Golf Cart & Community Path Update

Phase 1 of the proposed test pilot program for improvements to the Community Path along Landings Way North from Tidewater Way to Wiley Bottom Road is underway. Crews removed several trees and widened the path by two feet in several key areas. Hopefully, by the time you read this article, various signs including a new “Totem Pole” will be installed.

The Totem Pole will serve as a reminder of the hierarchy of path users. Pedestrians are at the top and must be yielded to by everyone; next are cyclists; and last are golf carts.

Another new sign will be a posted speed limit of 18 MPH. Various mobile apps can be downloaded on your smartphone that can be used as a speedometer. As a general rule, most golf carts were designed to reach top speeds of 19 MPH. This is what I have been told by the golf cart manufacturers, but I typically clock golf carts at 21 to 22 MPH and some modified carts even faster.

We still are in the process of revising The Landings Association’s Rules and Regulations, and the Community Path etiquette and golf cart rules certainly are a focal point of the revision. As a reminder, these are some of the most critical or often neglected golf cart rules:

• All licensed and unlicensed vehicles must obey all traffic regulations.
• Operators of motored vehicles, including scooters, mopeds, and golf carts, must possess a valid operator’s license in compliance with Georgia state law. (Important restriction for learner’s permits -- A person with a valid learner’s permit can operate a Class C vehicle when accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed to drive a class C vehicle, who is fit and capable of exercising control over the vehicle, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.)
• Golf carts must yield to pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles. (Important note – When golf carts are operated on the street, they are considered to be another motor vehicle.)
• Golf cart capacity must be observed, and all passengers must be seated.
• Cart owners must register their carts with The Landings Association, properly display the registration number (without modifications), and maintain liability insurance of no less than $300,000.
• All users of trails or cart lanes must yield to crossing traffic when the trail or lane intersects a street.
• All vehicles must be equipped with a horn, headlights, and taillights. Operators must have their front and rear lights on after sunset.
• Golf carts are not permitted to operate in designated no-cart zones. Golf carts should use the paths and trails or specifically marked lanes on the street and roads wherever available.
• Gasoline-powered private golf carts are prohibited.
• Violators may be fined and are subject to suspension of membership privileges.

   Now we need your help. Please, slow down, drive carefully and responsibly, follow existing rules, and give the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.