MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – As the summer season continues in full swing, the City of Myrtle Beach said they are seeing more complaints from people driving golf carts on trails made for biking or walking.
The city has several different “multipurpose paths,” but none of them are designated for driving golf carts. However, residents at neighborhood watch meetings in areas near Market Common and Grissom Parkway by the YMCA expressed concerns about people driving golf carts on those trails.
“We have so many new people coming to town, and the concept of getting around on a golf cart is very attractive,” said Myrtle Beach City Spokesperson, Mark Kruea. “People use their golf carts to head to the beach, and they think, ‘oh, there’s this nice little path that was created for my golf cart,’ but no, it was not created for a golf cart.”
Kruea said on the Grissom Parkway trail near the YMCA, golf carts can pick up a lot of speed coming downhill, and that is simply not safe for “slow moving traffic” like people using their bikes or going for a walk.
He said state law designates where you cannot drive a moped, and violating that can get you in trouble with law enforcement. “If you drive a golf cart, moped, low-speed vehicle, where you’re not supposed to on a bike path, multipurpose path, or sidewalk, it’s a misdemeanor,” said Kruea. “Subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail upon conviction.”
Kruea said having golf carts on these paths messes up the city’s plan to be more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, but it’s also a matter of public safety.
