In a notable shift for urban transportation in Cleveland, the City Council has now green-lighted the use of golf carts on city streets for business purposes. The decision, announced on Monday, is expected to add a novel element to the city's transit options, particularly in commercial districts and during special events. As detailed in the legislation, these "under-speed vehicles" must conform to state law, cap at 20 mph, and tip the scales at less than 3,000 pounds, as reported by Cleveland19.
Key requirements for the operation of these vehicles on streets with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph include registration, title, and a rigorous annual $150 inspection. Moreover, golf carts must be equipped with safety features like headlights, brake lights, and seat belts. Council President Blaine Griffin expressed optimism in a statement obtained by ideastream, foreseeing neighborhoods resembling the golf cart-friendly Put-in-Bay and benefitting from increased connectivity.
Bob Polk, a local entrepreneur who operates Leisure Tours Cleveland, envisions the new law allowing for the expansion of his current bicycle tour offerings, "As I'm getting older and some of the people don't always want to ride bicycles, I saw this as an avenue to be able to still do my tours and show the people around the city," he told ideastream. Meanwhile, the administration highlighted that golf carts could serve not just for passenger transit but also for the carriage of goods, such as food delivery or courier services.
Despite enthusiasm from some quarters, concerns were raised about the possibility of a "free for all" with golf carts on the streets. These apprehensions, however, were assuaged by the City Planning Commission's Calley Mersmann, who told Cleveland19 that annual inspections by the city's Bureau of Traffic and record-keeping of business and authorized drivers will act as safeguards. Still, some members of the council, like Kevin Bishop, voiced concerns regarding fairness and equitable access to permits, according to an interview with ideastream.
The Cleveland Division of Police, which employs 20 traffic officers, will likely oversee the new flow of underspeed vehicles. While the impact of this legislative move on Cleveland’s streets is yet to be seen, the council has made it clear that these measures prioritize business utility and order on the streets, as WKYC reported. Violations of the new rules could lead to a minor misdemeanor and a fine, suggesting that the city intends to keep the burgeoning golf cart activity within strict regulatory bounds.
