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Proposed Cleveland legislation would let businesses operate golf carts on city streets

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CLEVELAND (WJW) – Bob Polk has been giving guided bike tours of Cleveland since 2011.

“I bought six bicycles and started giving tours of downtown, Ohio City and Tremont,” Polk said.

But about a year and a half ago, he decided to take his business in a new direction — on a golf cart.

“I knew there was a need for this because Lolly the Trolley left,” he said. “I wanted to do something along those lines, but on a much smaller scale.”

That vision is now one step closer to reality.

Wednesday night, city council’s public safety committee discussed newly introduced legislation that would allow businesses like Bob’s to operate golf carts on city streets.

According to the proposal, golf carts would need to meet safety requirements, including brake lights, turn signals and seat belts. 

They’d be limited to roads with speed limits under 35 mph, couldn’t exceed 25 mph and would be subject to all traffic laws. 

Businesses would also need to apply for a permit, with carts inspected annually.

The legislation also specifies that only employees of approved businesses could operate the golf carts. They would not be available as rentals to the general public.

Polk said he’s ready to launch as soon as the city gives the green light.

“We’ve used this waiting period to route out maps,” he said. “As soon as they let us go, we’ll roll right out in a golf cart.”

City council must still review the proposal in committee and hold a full council vote before it becomes official.

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Melissa Reid

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