Wichita delays strict rules for operating golf carts on city streets, seeks public input

Wichita has paused a recently passed city ordinance regulating the use of golf carts in city limits.

The ordinance received initial approval last week on a 4-3 vote and was slated to receive final approval Tuesday.

As written, it would be the most restrictive regulations for golf carts in the state. It allowed for carts to be driven on city streets with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less, but restricted driving to 18 or older. It also prohibited golf carts from being driven in the city’s core area — downtown, Old Town and Delano — and from crossing arterial streets.

Members of the public spoke against the ordinance at Tuesday’s council meeting.

“I just want the freedom to enjoy my neighborhood, like I deem fit,” Reflection Ridge resident Stephanie Pittman said to the council.

The ordinance will now go to district advisory boards for input at either their February or March meetings. The council will discuss it again at a workshop meeting in late February before it comes back for a vote at its March 18 evening meeting.

Council members signaled that they would address whether the city should enact age restrictions for operating golf carts, prohibit driving in the core area and prohibit crossing arterial streets.

“I think it’s complicated, just from what I’m hearing from constituents I don’t think there’s going to be a super easy solution,” said council member Becky Tuttle, who voted against the ordinance’s initial passage Jan. 14 along with Maggie Ballard and Brandon Johnson.

“I know that police don’t recommend it, that’s going to be a factor. Public works has major concerns. I think that there ever was a topic that warranted some robust discussion, this would be it,” Tuttle said.

Kansas law prohibits the use of golf carts on highways, arterial roads, and other streets, but leaves it to cities to decide local rules on use. It also restricts the use of golf carts to daylight unless carts are equipped with lights.

Wichita’s ordinance also would require a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart and prohibit the carts from being driven on sidewalks and walking and bike paths.

Golf carts must also be registered with the city, a $75 fee, and have a slow-moving-vehicle emblem on the back.

Council member Dalton Glasscock was the only member of the council to vote against deferral of the ordinance.

“I agree that the … proposed ordinance is over burdensome,” Glasscock said. “However, I feel this ordinance moves us in the right direction because currently, any use of it on city streets … was not a permissible use and was operating illegally in the city already.”