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
Chair, IPC
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