Cart path safety must improve; which candidates will help?

Letters to the Editor
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Cart path safety must improve; which candidates will help?

Letters to the Editor
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Nothing defines life in Peachtree City quite like the cart path experience. It leads to exercise, education, dining and friendships. It connects all of the “villages” and makes PTC so unique.

Lately, however, the path has become a growing source of concern for safety, and in some cases has eroded our quality of life as the gas-powered buggies and amped-up stereos make their rounds. We have seemingly forgotten how to respect our neighbors, which brings up the discussion of resolution.

With elections for mayor and two council seats just two months away, it is important to know which candidates will champion improvements through police support and code enforcement/code changes.

To this end, we (Citizens for Sound Government) invite all of those interested and concerned to join us and the candidates on September 23 at 6:15 p.m. at Drake Field. Each candidate will have 5 minutes to address this problem followed by Q&A.

Take the time to be the voice of change. Make your votes count on November 2.

We are also distributing flyers to homes adjacent to Lake Peachtree and expect a good turnout.

Citizens for Sound Government is a small, grassroots organization comprised of like-minded neighbors who are tired of seeing our neighborhoods endangered by recklessness on the cart path system and also wish to diminish the amount of noise that we put up with, especially into the evening hours.

The primary issue to be addressed is cartpath safety and noise. If time allows, the candidates can cover other items within their five minutes or during Q and A. The moderator will be Bruce Lehner.

We will ask that all questions be held until after the candidates have had a chance to speak.

Only candidates in person will be allowed to speak. Candidates that are not able to attend can certainly address their views on this topic on their various websites and Facebook pages.

We are also distributing flyers to homes adjacent to Lake Peachtree and expect a good turnout.

Bruce Lehner

Peachtree City, Ga.

69 responses to “Cart path safety must improve; which candidates will help?”

  1. Spyglass Avatar
    Spyglass

    The “Rule of Holes” applies to many of the comments here. It is comedy gold, I’ll say that.

  2. Crashing Boulder Avatar
    Crashing Boulder

    Weather permitting, I walk on the PTC payhways EVERY DAY – usually four miles. Not a day goes by where in I do not fear for my life because of SPEEDING GOLF CARTS and those who are passing me from behind and approaching from the front whose drivers deliberately pass by me literally within INCHES of my physical presence. I AM SICK OF THEIR UNCARING and RECKLESS and IRRESPONSIBLE MISBEHAVIOR! I have lived in our lovely city for over TWENTY EIGHT YEARS and in that time I HAVE NEVER ONCE SEEN a PTC Police Officer out on patrol on the pathways. I love and have great respect for our PTC Police Officers, but their notable absence from our pathways is a continuing source of CONCERN and PHYSICAL FEAR for my life as far as these reckless golf cart drivers AND some bicycle riders are concerned. And the LOUD, OBNOXIOUS MUSIC being BLARED and BLASTED by the occupants of these golf carts is OUTRAGEOUS! So I am asking with respect and admiration for more police patrols to be made available out on our city’s pathways because some of our unruly, uncaring, reckless and irresponsible ‘citizens’ can’t seem to grasp that the pathways are for EVERYONE’S USE without having someone looking over their shoulders and FORCING THEM TO ACT and DRIVE ACCORDINGLY!

    1. Don Haddix Avatar
      Don Haddix

      I always pushed for more police and proper equipment on the paths. But the majority always said we cannot afford it. Two of which are also running for mayor and third has been on counsel for eight years and done nothing.

      This will definitely be an issue in the workshops I will call.

      1. Mike LaTella Avatar
        Mike LaTella

        Don: Are you doing workshops unilaterally? Or are you referring to the workshops you will do if you are elected.

        1. Don Haddix Avatar
          Don Haddix

          The Mayor controls special committees and chairs
          them. Calls special workshops. Read the charter. You lack knowledge.

          1. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            2.3.6

            Sec. 2.3. – Duties and authority of mayor.

            The mayor shall be the chief executive officer of said city and it shall be his duty

            (1)

            To preside at all meetings of the city council;

            (2)

            To see that all meetings are conducted in a parliamentary manner;

            (3)

            To preserve order and decorum in such meetings;

            (4)

            To inflict such punishment upon any person guilty of contempt before said council as may be authorized by municipal ordinances;

            (5)

            To see that all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and resolutions of the city council of said city are faithfully executed and enforced;

            (6)

            To appoint and be an ex officio member of all committees;

            (7)

            To see that all funds are properly accounted for and that all revenues are properly and promptly collected;

            (8)

            To inform the council from time to time of the general condition of said city and its affairs and recommend such measures as he may deem necessary or expedient for the welfare of said city;

            (9)

            To inspect or cause to be inspected by one or more of the councilmembers of said city the records and books of accounts of the city and see that they are properly and correctly kept to require such reports to be made by such city staff and given to the council;

            (10)

            To see that order is maintained in said city and that its property and effects are preserved;

            (11)

            To convene the council in extra session as frequently as he may deem proper;

            (12)

            To bind said city by signing any contract, obligation or other matter entered into and authorized by ordinance or resolution of the council of said city, properly passed in accordance with the provisions of this act; and

            (13)

            To do acts and things as may be proper and necessary in the proper conduct of the affairs of said city and as may be hereinafter authorized.

