TAVARES, Fla.,None — Tavares city leaders want to allow golf carts to cross two major state roads. One of the intersections is at U.S. 441 and Saint Clair Abrams Avenue.
But some people are concerned that's an accident waiting to happen.
The intersections of State Road 441 and St. Clair Abrams, and State Road 19 and Dead River are two of Tavares' busiest.
Bob Devries owns a golf cart, but said he's not sure they should be allowed to cross crowded state roads.
"I think it's dangerous," Devries said.
City administrator John Drury pushed the ordinance that permits golf carts on streets with speed limits of 35 and under.
To increase access to downtown, he said he wants the green light for a couple of crossings through four lanes or more of traffic.
"Every year, you see more and more golf carts in our downtown," Drury said. "We have motorized wheelchairs crossing the street. I don't see why a golf cart can't join a motorized wheelchair."
'Thousands of golf carts cross 441 in The Villages, but most go over a huge cart bridge.
John and Letty Range drive theirs wherever it's legal, even places where there are lots of cars and trucks.
"In this complex, some people don't have automobiles," John Range said.
"You stay toward the curb," Letty Range said.
But Devries said he remains cautious.
"This route 19 is so heavily traveled. You get all that traffic backed up for golf carts -- I don't think is very wise," he said.
To get the ordinance, approved, City Council has to approve a traffic study, then get the go-ahead from the Florida Department of Transportation.
WFTV
