreast or walking their dogs think they shouldn't have to move over for runners/racewalkers. Dogs on leases are given a long span and can trip you up. Moving to grass is risky because of holes, uneveness, etc; 3) When meeting a golf cart/biker, I always move to the concrete apron (on the street paths) til we pass. There is plenty of room for us to meet/pass but I try not to crowd carts; 4) During my run I look for & pick up construction nails. I usually find at least 6 or more, so I'm saving folks from flat tires; 5) If I try moving up on sidewalk for every cart I meet, I risk tripping and breaking my wrist (again); 6) As a pedestrian, no one should have the right to run me over even if I were in the wrong place. I usually get at least one "grouchy geezer" a run yelling at me to "Get on the sidewalk." Folks, lets be nice to each other. Enjoy the ride - death is our next big adventure!!

For what it is worth - Two friends of mine (one of which is a medical doctor) walk on the road and claim the asphalt is easier on the legs.

Try this golf cart instead.. http://www.strangeracer.com/content/item/134916.html