Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Injury Prevention Coalition's letter to BoCC on golf cart, et al issue


 The Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition communicated to the BoCC its opposition to the use of motorized vehicles on mulit-use paths or sidewalks.  We're starting to see communities pushing to allow golf carts on paths and sidewalks, which threatens the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.  Thanks to IPC for speaking up!

March 29, 2012

Dear Commissioners,

At our March 21, 2012, Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition meeting, it was brought to our attention that there are likely going to be requests for a change in County policy banning motor vehicles from sidewalks and multiuse paths now that state law allows local governments to do so under certain conditions. 

The IPC believes pathways are first and foremost intended for use by pedestrians and other non-motorists (with the exception of motorized devices specifically intended to assist those with disabilities).  Due to the risks and interference vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs, gas- or electric-powered bikes and scooters, or any other motorized vehicles present to vulnerable users, sidewalks, multi-use paths, and other similar facilities should continue to be for non-motorists’ use only, as is currently the case. 

Based on safety concerns, the IPC board and members voted unanimously at our March 21, 2012 meeting to recommend to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners that you do not approve the use of motorized vehicles on multiuse paths or sidewalks.  As attempts to change our laws governing pathways are made, the IPC urges you to continue to keep the safety and accessibility of these facilities’ intended non-motorist users as our County’s policy.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,


Syndi Bultman, RN, MS, CEN
Chair, IPC

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