Let’s get real with rules for golf carts

As construction projects go, the new golf cart path and bridge nearing completion in southern Fayette County doesn’t compare to the scope of the east and west bypasses also under way. It’s not quite a “bridge to nowhere,” but unless the county and its municipalities standardize their golf cart regulations, the new route along Redwine Road will be somewhat of a path to pointlessness.

Construction of this new path began last fall with a $740,000 grant from the federal Safe Routes to Schools program, which supports projects that make it easier for kids to walk and bike to school.

The extension allows the folks in Highgrove, Whitewater and New Haven — all just outside the official Peachtree City borders — to connect with Peachtree City’s 90-mile path system and have direct access to Peeples Elementary, Rising Starr Middle and Starr’s Mill High, plus the rest of the city.

Problem is, students can’t take golf carts to Starr’s Mill as they do at nearby Mcintosh High School, where many students use them daily. Parents can ferry students to Starr’s Mill by cart, but high schoolers of driving age (even those who live within Peachtree City) must either ride the bus or drive their own cars, and most choose the latter. The school lacks a designated parking lot for carts and a crossing guard across Redwine Road, but surely a facility that prides itself on preparing so many Georgia Tech students can figure that out.

Parking isn’t the only issue; there are different age and permit requirements for golf cart drivers inside and outside Peachtree City. Inside, students age 15 with a learner’s permit can drive a golf cart alone or with one other teen over 15, but set one foot outside the city line and the county requires 15-year-olds to be accompanied by a licensed driver over 18.

In the city, anyone over 16 with or without a driver’s license can legally drive a golf cart, which is especially helpful for the elderly. In the county, that’s not allowed. And that’s just silly.

It’s time for local laws to reflect common sense and reality. Peachtree City and its cart paths are no longer a closed system.

Between 1995 and 2010, 24 subdivisions that border Peachtree City have authorized golf carts on their residential streets, connecting where possible to the city paths.

This allows more residents to get to schools, golf courses, shopping centers and other places of common necessity without using expensive gas or adding to traffic congestion. It’s smart, practical and (let’s admit it) just plain fun. Golf carts are safe and more environmentally friendly than cars, and their use should be encouraged.