MARCH 11, 2010 ISSUE
Blowing Rock Allows Golf Carts on Roads Near Club
Golf carts are now permitted to drive on specific town roads located on the east side of the Highway 321 Bypass near the Blowing Rock Country Club—but not on Main Street and other roads on the west side of the bypass.
The Blowing Rock Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing golf carts on certain town streets at its March 9 meeting. The council considered the measure at its February meeting but tabled the matter so that Planning Director Kevin Rothrock could amend and add language to the draft ordinance.
The General Assembly in 2009 granted cities and towns the authority to regulate the use of golf carts. The ordinance allows golf carts on specified streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less and permits the crossing of Highway 321 by golf carts at the intersections with Sunset Drive and Green Hill Road/The Rock Road.
The council had also considered a crossing of 321 at Possum Hollow Road but decided that would be too dangerous.
According to the ordinance, golf carts can be operated from a half-hour after sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. The police chief could allow operation during nighttime hours for special events.
The ordinance requires golf carts to be equipped with headlights, reflectors and other safety features. Drivers must be licensed, have proof of liability insurance and not exceed 20 mph. Drivers must pay an annual fee of $50 to the Blowing Rock Police Department for inspections and permits and must display a permit sticker.
Violators of the ordinance are subject to an infraction and $50 fine.
Major J.B. Lawrence and Council Member Jim Steele said they thought golf carts should be allowed on all town roads except the bypass, including Main Street.
“I think there might be people who want to use a golf cart to scoot around town,” Lawrence said.
But the other council members expressed concerns about safety.
“The streets are so crooked and narrow in town…I worry about vehicles coming up on golf carts,” said Council Member Doug Matheson.
Matheson made a motion to permit golf carts on roads near the country club on a trial basis, stating that the council could consider adding additional streets to the ordinance in the future.
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