Cold Lake, AB – Whether golf carts, or other such mini vehicles, should be allowed on public roads was a topic of discussion at the Jan. 21 Corporate Priorities Meeting, after council heard the province has a pilot project to test the concept of permitting these vehicles for use on public roadways.
“After our meeting in October, where concerns about the Gio vehicles were specifically brought up, we approached the province for updates to the legislation surrounding these kinds of vehicles, as well as what they are classified as,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Although some companies market them as mobility devices, they are much larger, heavier, and faster than what is commonly known as a mobility aid.”
Current legislation restricts the operation of golf carts on public roadways. The pilot project, which runs until mid-2029, presents municipalities with an opportunity to regulate the use of these vehicles as an alternative mode of transportation on public areas and municipal roadways. According to the pilot project guidelines, the Gio, which checks off many characteristics to be classified as a golf cart or mini vehicle, may be eligible to participate under this initiative.
In order to participate in the golf cart pilot project, the province must approve a planned route for the vehicles. Under provincial legislation, mobility aids are treated as pedestrians and can access any infrastructure a pedestrian is allowed, however, golf carts or mini vehicles are not considered to be mobility aids.
“With additional outlines from the Alberta Government on what qualifies as a golf cart versus a mobility aid, we have an answer to where the Gio-type of vehicle fits into current legislation,” said Copeland. “They are too big to enter stores, public buildings, and traverse the aisles like a mobility aid, and too fast to share public pedestrian walkways. At the same time, they are not fast enough to safely travel stretches of Highway 28, and so it seems that these vehicles are not a good fit for the Cold Lake context.”
With the Gio falling under the category of golf cart, it would not be allowed to drive on public roads, highways, or the Millennium Trail, and be restricted to usage on private property, unless the community were accepted into the provincial pilot project.
“Although we were given the option to participate in the pilot project and look at regulations to allow golf carts or mini vehicles on public streets, council decided not to pursue it at this time,” said Copeland. “We cannot support Gios, or any other mini vehicle, driving up and down the highway between Cold Lake North and South. They also cannot safely use the Millennium Trail. And so there does not seem to be a strong use case for them in Cold Lake unless specific infrastructure was created to accommodate them.”
With new clarification on where the Gio falls under the Traffic Safety Act, Municipal Enforcement will be spending time educating Gio owners of the legislation prohibiting their use on public roadways.
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