Westfield council debates expanded golf-cart access to streets and trails; first reading draws public concern

Westfield 'The Westfield Common Council on May 12 heard the first reading of ordinance 25-30, a proposed update to the city's golf-cart regulations that would expand where residents may operate golf carts, add new equipment and registration requirements, and tighten enforcement tools.

The measure, introduced by Councilor John Dart, would raise initial registration fees, require rearview mirrors and seat belts, set minimum operator age and identification rules, and define permitted hours and speed limits for cart operation on named trails, perimeter paths and streets with posted limits of 25 mph or less.

The proposal matters because it would change how residents use much of Westfield's trail network and public paths. Proponents say the revisions would provide an additional, low-emission travel option and help connect neighborhoods to downtown, while opponents, including multiple residents during the public-comment portion of the meeting, said allowing carts on multiuse trails would endanger pedestrians, children and people with mobility challenges.

Councilor John Dart presented the ordinance as the product of months of listening sessions across the…