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Big crowd discusses golf carts |
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Written by Reporter1
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Wednesday, 08 July 2009 |
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Page 2 of 2
The last session of the Indiana Legislature passed a state law — which became effective July 1 — banning golf carts from all roadways in Indiana. However, the law allows cities to adopt an ordinance approving the use of golf carts and also regulating them.
In Adams County, Geneva adopted such an ordinance some time ago, before the new state law came into being, and Monroe did so on July 2.
The one requirement in the state law that cities may not supersede says that all operators of golf carts must have a driver's license. And that was what brought out some of of the people attending last night's meeting: people with disabilities that do not allow them to obtain a driver's license.
Another firm aspect of the law concerns the fact that county governments do not have the opportunity to make the use of golf carts legal. The vehicles are illegal on county roads and state highways and will remain that way unless the state statue is changed.
A number of people spoke out last night and, in the end, Mayor John Schultz vowed that the administration and council will delve further into the issue, seek answers to some questions, and eventually produce an ordinance.
"But we can't rush into this, we need to research this," and allow other people the opportunity to express their opinions, the mayor said. "But we do want to do this as quickly as possible."
In closing, he added, "We will do the best we can, but we probably won't be able to satisfy everyone."
Assistant Police Chief Greg Cook began the lengthy discussion by talking about the new state law. In the past, he pointed out, the city has allowed the use of golf carts under the definition of a slow-moving vehicle.
One of the major hangups is the provision in the law requiring a driver's license. It was continually stressed by the mayor and council members that there is nothing the city can do to supersede that provision.
Bob Brown of Decatur said, "A lot of people drive golf carts because they can't get a license because of disabilities." Later, Brown, who have devices replacing the hands and feet he lost in an accident years ago, said he opposes requiring seat belts "because with these hooks" he cannot hook and unhook them.
Jack Tussing of Decatur said his wife, Ruth, "is handicapped and will never be able to get a license. She uses a golf cart and follows all the rules of the road."
Another Decatur resident, Jim Coyne, who said he cannot walk, spoke against seat belts on golf carts. "If I got hit (by another vehicle), I'd rather not have it on. I could at least fall out," he said.
Bryce Hoffman of rural Decatur, who sells golf carts and accessories for them, said he considers seat belts "a safety hazard unless you have a roll bar." If a golf cart would roll over, the person would be pinned in, he pointed out.
Art Ehinger of rural Decatur agreed.
Larry Isch of Decatur said a number of Woodcrest people use golf carts to travel the grounds there. Greg Cook said those golf carts wouldn't fall under the law because they are being used on private property.
Randy Colclasure of Decatur, a member of the Adams County Council, said a company he works for is looking at developing and manufacturing a slow-moving vehicle. It would be small, with two seats and an area in back to carry items, such as groceries. It would be similar, he said, to what is called a "gator."
Greg Cook and City Attorney Tim Baker said that probably would come under the slow-moving vehicle laws.
Several people said if golf carts are legalized, the ordinance should have an age limit, and Kay Jauregui of Decatur said she thought the ordinance Monroe adopted "is a very good guideline" for Decatur.
Ralph Smith of Monmouth said he drives his golf cart to Decatur and expressed his unhappiness with the General Assembly's passage of the new law which now prohibits that.
State Rep. Matt Lehman of Berne and State Senator Travis Holdman of Markle represent Adams County in the legislature and should be contacted by those who want to change the law, the mayor said at one point.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 09 July 2009 )
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