Golf Cart & Community Path Update

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed significant increase in community path use. Unfortunately, with increased usage, we also have had an increase in the number of complaints received. It appears that, despite our best efforts, some individuals still are not playing nice on the community paths.

Approximately three weeks ago, the radar placard was placed in stealth mode on the community path adjacent to Landings Way North south of the Dog Park. Although no lights flashed and the speed was not displayed, the sign was capturing data while it was in stealth mode. For collection purposes, a speed limit of 18 MPH was set, and a minimum speed of 12 MPH was set to disregard slower traveling “vehicles” such as bicycles. During that time, the following data was captured for more than 3,660 carts.

• 15% of carts exceeded 18 MPH
• The highest speed recorded was 24 MPH
• The 85^th Percentile was 18 MPH
• The highest average cart counts were between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., and then the cart counts leveled off until 7:00 PM
• The highest average cart counts were on Saturday
• Speed bin reports were as follows:

Speed                          # of carts

11 – 12                        542

12 – 13                        302

13 – 14                        711

14 – 15                        343

15 – 16                        609

16 – 17                        528

17 – 18                        202

18 – 19                        244

19 – 20                        55

20 – 21                        86

21 – 22                        36

22 – 23                        2

23 – 24                        3

Although this information is useful and provides a baseline of data rather than perception, it does not capture behavior. A golf cart travelling at 18 MPH may be acceptable for standard driving practices; however, a driver passing a pedestrian at 18 MPH with fewer than three feet of distance between the cart and the pedestrian is unacceptable. I love to camp, and I quickly learned that when you think you have enough firewood, you ought to double your pile. The same methodology should be used when passing a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another cart. When you think you are far enough away, double the distance. I already see my inbox being flooded with messages about there not being enough room to “double my distance as you requested”. So my suggestion is to stop, allow the person to pass, and then proceed with caution.

As part of the ongoing education process, the current rules regarding operating a golf cart in the community and community path safety and etiquette are included below.

F. VEHICLES

The control and registration of vehicles, including motorized scooters, mopeds, and golf carts operating on the streets, roadways, paths, and trails is essential to safety.

1. Drivers must comply with the “Uniform Rules of the Road” which may be found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) 40-6-1 through 40-6-397.
2. The speed limit at The Landings, unless posted otherwise, is 30 MPH.
3. All licensed and unlicensed vehicles must obey all traffic regulations.
4. Operators of motorized vehicles, including scooters, mopeds, and golf carts, must possess a valid operator’s license, in compliance with Georgia state law.
5. Licensed and unlicensed motor driven vehicles, other than golf carts, are not
   permitted on common paths and trails (e.g., Segways, scooters, and other such vehicles).
6. Golf carts must yield to licensed vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles.
7. Golf cart capacity limits must be observed, and all passengers must be seated.
8. Cart owners must have liability insurance in an amount of no less than $300,000.
9. All users of trails and cart lanes must yield to crossing traffic when the trail or lane intersects a street.
10. All vehicles must be equipped with a horn, headlights, and taillights. Operators must have their front and rear lights on after sunset.
11. 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 streets and roads wherever available.
12. Gasoline-powered private golf carts are prohibited.
13. All golf carts are required to be registered with The Landings Association.
14. The owner of any cart failing to comply with any of the above provisions is subject to suspension of membership privileges.
15. Neither The Landings Association, The Landings Club, nor any management agent, officer, director, or employee thereof shall be deemed a guarantor or insurer of the safe and proper operation or registration of golf carts, and all persons using golf carts within The Landings or The Landings Club properties shall fully indemnify and hold harmless the aforesaid entities and persons for and from all losses, damages, causes of action and liability arising from or connected with any death, injury or damage to property occasioned by such person’s respective use of golf carts.
16. Unregistered golf carts parked on TLA common property or The Landings Club property will be subject to immobilization or “booting” by TLA.  A fee of $50 will be charged for removal of the “boot” device.

As TLA staff revise The Landings Rules and Regulations for clarification and to realign with current community needs and industry standards, we also are reviewing the fine structure based on member feedback suggesting that $15 and $30 fines are insufficient to gain compliance with TLA’s Rules and Regulations and that stiffer penalties will be more effective. Let us know your thoughts by emailing securityadmin@landings.org.