A look into Dunedin’s plans to expand its golf car program, making it a staple of urban transportation.
Golf cars are no longer just a leisurely pastime in Dunedin; they might soon become a mainstream mode of city transportation. In a move to enhance their Golf Cart Infrastructure Plan, Dunedin is holding a public workshop to discuss potential expansions in the program expected to roll out next year, according to Axios.
The transportation planning firm Benesch is conducting a comprehensive review of the city’s existing program and boundary map. Their assessment includes considerations for new features like dedicated parking spaces, paths, and charging stations, aiming to elevate Pinellas County’s status as Florida’s golf car epicenter.
Dunedin’s journey with golf cars began in 1983 when a city ordinance allowed residents to use them between their homes and the Dunedin Golf Course. Subsequent developments, including the establishment of the Golf Cart Task Force in 2011, expanded the use of golf cars on specific streets.
The city implemented a zone-based system in 2012, further extending it with Florida Department of Transportation and Pinellas County roadway crossings in 2014, 2017, and 2018. A recent survey of 2,200 residents conducted between June and July revealed that 46% of respondents use golf cars at least three times a week, showcasing the widespread acceptance of this unique mode of transport in the city.
For those not currently utilizing golf cars, 44% expressed a desire to do so, indicating a potential surge in car users. The survey identified popular requests for additional crossings, parking, signage, designated paths, public charging stations, and safety training.
Nate Murray, a resident familiar with the quizzical looks he receives when sharing that he drives a golf car, emphasizes that they are an integral part of Dunedin’s culture. He notes that visitors quickly grasp the significance once they experience the community’s reliance on golf cars.
While a workshop scheduled for Thursday at City Hall has been canceled due to severe weather, the Golf Cart Task Force is expected to present its final report to the city in winter 2024. The city’s exploration of expanded golf car access reflects a unique and forward-thinking approach to urban mobility.
