The residents and tax-payers of Twin Creeks North CDD in St. Johns County, FL are requesting the governing entities to allow passage of LSVs and/or Golf Carts to cross C.R. 210 and implement Multi-Use Paths within the district. This would allow residents easy access to local businesses on either side of C.R. 210 and has the beneficial effects as listed below.

COMMERCE AND REVENUE

Businesses want to locate in the same kinds of communities that home buyers want to live in: places perceived as vibrant, with more opportunities for connection and interaction — a place where people don’t just live and work, but thrive. A “golf cart friendly” community status attracts homebuyers and businesses alike, as it enhances community character, which ultimately generates more revenue for the county.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUTE

By improving connectivity, you create a more sustainable community that relies more on alternative modes of transportation; reducing vehicle emissions, gasoline consumption and pollution. The changes we are requesting align with Florida’s increasing energy efficiency; expanding renewable energy production and limiting energy impacts on the environment through its wide range of programs. Excessive automobile use also brings traffic on our public roads that leads to slower commute times. This will become especially apparent when new schools in our area are completed, we can alleviate congestion on C.R. 210 with the use of alternative low-speed electric transportation.

COMMUNITY AND SAFETY

Golf cart paths allow convenient routes of travel within communities linking popular origins and destinations such as neighborhoods, parks, schools, community centers, and shopping areas, and can also facilitate access between communities which increases livability. This must be done with public safety in the forefront, and appropriate traffic-light controlled crosswalks, multi-use paths and signage must first be in place. 

THE STATE STATUTES 

Operation of golf carts to cross public roads or streets is granted by F.S. 316.212:

F.S. 316.212 (2) A golf cart may be operated on a part of the State Highway System only under the following conditions:

(a) To cross a portion of the State Highway System which intersects a county road or municipal street that has been designated for use by golf carts if the Department of Transportation has reviewed and approved the location and design of the crossing and any traffic control devices needed for safety purposes.

We ask the County and Department of Transportation to allow construction of aforesaid crossing, and create posted signs that golf carts share the cross-way.

Operation of Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) to cross public roads or streets is currently granted by F.S. 316.2122:

316.2122 (1) The operation of a low-speed vehicle, mini truck, or low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle on certain roadways: (1) (a) A low-speed vehicle or mini truck may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle or mini truck from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

We ask the County to uphold and honor this state Statute.

F.S. 316.212 further allows a local governmental entity to enact additional ordinances relating to sidewalk use:

F.S. 316.212 (8) (b) Golf cart operation on sidewalks adjacent to specific segments of municipal streets, county roads, or state highways within the jurisdictional territory of the local governmental entity if: 1. The local governmental entity determines, after considering the condition and current use of the sidewalks, the character of the surrounding community, and the locations of authorized golf cart crossings, that golf carts, bicycles, and pedestrians may safely share the sidewalk; 3. The ordinance restricts golf carts to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and permits such use on sidewalks adjacent to state highways only if the sidewalks are at least 8 feet wide; 5. The local governmental entity posts appropriate signs or otherwise informs residents that the ordinance exists and applies to such sidewalks.

We ask the CDD (by way of a vote) or other controlling governing bodies to consider widening sidewalks to 8 feet on either side of C.R. 210 and/or create Multi-Use Paths within our district that would accommodate golf carts/LSVs, and post appropriate signage that golf carts/LSVs share the walkway.

CONCLUSION

We encourage governing entities to have open discussion with the residents on different possibilities and ways to operate low speed electric vehicles within our district, as there may be better options other than those proposed within this petition. Overall, we the residents believe the benefits outweigh any encumbrances. We ask for coordination between jurisdictions to allow these changes to take place.