            Subject to the limitations contained in this Charter, the said mayor shall exercise general supervision and jurisdiction over the affairs of the said city; however, the responsibility for the daily operation and administration of the city shall be delegated to the city manager who shall report on such activities to the mayor and councilmembers as hereinafter provided.

          2. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            2.3.11

          3. Mike LaTella Avatar
            Mike LaTella

            Don, Don, Don…. calm down buddy. I wasn’t challenged your right to have a workshop. You can have three a day for what I care. My question was whether the workshops you keep talking about are ones that you were conducting as a citizen, a mayoral candidate or were you speaking of workshops you were planning to have if you were elected Mayor?
            While your quick work at being able to find the city language that authorizes workshops by the mayor is indeed impressive, it had nothing to do with the question so you wasted a lot space.
            Of course you realize anyone can have a workshop… and I was hoping against hope you were going to do a public workshop on “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” But no such luck.

    2. PTCitizen Avatar
      PTCitizen

      How many times in those 28 years have you been hit?

      1. Crashing Boulder Avatar
        Crashing Boulder

        SIXTY NINE THOUSAND TIMES! What the hell kind of a STUPID and IGNORANT QUESTION is that? It only takes ONE TIME to be seriously injured or outright killed you CLOWN-IN-TRAINING!

        1. PTCitizen Avatar
          PTCitizen

          Neutral question. Histrionic response.

          I rest my case.

  3. vics1966 Avatar
    vics1966

    About 2 weeks ago I encountered 3 Dekalb Co. African American ladies on 3 wheel street motorcycles driving the path from Drake Field coming around the lake…they had no idea that they weren’t supposed to be on the path…even though the 3 wheel motorcycles took up the entire width of the path and were belching gas fumes…and we now have all sorts of electric boards and scooters, too.

    What about golf cart insurance…I carry a policy.

  4. vics1966 Avatar
    vics1966

    Instant death is:
    4 teenage girls looking at iPhones driving Daddy’s golf cart full speed into a tunnel.

  5. rmoc Avatar
    rmoc

    Funny thing as a person who walks the cart paths daily the number of young ladies driving aggressively has increased. Yes there are some young men that do too but young teenage girls seem to be the worst lately. Almost had a 3 cart crash yesterday near Kenton Place. Another thing people forget STICKERS ON THE BACK OF CARTS so we can record when they almost hit us and pass us.

    1. Mike LaTella Avatar
      Mike LaTella

      You are right about that RMOC

  6. Don Haddix Avatar
    Don Haddix

    GA – Official Code of Georgia Annotated TITLE 40. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFICCHAPTER 7. OFF-ROAD VEHICLES includes golf carts.

    self-propelled lawnmowers, snowblowers, garden or lawn tractors, or golf carts, while such vehicles are being used exclusively for their designed purposes.

    1. Don Haddix Avatar
      Don Haddix

      Doug Tucker, your thinking would allow inspecting everything in the list. Hello California.

      1. Doug Tucker Avatar
        Doug Tucker

        Yes, it will. We work with the tools we have. Government’s purpose is to protect. Our fears contribute to Government growth (as do egos and greed). I personally prefer less Government and more individual self control, but not everyone shares the same preference. As stated yesterday, I don’t want Peachtree City to inspect golf carts; I don’t think it’s needed. I prefer individuals to responsibly act for the betterment of themselves and others. However, with all that has been stated in this “thread,” I still see nothing that prohibits Peachtree City from inspecting golf carts.

        If anything, at this time, I think we should at the minimum, limit golf cart speed to 12 – 15 miles per hour, and the same for bicycles on our multipurpose paths. I don’t think we necessarily need to place priority on enforcement, but simply cite obvious offenders and educate the public. I also think bicyclists should maintain a three foot distance between golf cart and pedestrian traffic. We can all share the misery when people don’t consider others.

      2. Mike LaTella Avatar
        Mike LaTella

        Tybee Island, Port Wentworth, Macon – Bibb County, Hihara, City of Covington, Social Circle

        1. Don Haddix Avatar
          Don Haddix

          Latella again making deceptive claims. No annual inspections. No engine inspections.

