Westfield’s plan to allow expanded use of golf carts on designated trails in the city will move forward despite vocal opposition from some members of the community.
Members of the Westfield City Council voted 4-2 on Monday night to approve a controversial ordinance that will allow golf carts to be driven on the Midland Trace Trail from Carey Road to U.S. 31 and on perimeter trails around neighborhoods, which are sidewalks that are 5 feet or more wide, where they are not currently permitted.
Council members Joe Duepner, Noah Herron, Patrick Tamm and Kurt Wanninger voted in favor of the ordinance, while Chad Huff and Victor McCarty voted against it. Councilor Jon Dartt attended the meeting virtually and was not allowed to vote. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect Nov. 1.
“Neither side is going to be thrilled with it, but both sides got victories out of the conversation,” Mayor Scott Willis told IBJ. “I think it’s a great middle ground. It’s going to create a safe environment for an alternative mode of transportation in our city that is perfectly safe.”
Unlike a previous version that was introduced in May, the ordinance that passed Monday night will not permit golf carts on the Monon Trail, the Midland Trace Trail west of U.S. 31, the Asa Bales Trail and the Natalie Wheeler Trail. (The Asa Bales Trail is at Asa Bales Park near the intersection of North Union Street and East Hoover Street, while the Natalie Wheeler Trail runs two miles along South Union Street between Cool Creek Park and Grand Junction Plaza.)
The ordinance does not allow golf carts in city-owned parks or on sidewalks that are less than 5 feet wide.
Under the new ordinance, people who want to drive a golf cart will need to have a valid driver’s license. They will be required to register their vehicle, have it inspected by the Westfield Police Department and carry liability insurance.
The first-time cost to register a golf cart will be $100. Renewals every two years will cost $50. Unless someone purchases a new golf cart, vehicles will not need to be inspected after the initial registration.
The ordinance also includes provisions to enhance law enforcement presence on the trails; ensure that golf carts are street legal with operational taillights, turn signals and other safety features; and lower the maximum speed limit for golf carts on trails from 25 mph to 15 mph.
Drivers who violate safety policies will face a $100 fine for a first offense, a $150 fine for a second offense and a $300 fine and possible one-year permit revocation for any subsequent offenses.
Westfield first established its golf cart ordinance in 2011, allowing golf carts to be driven on public roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
The ordinance was expanded in 2018 to include perimeter paths and neighborhood paths, including the eastern portion of the Midland Trace Trail, in the southeast quadrant of the city, mostly around the Bridgewater, Brookside and Oak Manor neighborhoods. Currently, there are about 1,000 registered golf carts in the city.
Golf cart parking spots are becoming more common at new developments and buildings in Westfield. The new Westfield Washington Public Library has reserved parking spots for golf carts and the planned Jersey 32 downtown development will also feature golf cart parking spots.
Last fall, city officials visited Peachtree City, Georgia. Peachtree City, a community of more than 39,000 residents about 30 miles south of Atlanta, has 13,000 households, 11,000 registered golf carts and 100 miles of golf cart paths. Golf carts have been widely used in the city since the 1950s.
During a public comment period early in Monday’s City Council meeting that lasted about 75 minutes, nearly 30 residents spoke both against and in favor of the golf cart ordinance.
People who opposed the ordinance largely spoke about safety concerns for people walking or riding bicycles on the city’s trails.
“Somebody will get killed, and it’s going to be on each of you and people who voted for it,” Kat Millard told councilors. “And it’s not if that happens, it’s when that happens.”
Others focused their concerns on the city’s infrastructure, which they argued is not ready to handle an increased number of golf carts.
“We don’t have the infrastructure in place to allow carts on the trails yet. They’re not marked. You don’t have the signage. We’re still working out the rules,” Chadwick Collins told councilors. “So, I think this is one of those cases where we want to have a party and we’re ready to bake the cake, but we haven’t checked to see if we’ve got the eggs and milk yet.”
While the majority of people who spoke opposed the ordinance, some residents said they support expanding the use of golf carts as a practical mobility option.
“They reduce traffic, lower emissions, create a stronger sense of community,” Ryan Morris told councilors. “Restricting them forces more people into cars, increases congestion … and makes our streets less safe.”
Brian Simons, senior vice president of Chicago-based building contractor Skender Construction LLC, said he moved his family to Westfield in part because the city allows golf carts to be driven in parts of the community. Skender relocated its central Indiana office last year from Indianapolis to Westfield and plans to move its office to Jersey 32.
“One of the main reasons we put it there is, I selfishly like to drive a golf cart to work,” Simons said.
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