Imagine driving around parts of downtown Macon, but not in a car, instead, in a golf cart!
Starting next month, some people be able to, with certain restrictions.
At a public hearing Tuesday, several people in the community told Macon-Bibb commissioners they support the idea.
Commissioners voted 5-4 a few months ago to approve the ordinance, but it wasn't final without a public hearing.
The plan includes limited areas between Mercer University, the Medical Center and some downtown streets and alleyways with a 35 mph speed limit.
Lawery Murray says he's lived downtown for five years and that his wife works at the Medical Center Navicent Health.
He says for limited use, golf carts would be convenient, while saving the environment.
"Just to get in the cart and drive downtown to have a dinner or to some of the festivities they have downtown and back," Murray said. "I do not think they should be on any major streets or highways that are across town here that could cause accidents."
Others, including Commissioner Elaine Lucas, say they have concerns about safety if golf carts are sharing streets with cars.
But Aaron Bell, manager of Bigfoot Customs, says the carts will require certain safety measures.
"We can outfit a golf cart with anything from a safety triangle to beacon lights to seat belts, windshields, tops, whatever we need to put on them," Bell said.
Only those 15 and older will be able to drive golf carts downtown and only those 8 and older will be able to ride as passengers.
Those who are interested can start using golf carts on limited downtown streets starting June 1.