          City Allows LIMilED Use of Golf Certs on City Streets No motorized cart may be permitted to operate on Highway 80 and may only cross Highway 80 at t he following designated locations:a.Highway 80/Butler Avenue at locations south of the Park of Sev en Flags;b. at the traffic controlled intersection of 14th Street and Highway 80;c. at the traffic controlled intersection of C ampbell Avenue and Highway 80; andd. a t the traffic controlled intersection of Jones Avenue and Highway 80.All s treets of th e city shall be accessible for an appropriately registered and used motorized c art thereon except as to Highway 80 as stated above.Every cart MUST be registered with the Tybee Island Police Department for a fee of $15 and must display the numbered registration sticker.• Cperational headlights, tail lights, brake lights, tc:p-mounted amber or yellow flashing or rotating light, turn signals, horn, and seatbelts are required equipment.• The maximum speed capability of any motorized cart must not exceed 20 miles per hour.Flashing light Toi &broke lghts I Seal betts •Cperation on sidewalks is prohibited.Registration & Parking decal Tum signals Headlights I •Cperators must comply with all traffic regulations applicable to regular traffic.•O,ly licensed drivers 16 years of age or older with minimum insurance of $25,000per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 in liability insurance may operatethese vehicles. Proof of insurance must be shown at registration and kept on or inthe vehicle.•All parking regulations must be followed; parking must be paid for via meter ordecal. Parking decals for golf carts may only be purchased at City Hall at currentrates – free parking permits provided to local tax payers are not supplied formotorized carts.•Violators subject to fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 12 months!

          Latella again making deceptive claims. No annual inspections. No engine inspections.

          City Allows LIMilED Use of Golf Certs on City Streets No motorized cart may be permitted to operate on Highway 80 and may only cross Highway 80 at t he following designated locations:a.Highway 80/Butler Avenue at locations south of the Park of Sev en Flags;b. at the traffic controlled intersection of 14th Street and Highway 80;c. at the traffic controlled intersection of C ampbell Avenue and Highway 80; andd. a t the traffic controlled intersection of Jones Avenue and Highway 80.All s treets of th e city shall be accessible for an appropriately registered and used motorized c art thereon except as to Highway 80 as stated above.Every cart MUST be registered with the Tybee Island Police Department for a fee of $15 and must display the numbered registration sticker.• Cperational headlights, tail lights, brake lights, tc:p-mounted amber or yellow flashing or rotating light, turn signals, horn, and seatbelts are required equipment.• The maximum speed capability of any motorized cart must not exceed 20 miles per hour.Flashing light Toi &broke lghts I Seal betts •Cperation on sidewalks is prohibited.Registration & Parking decal Tum signals Headlights I •Cperators must comply with all traffic regulations applicable to regular traffic.•O,ly licensed drivers 16 years of age or older with minimum insurance of $25,000per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 in liability insurance may operatethese vehicles. Proof of insurance must be shown at registration and kept on or inthe vehicle.•All parking regulations must be followed; parking must be paid for via meter ordecal. Parking decals for golf carts may only be purchased at City Hall at currentrates – free parking permits provided to local tax payers are not supplied formotorized carts.•Violators subject to fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 12 months!

          State, not Tybee. FALSE campaining again.

          Golf cart owners in Georgia will soon have stricter requirements to follow if they plan to drive their carts on roadways.
          A new law taking effect Jan. 1 creates a separate classification of personal transportation vehicles for golf carts. It also sets standards for towns and counties wanting to create ordinances allowing drivers to use the carts on residential streets and multi-purpose pathways. The law requires that golf carts have braking systems, a reverse warning device, tail lamps, a horn and hip restraints.

          The carts must weigh less than 1,375 pounds and not top speeds of 20 mph. The carts must also be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

          1. PTCitizen Avatar
            PTCitizen

            You asserted strongly that municipalities could not require golf cart inspections. LaTella demonstrated that several Georgia cities do in fact have inspections. Your response to LaTella is a long winded and tangential rant that you had to type up and then copy and paste into the comments. And you didn’t even notice that you pasted it twice, nor that the formatting was not preserved.

            You’re not nearly as knowledgeable as you claim to be, which can be excused if you were at least humble and willing to listen. But your constant badgering on here is not going unnoticed. You are doing more damage to your campaign than any one of your opponents. If you don’t have the wisdom to quit while you’re ahead, then it doesn’t seem very sound to have you as mayor.

          2. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            PTCitizen, state law, not municipal.

          3. Mike LaTella Avatar
            Mike LaTella

            Don:

            I have no idea what you are rambling about. Your misspellings and double copy/paste make your post impossible to read or make any sense of.
            You are wrong about golf cart inspections Don, just like you were wrong about Royal Lanes not having any tenpin bowling, or that you didn’t lose the lawsuit that Logsdon brought against you.

