By Guest Columnist Andy McDonald
Is there enough demand to legalize low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on Berea city streets?
Berea Tourism Commission Chairman Bill West thinks so, believing it would be in Berea’s interest to adopt a Kentucky ordinance allowing LSVs on streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
West presented his idea to city officials during a work session Tuesday, explaining that a low-speed vehicle should not be confused with a golf cart. Unlike a golf cart, LSVs are equipped with many safety features that are employed in cars, including parking brakes, horns, and other amenities.
“These aren’t golf carts. They have things like brake lights, mirrors, and blinkers. It’s a distinct subgroup of vehicles called low speed vehicles,” West said. Additionally, LSVs must have a vehicle identification number, and the driver must be licensed and insured.
During his presentation, West noted that several Kentucky communities have already adopted LSV ordinances, including Garrard County, Irvine, Winchester, Danville, Boyle County, London, Paris, Georgetown, Frankfort, Boone County and Bowling Green, among others. He added LSVs are growing in popularity among travelers with RVs, because they are easier to tow behind a recreational vehicle and more convenient to park.
“Some of these people who are more affluent, who travel all of the time, choose their destinations based on where they can use their low-speed vehicles,” West said, noting that during a recent survey of a local campground, 38 percent of visitors had brought LSVs with them. “It also runs cheaper and it’s more environmentally friendly. The operating costs of one of these is about one fifth compared a regular vehicle.”
West went on to explain the city could adopt the Kentucky ordinance, or it can tailor its own to meet specific needs. For example, Berea could choose to exempt certain streets of the 35 mile per hour rule.
In addition to appealing to tourists, West said there would likely be benefits for local residents. Older motorists could use LSVs as a safer, more economical form of transport around town. Residents could use LSVs to drop kids off at school, go to the grocery store or restaurants, or cruise around the neighborhood, West said. Additionally, the LSVs could be used for short-distance commuting, or for some local businesses. Overall, West said LSVs would present a quieter, more environmentally friendly transportation alternative, since 80 percent are electric powered, and 1 percent are solar powered.
For those reasons, West said he believes the proposal would be welcomed by residents.
“I think it would have a lot of local support. I know a lot of people who say if it comes before the council, they want to speak for it. This is trending in a lot of places, and I suggest you do it,” West said.
Some council members raised questions about the proposed ordinance. Cora Jane Wilson asked whether it would mean that the city would be in the business of renting LSVs. Mayor Bruce Fraley emphasized that the city would not be involved, but that local entrepreneurs would have an opportunity to own them and rent them out if they wanted to establish that type of business.
Steve Caudill, meanwhile, said that while the LSVs might be safe on city streets, he wants to explore this issue further before allowing them on some of the city’s shared use paths, particularly those with blind spots where traffic accidents could occur. The council members said they would study the issue further.
West concluded by telling officials LSVs are trending in tourist towns all over America, providing an opportunity for Berea to make itself a destination for travelers with LSVs.
“It’s coming. The more you travel, the more you’ll see this,” West said.
