For someone who doesn’t care for golf, Cathy Kochensparger has a surprising fondness for her golf cart. She uses it as her family ride, zipping around St. Johns, Michigan, almost every day. But she insists that safety is key.
“You’ve got to watch for everything—people and cars,” Kochensparger states.
St. Johns, a small city with about 8,000 residents, is noticing how its roads are changing. Starting last month, local officials began regulating golf cart use, joining many communities nationwide. These regulations set limits on which roads the carts can travel.
Mayor Scott Dzurka noted that around 2,000 golf carts are now on the move in St. Johns, primarily used for commuting. “If something goes wrong in a golf cart, the outcome can be serious,” he warned.
Safety has driven many towns in Michigan to enact laws governing golf carts. According to a recent survey, over 25 communities have introduced such regulations this year alone, reflecting a wider trend across the nation.
Local entrepreneur Michael Fagan runs a successful golf cart business. Interestingly, golfers make up only 5% of his customers. Most buyers are drawn to the lifestyle benefits of owning these carts. “We sell accessories for all seasons, like snow plows. It’s surprising how many we move annually,” Fagan explained.
However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. Resident Ed Thelen is wary of mixing golf carts with regular traffic due to safety concerns. “A golf cart versus a car? The cart won’t stand a chance,” he pointed out.
To enhance safety, St. Johns has started inspecting golf carts, similar to how cars are regulated. Carts must have functioning turn signals and horns. Drivers must be at least 18 and hold a valid driver’s license. Under the new rules, Kochensparger is allowed to drive her cart only on streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, while her cart tops out at 15 mph.
Asked about her safety while driving, Kochensparger’s response was clear: “Oh definitely! I wouldn’t take my grandkids out if I didn’t feel safe.”
Overall, the rise in golf cart use reflects changing lifestyles, but it also raises essential questions about road safety. As communities adapt, ongoing discussions about regulations will likely shape how these vehicles fit into everyday life.
For more insights on this trend, check out the National Association of Towns and Townships, which provides information on local regulations and community initiatives.
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