            So let’s try this again. These are the facts. You were adamant that Peachtree City could never conduct their own inspections on golf carts because under state law that was not allowed. I easily found several municipalities in Georgia that do indeed inspect the golf carts as part of their registration or renewal. The process by which these governments are inspecting golf carts is exactly what I recommend that the city, perhaps through the new citizen review board, look at to see if it is a viable option for helping make the paths safer.

            Tybee Island – “All golf carts must be registered with the Tybee Island Police Department. To get registered, bring your golf cart to the Police Department located at 78 Van Horne Avenue to complete an inspection with a Code Enforcement Officer”

            Macon-Bibb County – “Prior to issuing the initial registration permit or any renewal thereof, the golf cart shall be physically inspected by the Sheriff’s Office… ”

            Port Wentworth- “After the application is reviewed, approved and proof of insurance has been presented the golf cart should be brought to the Police Headquarters for inspection. The inspection of each golf cart will be conducted to ensure compliance with Ordinance No. 20-04 safety requirements…”

            Avondale Estates- “In accordance with Ordinance No. 12-10 of the Official Code of Ordinances of the City of Avondale Estates, certain equipment must be installed on motorized carts, personal transportation vehicles and low speed vehicles. Authorized City Staff
            will inspect these vehicles prior to issuance of a City registration based on the checklist below.

            Social Circle – “Upon the inspection of this low speed vehicle, approval of this application, and issuance permit
            decals, it is understood that the permit decals must be affixed to each side”

  7. Don Haddix Avatar
    Don Haddix

    Mike,

    bowl′ing al`ley
    n.
    1. a long, narrow wooden lane or alley, for the game of tenpins.
    2. an establishment containing a number of such lanes.

    He has duckpins, not tenpins, and 6 lanes, not the minimum 24.

    Good luck with his party and meeting establishment.

    1. Mike LaTella Avatar
      Mike LaTella

      Don:

      Based on your statements above, it is obvious you have never actually been in Royal Lanes. If you had you would know that the establishment has full-size, full length wooden-floored ten pen bowling lanes upstairs and downstairs. They have the racks up both sides of the wall with bowling balls from 6 lb to 16 lb. It is standard ten pin bowling like every other bowling alley I have ever been in except it is new and shiny and very well operated. They do have duck pin bowling which appeals to young children and their Moms and Dads when they have their kids in tow.

      So Don, above you say matter-of fact, “He (referring to owner Jim Royal I presume) has duckpins, not tenpins, and 6 lanes instead of 24.” Let’s just agree that those statements were “rectally derived.” Wouldn’t it have made more sense to just say “You know, I haven’t had a chance to get over there yet, but I heard they only had duck pin bowling. Is that true?” Then when someone who has been to the bowling alley explains it you could say “thanks for clarifying that for me.” IF you had just been honest about it, you wouldn’t have egg on your face now, and maybe… just maybe Don would earn you a few non-family votes for Mayor. Wouldn’t that be sweet?

      1. Don Haddix Avatar
        Don Haddix

        Mike,
        You be honest. This is the same kind of personal attacks you tried when campaigning for Fleisch. Now you are campaigning for Learnard.

        1. Doug Tucker Avatar
          Doug Tucker

          Mr. Haddix, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.” (Un-attributable).

        2. Mike LaTella Avatar
          Mike LaTella

          Don: You made the statement that Royal Lanes only has duck pin bowling and does not have tenpin bowling. I know, due to my patronage there, that they have 10 tenpin bowling lanes. Pointing out an errant and misleading statement is not a personal attack.
          You have always done that – made statements without any basis in fact – and I have never figured out if its because you truly believe it, or if you think that people reading what you said would believe it.
          Don, I do support Kim Learnard for Mayor. But if you think my agenda here or anywhere else is to undermine you to aid in her election you are flattering yourself. You won’t garner more than 5% of the vote regardless of what I say or don’t say. That isn’t because of me… that is because of you.

      2. Don Haddix Avatar
        Don Haddix

        Mike, The Internet said the pen only. If incorrect, it needs updated. But it is still not a full-fledged bowling alley.

        Good luck to his party and meeting facility. As a point of interest. We live next door to the Aberdeen shopping center. Here is what it looked like in 1987:

        don haddix dot com pictures

    2. Busy Bee Avatar
      Busy Bee

      I didn’t know much about Royal Lanes until reading this thread, but my curiosity was piqued and I checked out their website. A quote:
      “That all changed in 2019 and decided to move forward with Royal Lanes Social, an upscale boutique bowling center that will have 6 lanes of 10 pin bowling and 6 lanes of duckpin social bowling on the upper level and 4 lanes of 10 pin bowling on the lower level.”

