The humble golf cart is moving beyond the links and onto neighborhood streets, creating a new challenge for cities like Avon Lake a debate about their winter utility in Monday’s Today in Ohio podcast episode.
“People are using these golf carts to cruise around their neighborhoods and run short errands and get around town,” explained Leila Atassi. “And that sounds harmless until you start asking the questions of are these safe on real roads and who’s allowed to drive them, and what happens when they mix with cars?”
Avon Lake City Council is attempting to address the questions, developing an ordinance that would establish clear rules without banning golf carts. The framework under consideration includes requirements for registration, safety inspections, and licensed drivers. It would also restrict golf carts primarily to streets with 25-mile-per-hour speed limits.
The podcast hosts raised practical concerns about using golf carts in Northeast Ohio’s notoriously harsh climate. “Do you know if there’s been any discussion of using them in snow?” asked Chris Quinn. “I can’t imagine that these are all season. Right? Who would want to be riding around in a golf cart when it’s 10 degrees out and you’re driving over snow?”
Laura Johnston said the point of driving golf carts is the vibe.
“The whole point is that it feels fun, right? Like it feels like you’re on vacation,” Johnston said. “People get them all tricked out… I think if you have a couple extra, I don’t know, ten-something thousand dollars, this is a fun toy to have for the summer. I don’t think anyone’s using this as an all-weather vehicle.”
The podcast discussion frames the issue as a balancing act between allowing a popular recreational activity and ensuring public safety. Avon Lake officials emphasized they want to have clear rules if these vehicles share space with regular traffic.
Listen to the conversation here.
Listen to full “Today in Ohio” episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston.