Bicycle/Pedestrian Question

[Napria]

Don't want to start a debate. Just a question: Are cyclists allowed on the pedestrian paths? My daughter & I nearly got run over by the same family twice tonight and the traffic management guy told me cyclist are supposed to use the sidewalks & pedestrian paths. Where I'm from, that's illegal. Cyclists must cycle on the street, obeying all the rules of the road.

 

[Shanti]

We cycled (carefully) on the sidewalks at Fort Wilderness. No way am I putting my son on one of the Fort's main roads, where vacationers speed their golf carts & cars, in a hurry to get to a park.

It's not illegal to bicycle on sidewalks in my city, and it seems likely that the Disney "traffic management guy" knows what he's talking about. Of course, everyone should exercise care and common courtesy- I'm sorry to hear someone was reckless while you were walking with your daughter. Where are you from?

 

[Napria]

I looked it up and it seems that Disney requires cyclists to obey Florida's bicycle laws, which in turn requires cyclists to obey vehicle laws. This is no different than Georgia. The difference is we were on a trail or path shared by pedestrians. Florida does allow for this (I believe Georgia does too.)

The other difference was the path was full of pedestrians who had just gotten out of Hoop Dee Doo and off the Boat from MK. This family zoomed through the pedestrians, then stopped, got off their bikes for some reason, then got on again and zoomed through everyone again. Whether in Florida or Georgia, pedestrians have the right of way.

Either way, I was tired and wouldn't have been too upset, except the Disney traffic guy has rather short with me for walking along the golf cart path, which I switched to when we were buzzed by the cycling family a second time.

It's all good now. A brand-new day full of hope and opportunities.

 

[North of Mouse]

Don't want to start a debate. Just a question: Are cyclists allowed on the pedestrian paths? My daughter & I nearly got run over by the same family twice tonight and the traffic management guy told me cyclist are supposed to use the sidewalks & pedestrian paths. Where I'm from, that's illegal. Cyclists must cycle on the street, obeying all the rules of the road.

Yes, they are at Disney. Guess any municipality can decide their own rules. But, pedestrians and bicycles alike should be courteous and aware (keeping to the right, etc.) We, as well as most cyclists we know, will use a warning bell when coming up behind pedestrians, also an audible 'passing on your left' direction. Children also should be taught these courtesies and directives.

 

[peg110]

Typically most places laws/rules are designed for the lowest/slowest object/person/vehicle/etc to have the right of way (where no specific sign/law/rule dictates otherwise).

As an example, pedestrians usually always have right of way at a cross walk.... EXCEPT, when it's a controlled intersection. Then the Street lights and crossing signs override.

Bicycles sharing roads/paths with others generally have to yield to Pedestrians, but Cars have to yield to Bicycles EXCEPT where there maybe a "Bicycle Only" path or an "Autos Only" road. If pedestrians are on the Bike path/trail they should yield to the Bicycles.

Really though, more often then not it comes down to common sense and courtesy, much of which is lacking with many folks.

It irritates me when I see it or when it happens to me, and I feel your frustration. I try (not always successfully) to just make the best of it and not let it ruin my vacation. It's tough to "Turn the other cheek" though when someone is doing something that, regardless if they are in the "Right", could hurt someone else (or themselves).

 

[tiggerdad]

You nailed it on the head with the "lack of common sense and courtesy" there Paul.

 

[FtW Mike]

You nailed it on the head with the "lack of common sense and courtesy" there Paul.

I so totally agree with what PEG said and Tiggerdad echoed Common sense and courtesy while in short supply go a long way

 

[articfox676]

Would like to see a separate paved bike path running along near the road. There is way to much foot traffic for the Rangers to insist that bikes use the sidewalk.

 

[tiggerdad]

If the blasted sidewalk was straight and didn't constantly twist it would be much less of a problem. Speaking mainly about the one along Fort Wilderness Trail.

 

[Boopuff]

We rode our bikes on both the sidewalks and street. But we're all adults and with the combo of busses stopping to load (which means you have to veer around them - not safe!) and out of control carts, I was just more comfortable on the sidewalk. However, we weren't riding around late at night and during a madhouse like Hoop egress!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Would like to see a separate paved bike path running along near the road. There is way to much foot traffic for the Rangers to insist that bikes use the sidewalk.

That would be a good idea but I don't know that there is adequate space as the roads are pretty narrow in several spots.

Given a little boy died when he accidentally wobbled off the sidewalk into a bus, I don't foresee Disney ever not allowing cyclists to use the sidewalks.

I think courtesy would go a long way. The paths seemed wide enough to allow people and cyclists. But I haven't walked all of them.

 

[North of Mouse]

If the blasted sidewalk was straight and didn't constantly twist it would be much less of a problem. Speaking mainly about the one along Fort Wilderness Trail.

Oh, but how boring that would be!! Love that curvy road!

 

[tiggerdad]

A little curve here and there is fine, but that sucker is too curvy in places. I have had several close calls both walking and riding the bike. However, I agree it is good to have some curves. They make it easier to hide when sampling...er, I mean admiring other folks items on their grills.