      1. Don Haddix Avatar
        Don Haddix

        Good info, Busy Bee . A far cry from a 24 Lane Bowling Alley. But it can have a place.

        The focus before was when he agreed with council to replace the shopping center with an apartment complex right at the back door of homes in Dover Square and change that whole area to urban.

        Funny how the LaTella, Imker and Learnard were totally silent on that issue and Ernst voted for it. Now all of them supporting the unwanted plans for Huddleston. LaTella is a cheerleader for Learnard.

        1. Busy Bee Avatar
          Busy Bee

          According to Mike, you told him that a bowling alley with fewer lanes than what is required for league play would never succeed, yet it sounds as if the Royals have succeeded. They have been successful PTC business owners for decades, so I’m sure they understood what business would succeed in the PTC market.
          BTW – I support Kim Learnard.

          1. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            Not for league play. Casual parties, meetings and other. But not league play.

            You sure are not a friend of Aberdeen village supporting their apartment plans.

          2. Mike LaTella Avatar
            Mike LaTella

            Thank you Busy Bee.

            Don, here is a little hint that might help you sleep better at night. If we were to inform every citizen in the city that Royal Lanes only had 10 tenpin lanes and therefore would never be able to have league play there, then added up all of the disappointment and concern of every citizen combined, coming up with a sum total of the collective disappointment of every single citizen, then somehow quantified that in cubic space to determine the issue’s importance, you wouldn’t have a space that would exceed the size of a gnat’s ass. Nobody cares.

  8. Kim Learnard for Mayor Avatar
    Kim Learnard for Mayor

    I appreciate Bruce and Citizens for Sound Government. This is what it’s all about – making your voice heard. Safety on our path system has been the number one concern I have heard on the campaign trail the last seven months, and something has to change. I believe we have seen an increase in speeding, passing, and underage driving in addition to loitering, littering, and noise. I plan to host a town hall to listen to citizens in order to identify the occurrences and the hot spots, and my approach will be focused on enforcement. We need to work with our PD to install cameras, beef up alcohol enforcement, and strengthen PD’s ability to issue citations and increase fines. I have included this specific topic on my Platform page, kimlearnardformayor.com/platform.html.

  9. Mike LaTella Avatar
    Mike LaTella

    The danger I see most often is the speed at which golf carts travel. Most newer golf carts are set at max speed of 17 to 22 miles per hour and have governors that prevent eclipsing that speed even when going down hill. However, many of the older models have no governor and any backyard mechanic can remove the governor. There are a number of other ways to increase the speed of a golf cart as well, the easiest being to increase the size of the wheel. Most golf carts come with 8″ wheels and for every inch added in wheel diameter one gets roughly one mile more in mph speed. With lift kits I have seen 20″ wheels on golf carts adding 12+ mph. But even without a lift kit most carts can manage 12″ wheel upgrades adding 4 or 5 mph. That may not sound like much but try driving a golf cart at 30 mph on the paths… there is no way you have time to react to another cart or a child or animal on the path when veering around a blind curve. Add a 16 year-old driver with music blaring and four friends in the cart it is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
    Other problems exist from golf carts that do not have aligned headlights resulting in blinding drivers in a cart coming towards them; inefficient or non-existent horns; broken tail lights or none at all; carts with broken headlights sometimes rigged with a replacement flashlight on top of the roof or under the windshield; brakes that don’t work; the list goes on and on.
    I am usually the last one that would encourage more government intrusion into our lives but it would make sense to me to have annual inspections on every golf cart in the city to test speed, proper and working front and rear lights, light alignment, effective horn, etc. Appropriate fines for not having the inspection completed or having the inspection but not maintaining these safety requirements should be created and enforced. Have a max fee of $25, a shiny sticker with a different color for each year and let the multiple golf cart retailers in the city provide the inspection service. Oh… and while I am at it – make it illegal to use a golf cart to walk your dog.

    Mike

    1. Don Haddix Avatar
      Don Haddix

      The state does not allow inspections. If they did they would of been in place back when I was mayor.

      1. vics1966 Avatar
        vics1966

        Let’s ask our State Rep to bring a golf cart inspection and insurance bill to the floor next session.

        1. Don Haddix Avatar
          Don Haddix

          Too late for 2022.

      2. Doug Tucker Avatar
        Doug Tucker

        Got a recognizable reference or citation? The State may, or may not, provide authorization for golf cart inspections, but does the State prohibit municipalities from authorizing them? Seems to me it’s more of a matter of “Home Rule.”

        1. Don Haddix Avatar
          Don Haddix

          Nope. State law. So we cannot.

