Board approves ordinance to legalize, regulate golf carts on city streets after lengthy debate

The Board of Aldermen on Oct. 24 perfected an ordinance to legalize and regulate golf carts on many city streets, voting 8–5 in favor of perfection after extended floor debate over safety, park access and enforcement.

Sponsor Alderman from the fifth outlined two primary goals for board bill 62: "to legitimize to make legal the operation of golf carts on city streets" and to "put in place common sense regulations with respect to that operation," including equipment and operational requirements. The board adopted two amendments on the floor: amendment 1 (changing lane-width/lane-count language to allow carts to leave some neighborhoods) and amendment 2 (adding language that permits a front-facing "light bar" in addition to headlamps).

Why it matters: supporters said the ordinance would create a consistent, citywide regulatory framework, allowing streets to be used safely while requiring headlamps, mirrors, turn signals and…