Westfield City Council may update ordinance to allow golf carts on designated trails

WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Westfield City Council is considering an updated ordinance that would expand the allowance of golf carts on some of the city’s designated trails.

According to a news release, the ordinance would permit golf carts to be used on various city-funded trails. This includes the Midland Trace Trail stretching from Carey Road to US-31 and accompanying perimeter trails. However, residents will not be able to use golf carts on the Midland Trail located to the west of US-31 or the Monon Trail.

If the ordinance is approved, golf carts can only be operated on sidewalks wider than five feet.

The updated ordinance also called for greater law enforcement presence on the designated trails to “ensure all golf cart drivers are operating carts safely and by licensed drivers.” Another key provision in the ordinance calls for the maximum speed limit to be reduced from 25 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour on the designated trails.

“The rationale behind this ordinance is to create clarity and consistency,” Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said. “Golf carts have been legal on trails in the southeast portion of the city since 2018. Allowing golf cart usage in some areas for certain residents but not for others is inequitable and creates confusion. My goal is that this updated ordinance will eliminate confusion and create a more equal system for all trail users.”

According to the proposal, the Westfield Police Department would be responsible for inspecting the golf carts every two years. Residents would pay an initial $100 inspection fee to cover the first two years before adding a $50 renewal fee every two years after.

Residents could face fines of up to $100 and $150 for violating any of these provisions. Third-time offenders could face a $300 fine and have their license revoked for up to one year.

The original ordinance led to mixed reactions during a city council meeting in May from residents who expressed concerns about golf carts sharing the trails with pedestrians and cyclists.

The push to allow golf carts in Westfield marks a growing trend as golf cart usage continues to rise in popularity. Residents in Speedway can now obtain a permit to operate a golf cart after the town passed its new ordinance last year.

The council will review the proposed ordinance on July 28. If the proposal is adopted, it would go into effect on Nov. 1.