          1. Cyclist Avatar
            Cyclist

            Hey Don, Can you cite that state statute? I find it curious how PTC or other municipalities can require things such as functional exhaust systems (PTC Code 78.92 (b) but lack the means to ensure compliance.

            BTW, good luck.

          2. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            Cyclist, good question. The answer lies in code 78 pertains to streets, not cart paths.

            Sec. 78-1. – State rules of the road—Adoption by reference.

            The Georgia Uniform Rules of the Road, Title 40, Chapter 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and any subsequent amendments thereto, are adopted to regulate traffic upon the public streets of the city.

            (Code 1980, § 19-1; Ord. No. 816, 10-16-2003)

            That is the issue with state laws and our ordinances. You will not find everything in one spot.

            State laws govern motors of many kinds. It prohibits requiring inspections on such things as golf carts, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, etc. Automobiles are an entirely different category under law.

            Back when we were updating path and current ordinances, we managed to get some exclusions and changes to such laws, but not everything we wanted. It took years just to get permission for golf carts to cross 54 at Lexington.

            I will hold workshops on this issue, but we have seen changes in battery types and their performance. Such as lithium batteries that only need two versus six. Charges that are claimed to last up to 150 miles. And even hybrid golf carts. But gas carts remain noisy and smelly because many people do not maintenance them and we can do nothing about it.

            Workshops on carts get very very hot. But it is obvious it is time for another workshop. There is a good chance we may end up grandfathering existing gas carts and prohibiting new ones. I will have to sit down with staff to get up to date on any state-level changes since last time,

          3. Cyclist Avatar
            Cyclist

            Don, thanks for in depth reply. So how does PTC ensure compliance with PTC Code 78.92 (b)?

          4. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            GA – Official Code of Georgia AnnotatedTITLE 40. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFICCHAPTER 7. OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

            § 40-7-3. “Off-road vehicle” defined

            As used in this chapter, the term “off-road vehicle” means any motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain and not intended for use predominantly on public roads. The term includes, but is not limited to, four-wheel drive vehicles, low-pressure tire vehicles, two-wheel vehicles, nonhighway tire vehicles, amphibious machines, ground effect or air cushion vehicles, and any other means of transportation deriving power from any source other than muscle or wind. The term shall exclude any motorboat; any military, fire, law enforcement, or other government vehicle being used for official purposes; any vehicles used exclusively on airports; all farm machinery, farm tractors, and other vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes; any self-propelled equipment for harvesting and transportation of forest products, for clearing land for planting, for utility services and maintenance, for earth moving, construction, or mining; and self-propelled lawnmowers, snowblowers, garden or lawn tractors, or golf carts, while such vehicles are being used exclusively for their designed purposes.

          5. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            Cyclist,

            State inspections and police stops.

          6. Cyclist Avatar
            Cyclist

            Don, I suspect neither happen with any regularity. If PTCPD were to cite a non-complaint cart is the driver/owner cited and if so what’s the published fine?

          7. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            Cyclist, this raises issues I need to speak to the city attorney about.

          8. Doug Tucker Avatar
            Doug Tucker

            From what I gather, there are no State prohibitions to Peachtree City inspecting gold carts. “§ 40-7-3 – “Off-road vehicle” defined,” specifically excludes golf carts from the term “Off-road vehicle. Whereas “§ 40-1-1. Definitions,” states, “(17.3) “Golf car” or “golf cart” means any motorized vehicle designed for the purpose and exclusive use of conveying one or more persons and equipment to play the game of golf in an area designated as a golf course. For such a vehicle to be considered a golf car or golf cart, its average speed shall be less than 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour) on a level road surface with a 0.5% grade (0.3 degree) comprising a straight course composed of a concrete or asphalt surface that is dry and free from loose material or surface contamination with a minimum coefficient of friction of 0.8 between tire and surface.” One might note the average speed shall be less than 15 miles per hour. In the application of vehicle inspections, “§ 40-8-1. Application of article” states, “This article shall not apply to personal transportation vehicles.”

            So, where does the State prohibit Peachtree City from inspecting golf carts? I personally don’t see a need to inspect golf carts, I’m appreciative kids are not “hot rodding” cars like we did when I was younger. I can still handle kids being kids, as irritating as they can be. However, I do not care for politicians saying we cannot do something when a constituency wants something done. If you can’t find a way to get the job done, retire from the job.

        2. Mike LaTella Avatar
          Mike LaTella

          Good point Doug. The state may not expressly allow inspections but I doubt they expressly disallow them either. A convincing argument can be made of the need for inspections and the state likely would have little interest in managing the program themselves – makes more sense for it to be a local effort.

          Mike

          1. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            False, we had discussions with the state and they were clear. You forget GDOT controls this kind of issue under the guidance of the federal government.

