Golf cart and path rules
 

Yesterday I had a motorcyle pass me on the 466 cart path, and when crossing the bridge on Morse North of 466, the cart in front of me had mirrors sticking out so far that they hit the canvas rolled up on an oncoming cart. This made me wonder, are motorcycles allowed on cart paths? Is there a restriction on mirrors outside a golf cart?

Motorcycles on the golf path ......I would guess not allowed. Was it a motorcycle or motorbike?

motorcycle.

I don't know about motorcycles, but do wonder about your mirror question..

The bridge on Morse that crosses the lake, and the bridge just north of 466 (after you come north out of the tunnel and cross the church parking lot entrance - which I think is the one you're referencing) are too narrow, even for the carts themselves, never mind mirrors. They require each driver to stay far right and slow down.
I added auto-style mirrors to my cart as the round one mounted inside on the windshield was inadequate to see behind me and it was mounted at eye-level, thereby blocking a decent part of my vision. These new mirrors stick out about 7 inches from the windshield post, maybe 5 inches in overall width on each side (since the bottom of the cart is wider than the windshield). When I cross these bridges I stay very conscious of the mirrors. I also watch out for my left elbow and left knee which are usually jutting out the side of the cart too.
I really think the problem you describe has less to do with mirror width and more to do with careless driving.

Bike or cycle, not much difference. In my opinion, if it is a licensed motor vehicle (bike, cycle, street legal cart, Gem Car, or my car) it doesn't belong on a cart path. But no statutes that I know of to prevent it except maybe trespass.

chacam,

You got that right!:agree::agree::agree:

Some of the carts with the "hard enclosures" have mirror that are attached to the doors rather than to the cart frame. The mirrors do stick out quiet far. My wife's Yamaha was like this until we removed those mirrors and replaced them with mirrors inside the cart body.

there are certain areas that even a licensed cart/Gem car cannot be on the street---route 466 they have to be on golf cart path--not legal on 466.

I still think those bridges could have been a little wider. The space on the Morse bridge where there is a raised sidewalk on the water side is ridiculously narrow. If a couple inches for mirrors are going to make that much of a difference, the path is too darn narrow! You can see on some of the paths north of 466 (like along Morse and along Rio Grande) where the cart lane was widened just a little bit and it really makes it easier to stay in the lines without getting involved with the curb!

The "street legal" golf carts and LSV's are limited to streets with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less (i.e. Morse, Buena Vista, El Camino, etc.). When they use the golf cart trails (I'm sorry - the internodal multipurpose pathways) they are supposed to act like a golf cart which means a top speed of 20 MPH (officially 19.7 MPH I think). As far a motor scooters, motorcycles, and motorbikes go, those under 50 cc engine size do not have to be registered (have license tags), do not require a "Motorcycle" endorsement on the drivers license, do not require the driver to have a drivers license (similar to a golf cart) and cannot be driven on the roads so they must use cart paths. You can register these under 50 cc vehicles if you want but now you have to follow all the applicable laws (motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license, insurance, tags, etc.) and drive them on the streets. You can also drive them on golf cart paths if you keep your speed to 20 MPH or less. Larger scooters and motorcycles (motors over 50 cc) MUST be licensed, registered, insured, etc., like any motor vehicle and these are not allowed on cart paths. Segways and similar devices I have no clue about the rules pertaining to them.

I do believe that is why the speed limit is 10 mph crossing the Morse Bridge on the cart path. I ride my bike on Morse all the time, but I will stay on Morse and cross the Bridge and not use that cart path due to the idiotic beings that drive across it. Got ones trying to pass one another if they are doing the speed limit, yelling at them as they cross. But then again they do that in the cars also. I thought this was a retirement community where everyone was here to unwind and relax. Take it easy. But one can get ran off the road here easlily.
Maybe they need a cart path class to teach Cart Path Etiquette..

Please, where is this stated? Is is statute or opinion?

I agree 100% Steve. Went across the Morse bridge path yesterday and held my breath till I reached the other side. Not a fun ride at all.

I'd like to point out that these are not strictly golf cart paths. They are multi-modal trails. They are open to all walkers, joggers, golf carts, segways, bikes, etc. I tend to ride my bicycle on them because I feel safer than out on the road with a lot of traffic.

Helpful link about FL moped laws.
 

Originally Posted by Bryan
"Larger scooters and motorcycles (motors over 50 cc) MUST be licensed, registered, insured, etc., like any motor vehicle and these are not allowed on cart paths."



http://www.moped2.org/txt/florida_moped_laws.htm