A petition bearing 86 signatures has prompted Leighton Township officials to consider a local ordinance permitting, but regulating use of golf carts and off-road vehicles on certain streets.
The Michigan State Legislature passed a law last January on golf carts use and an ORV law has been on the books since 2012. But Green Lake area residents says they’re uncomfortable with the notion they’re breaking the law when they drive their golf carts in neighborhoods around the lake.
Melanie Haefner, one of the residents, said, “We are aware that golf cart use is not a legal activity, but sometimes we have to use a road.”
She said townships have the right to determine what streets or roads golf carts or ORVs can use, regardless of of what state law has determined.
Roger Kuipers, who later in the evening was appointed to a vacant seat on the Leighton Township Planning Commission, said, “It’s just a nice way to get around the lake” and added, “I prefer to see more golf carts than cars that go a lot faster and weigh more than 3,000 pounds.”
Frank Warner said he uses his golf cart to pull his boat out of the water and it’s an economical and more environmentally friendly way to get around his neighborhood.
Township Attorney Cliff Bloom cautioned the residents about instances in which golf cart drivers get into accidents.
“If you let someone use your cart and he gets into an accident, you could be sued as well,” he pointed out.
Bloom, however, acknowledged, “Golf carts have been going around lakes and neighborhoods for 40 years, and it’s been done illegally. This (proposed) ordinance would just make it legal.”
He said the only real controversy would be over use by youngsters ages 16 and under. State law insists drivers must have licenses.
One audience member suggested special classes could be offered to teach golf cart and ORV safety, just like there are boating safety classes.
But Marlene Plummer said, “My family has been driving their golf carts around the lake for 27 years and there haven’t been any accidents.”
Supervisor Steve Deer said he is concerned about allowing golf carts on streets or roads around the lake with speed limits as high as 55 miles per hour. Such areas exist near Kalamazoo Avenue and 145th Street.
“We would like to confine it (permitting use) to roads with a 25 miles per hour limit.”
Treasurer Char Troost said she can’t live with permitting use of golf carts on roads that are 55, reporting she’s personally seen dangerous situations.
Ryan Rewa, Allegan County Sheriff’s deputy who covers Leighton and Dorr townships, cautioned, “If you pass this (local ordinance), be aware that the number of golf carts you’re going to see will be doubled.”
The board decided to continue investigation of the proposed ordinance, consult with the Allegan County Road Commission and Sheriff’s Department, and if there are no objections then schedule a public hearing, but not until early next year.
PHOTO: A larger than usual crowd of about a dozen and a half residents lobbied the Leighton Township to adopt a local ordinance permitting use of golf carts on certain road and streets.