        3. Doug Tucker Avatar
          Doug Tucker

          I don’t think, “discussions with the state and they were clear. You forget GDOT controls this kind of issue under the guidance of the federal government,” is a recognizable reference and it’s certainly not a citation. If anything, I think someone’s moving some “smoky mirrors” around the subject. I find it difficult the State will regulate how the City manages City right-of-way use of multipurpose paths. I believe the preponderance of the paths are on City property. Also, even if the State prohibits City inspection of golf carts, the City has discretion to permit what the City determines is in the best interest of public safety on City right-of-ways. I understand the State prohibits golf cart paths on State right-of-ways, whereas the City has no State constituted prohibition.

          1. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            Golf carts are off the road vehicles, so the city manages right-of-way. But they are subject to state law on inspections, just like lawnmowers and leaf blowers.

      3. Mike LaTella Avatar
        Mike LaTella

        Don… I apologize for not taking you at your word but…

        didn’t you tell me that there would never be golf cart access across Crosstown to the McDonald’s and the hotel? It is there now.

        didn’t you tell me (and everyone else) that there was no way we would ever get the USPS to clean up the postal grounds, replace the flag and fix the lighting on the flag at night? One call to our Congressman at the time and all three were completed in a matter of weeks.

        Didn’t you say that a bowling alley in Peachtree City that didn’t build to specifications to have “league play” would never survive (you threw in the fact in passing that you were a semi-pro bowler (lol lol lol)? It is hard to reserve a time at Royal Lanes on almost any weekend they are so busy.

        Didn’t you brag that you would be reelected as Mayor for a second term and that “you had the votes to win” although you only garnered a little over 5% of the vote?

        There I gave you four opportunities to change your ways and admit in these instances you were wrong each time. I know you can’t bring yourself to do it… you are incapable of admitting a mistake. But it is reason to always check the facts before believing anything you say.

        1. Don Haddix Avatar
          Don Haddix

          Actually, the congressman said it was not under their jurisdiction.

          Royal never built a bowling alley, he added six duct pen lanes, a casual outing, not for regular the play.

          Again you start your dishonest campaigning.

          1. Mike LaTella Avatar
            Mike LaTella

            Don… I contacted the congressman and the issues at the USPS were fixed immediately. There were a handful of us working together and your only contribution was telling everyone that nothing could be done.
            You can’t get anything done Don because of your know-it-all attitude and your inability to get along with anyone. Every time you get involved it is a disaster because you rub people the wrong way. What was it the former Mayor of Fayetteville said about you? Oh, you don’t think outside the box you don’t even know where the box is. No truer words were ever said.

          2. Mike LaTella Avatar
            Mike LaTella

            Don, the Royals didn’t build a bowling alley? Well let’s see…

            Bowling Alley: A long narrow track along which balls are rolled in the games of bowling or, a building containing such long narrow tracks used in bowling games.

            Pray tell Don, how would you classify the business then (hint: it goes by the name of Royal Bowling Lanes).

      4. Mike LaTella Avatar
        Mike LaTella

        Nah… you wouldn’t have been able to get it done.

      5. Mike LaTella Avatar
        Mike LaTella

        I am happy to report that there are at least a half dozen municipalities in the state of Georgia that are conducting golf cart inspections as a requirement for their use. They have their own standards, their own stickers and make their own rules. The inspections are conducted by local police officers. Inspections include making sure all lighting is to specs and working, mirrors and that the cart cannot exceed the city-derived maximum speed.
        So whomever mentioned that there is a group formed or forming to look at how to make our paths safer, I hope you will consider a Peachtree City managed inspection process to make sure each golf cart is checked for appropriate lighting, speed limitations and whatever other items you deem appropriate. Input from the several golf cart dealerships might be helpful, and certainly law enforcement could provide valuable information. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. Thank you for taking the time to address this important issue.

        1. Don Haddix Avatar
          Don Haddix

          Name them.

  10. takatsu5 Avatar
    takatsu5

    Mr. Lehner and Mr. Haddix, thanks for your letter and comments. I believe the city council is already forming a citizens’ committee on the cart path system. If you have not done so already, I’d suggest a meeting with the city manager. Mr. Haddix is right; the issue is complicated. It would take one police officer traveling 20 miles per hour 4.5 hours to cover the 90 miles of paths in Peachtree City. There is no way police would ever be in the right place at the right time for most violations unless we had an extraordinary number of them patrolling- and who will pay for that? And what are these violations? Driving recklessly and too fast- I’d much rather police be on 74 and 54 where recklessness and speed are much more dangerous.

