The Wayland City Council has cooled to the idea of permitting golf carts within the city limits, and it appears the idea now is dead in the water.
Council was approached last month with a proposal to allow the vehicles on certain streets with certain restrictions, but virtually all members Monday night expressed opposition.
Councilman Joe Kramer said, “I’m still opposed to this,” pointing to reports of a 300% increase in golf cart accidents over the past several years and tales of some people “souping up’ their carts so they can go faster.
Kramer, a medical first responder, said there have been too many incident s involving minor children being thrown out of the carts because of a lack of safery equipment on board.
Councilman Tim Rose said he’s concerned about “everybody driving around and causing traffic problems… I think this will cause more headaches than benefits.”
City Manager Josh Eggleston agreed, noting that too many families allow children to pile into the carts, making the rides unsafe.
Councilman Gary Smith, a retired police officer, noted that some adults use golf carts to take back roads after drinking at the bar.
Councilman Rick Mathis brought up cost concerns, saying city taxpayers would have to absorb the costs of new signs and safety pamphlets, costs the city could not recoup.
Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said, “I see the fun (of allowing carts), but I just don’t see the need.”
Councilman Abe Garcia noted there already are cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians in the city and adding yet another vehicle may not be such a good idea.
Smith added that when he traveled Tuesday on Kalamazoo Avenue near Green Lake, he counted as many as five safety signs for that golf-cart community.
Noting the council would have to craft an ordinance to permit golf cart activity in the city, Kramer suggested everybody simply let the matter drop.
Mayor Tim Bala agreed, saying, “The consensus I am hearing is that nobody wants to continue with this.”
In other business at Monday’s meeting, the council:
- Agreed to permit New Life Church to use the City Park from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 13) for a special outdoor fall kickoff service.
- Was told by Eggleston that Tuesday, Sept. 8, was the last day for the splash pad at the city park. It has been shut down until next May.
- Learned from the city manager that he plans to announce the identity of the new city clerk at the end of this week.
Decisions by the city council are made based on personal preference. Obviously, council members either don’t own a golf cart, or live in an area where they are not restricted.
Why can people ride their snowmobile around town in the winter? Kayaking is fun, but I don’t see the need. More people are hurt or drowned in the water than are hurt on golf carts. The Rabbit River walking trail is fun, but I don’t see the need, and it and its signs are partially funded by taxpayer dollars.
This is all a matter of personal interest or not interested. How about we let the citizens of Wayland decide. Make your golf cart street legal, then there is nothing they can do about that.
Troy H
If the city had said OK, but…
Your golf card must pay a registration fee every year. All drivers must take and pass a state test similar to the marine, ORV, etc., tests by the DNR. The golf card must be insured the same as a motor vehicle.
These are only a few requirements there are more.
My guess you would object and not favor such a program just to run your cart on the streets (which would be only those in the city limits not the whole township)…
Looking forward to your answer
I agree 100% about personal preference. The state of Michigan gave the cities and village the authority to pass an ordinance such as this in 2014. These cities and villages are protected from liability by Michigan state law.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/publicact/htm/2013-PA-0118.htm
60 of the 83 counties plus many other cities and villages in Michigan have this ordinance and not one has been repealed. why?? because it causes no harm… I talked to Police Chief Natalie Thompson of South Haven , Mi. the other day and asked her how the use of golf carts and ORV’s have been working there. She stated they adopted this 4 years ago and has been VERY limit issues because of it. If it works in South Haven and Hopkins it should work in Wayland. If anyone would like to discuss in more detail please give me a call at 616 292-1414 thank you
“Make your golf cart street legal, then there is nothing they can do about that.”
You make a great point bub………..Make them street legal, license them, put insurance on them, and for our sake only licensed drivers, keep the kids off the streets. Or………..keep them where they belong, on the golf course. Or……… buy a ORV sticker and use the miles of trails we have to use.
Cheers!!
PSA:
Folks, Please read the following links about how safe/unsafe golf carts are while driven on the roads. Seems we have an expert on here that would like to persuade you to think otherwise.
Cheers!!
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/sports/20200524/one-in-critical-condition-following-golf-cart-accident
Here’s another with statistics:
Injuries in Michigan resulting from golf cart accidents are not a new phenomenon. Although they receive far less media scrutiny compared to motor vehicle crashes, these collisions could lead to devastating injuries nonetheless.
Golf cart injury accident lawyers – Buckfire Law
The scope of these injuries has been well documented for years. In 2017, Michigan saw 46 golf cart accidents, six of which were fatal.
Other research identifies the potential for severe injury while using a golf cart.
In 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics released 11 years’ worth of research showing the devastating and potentially fatal nature of these injuries. Another 2015 study conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico found golf carts to be the third-leading cause of injury on golf courses nationwide.
If you have sustained an injury in a golf cart, you may be unaware of your legal options. However, if your injuries arose due to another person’s negligence, you should contact a top-rated Michigan golf cart injury lawyer for assistance. A skilled attorney could review your case and work to pursue a claim on your behalf.
One more involving youngsters:
https://wwmt.com/news/local/golf-cart-crash-sends-one-of-five-teen-passengers-to-the-hospital
With the price of fuel and being newly retired. Being able to run into Wayland, with the golf cart would be very cost saving.
Maybe, we should look at the positives.
With, allowing Golf carts in the township.
Dorr township, allows them.
It does make nice. For getting, Gas, Hardware, Groceries. It’s a little further for us, but a nice ride to boot.