Tecumseh golf cart drivers may soon be allowed on city streets under proposed ordinance

TECUMSEH — Drivers of golf carts may soon be able to take their carts out on roads around Tecumseh with a speed limit of 35 mph or less under a proposed ordinance being considered by the Tecumseh City Council.

The city council approved the first reading of the ordinance with a 6-0 vote Monday evening with member Vicki Riddle absent.

“I am taking a wait-and-see approach. That is why we have two readings before consideration to adopt any ordinance. So this will come back before Council on May 1 for its second reading and possible adoption,” Mayor Jack Baker said.

The ordinance came before the council for consideration after being asked to allow golf carts to be driven to the local golf course. The ordinance was proposed due to multiple concerns expressed by residents living near the Tecumseh Golf Club on Burt Street.

“They feel the need to create an ordinance to set guidelines throughout the city, so they don't potentially break any rules,” council member Austin See said.

A typical golf cart travels between 12 to 16 mph. Under the proposed ordinance, golf carts would not be allowed on any street with a speed limit of more than 35 mph. Golf carts would not be allowed on a state trunk line highway, for example, Chicago Boulevard. However, the golf carts would be permitted to cross state highways and intersections with a speed limit of 35 mph or more within the city limits.

Tecumseh Police Chief Brett Coker reached out to the police chiefs from Milford, Mattawan, Gibraltar and Wolverine Lake — communities with similar ordinances — and found there were no complaints from residents in those municipalities.

“I currently believe that our city government has drafted an excellent proposal for an ordinance that allows golf carts on our city streets,” See said. “I don't have a problem with this ordinance. There are communities in Michigan that are our size or larger that have adopted a similar ordinance and have not had any problems whatsoever.”

There was no public comment for or against the proposed golf cart ordinance at the council’s Monday evening meeting.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Tecumseh golf cart drivers may soon be allowed on city streets