    But about Mr. Lehner’s comments on “growing source of concern for safety,” I run a route starting between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. that takes me on the cart path on the east side of Lake Peachtree from 54 south going by the boat docks, crossing McIntosh Trail near the spillway, and continuing south past the Braelinn Shopping center and ending past Luther Glass Park. This is some of the most travelled cart path in Peachtree City. I run this 3 to 5 times a week. There is some doubling back I do and the route takes me 40 minutes. I’ve run this route off and on for a decade. I don’t think the cart paths today are any more or less safe than they used to be. Yes, I occasionally hear the kids blasting music, but this is not a safety concern, and, frankly, music coming from cars can be so much louder. The largest safety concern I have is the carts not giving enough clearance when passing, but plenty of adults- not just kids- do this. I see truly reckless behavior just once every few months. The two worst experiences I had on the cart paths were an adult golfer I waved off who wasn’t giving enough clearance (99% of cart path users think pedestrians should be on the right- the left is correct) and two adults in carts approaching each other that didn’t give each other enough clearance. And the time I was running through a tunnel and the light/dark difference temporarily blinded a cart driver who couldn’t see me- yes, turning on the cart lights in the middle of the day when driving through a tunnel is a good idea. Again, an adult with kids on the cart. And the adult walking his dog talking on a cell phone that didn’t maintain control of his animal, which lunged at me- the reason I give dogs plenty of clearance. Do you see a pattern here? Adults, not kids.

    I’m not saying safety improvements can’t be made, but I just want there to be some context on how common and severe the problem actually is. And who’s causing it.

    Paul Schultz

    1. Don Haddix Avatar
      Don Haddix

      takatsu5,

      The new council is not bound by the action of this council. And the mayor creates committees such as and chairs them. On issues such as this workshops give everybody a chance to speak, committees do not. I will go with the workshop.

      As far as a dog goes that falls under animal control, not golf carts.

      I am fully aware of golf cart issues, they have been a reality for decades. But being aware and fixing them are two different issues. But feel free to attend any workshop.

    2. Hometown600 Avatar
      Hometown600

      Paul, I hope you were able to attend the forum yesterday evening. Just a few key points:

      Yes, we were and are aware of the multi use path committee being formed. We also did our homework and met with both the police chief and the city manager in preparation for the forum. Probably our biggest takeaway from those meetings is that code changes or amendments need to be championed by the mayor and city Council in order for law enforcement to be able to respond appropriately.

      Without checking your math thoroughly, I’m sure that it would be very time-consuming to scour every inch of the path system. What we have here for the most part are some isolated hotspots that would not require nearly as much labor time as you have speculated.

      Your comments about placing blame (adults versus kids) is appropriate. The safety problems are not isolated to one or the other however I do not believe that my letter ever mentioned either adults or kids. Not sure why you chose to go there.

      Finally, it sounds like you have logged a lot of time on a very precise route at a very precise time. If you want to see a bigger picture, I invite you to come spend some time going up and down either side of lake Peachtree but especially the eastside between 8 PM and 11 PM. It can be very exciting, which is a nice way to put it.

      Stay safe out there and thanks for your input.

      Bruce Lehner

      1. Don Haddix Avatar
        Don Haddix

        Thanks Bruce for the event last night. A lot of information and positions of candidates were shared. I am sure the issues of state laws versus local ordinance was confusion for many.

        To change any ordinance requires a three vote. It requires conformity with state law.

        While I have always supported additional police on the cart paths the simple reality is that it requires hiring more police, with which I have no problem. The problem lies in currently it requires removing police from more critical assignments, which is a nonstarter.

        Responsibility is a multi-level issue. It begins at home. When that fails it becomes a police issue and police are not babysitters. So when an adult fails they bear the responsibility. When under age fail, it falls under a judge.

  11. Don Haddix Avatar
    Don Haddix

    This is a more complicated issue than many realize. Nor is it the first time questions have arisen, so I will address it as I have in the past. It cannot be covered in five minutes, so as mayor I will schedule a workshop where council, staff and the public are available to discuss the issues. The issues being city ordinances, state law, police patrols, gas versus electric and public opinion.

    It is an important subject and worthy of discussion and changes as applicable. So I will see you on the 23rd.

    1. Mike LaTella Avatar
      Mike LaTella

      What does gas verses electric have to do with anything?

      1. Don Haddix Avatar
        Don Haddix

        A major noise and smell issue.

        1. Mike LaTella Avatar
          Mike LaTella

          OF course, you are completely wrong Don. There are several local governments that are currently doing golf cart inspections as a condition for driving carts in their city. There is no state law preventing such activity and there are no regulations established that mandate for the city or county must or must not do. All you have accomplished is adding static noise to people who are trying to help our community.

          1. Don Haddix Avatar
            Don Haddix

            Name them.

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