LOW SPEED VEHICLE CONNECTION
Hello. We need your support to connect our communities with a lower speed transportation options for residents and visitors alike.
Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles are becoming a common sight for transportation in and around Michigan communities including summer destinations & resorts. They are efficient, fun to drive and and a great way to get around, especially during the summer months. Most people are familiar with basic golf carts, but another vehicle designation in Michigan, called a Low Speed Vehicle, or LSV has become popular.
GoJoe Rentals is leading the way and has offered street legal LSVs for rent to local residents and tourists since 2019.
The Harbor Shores project with a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course as its centerpiece along with robust and beautiful real estate developments around the golf course has increased interest, with many residents wanting to use a golf cart or LSV to move about. These vehicles foster a "resort community" feel and reality to the area.
This page provides information to the public, officials and others interested in supporting the following proposal:
Thanks!
Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles are becoming a common sight for transportation in and around Michigan communities including summer destinations & resorts. They are efficient, fun to drive and and a great way to get around, especially during the summer months. Most people are familiar with basic golf carts, but another vehicle designation in Michigan, called a Low Speed Vehicle, or LSV has become popular.
GoJoe Rentals is leading the way and has offered street legal LSVs for rent to local residents and tourists since 2019.
The Harbor Shores project with a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course as its centerpiece along with robust and beautiful real estate developments around the golf course has increased interest, with many residents wanting to use a golf cart or LSV to move about. These vehicles foster a "resort community" feel and reality to the area.
This page provides information to the public, officials and others interested in supporting the following proposal:
- Request a change for the speed limit across the BiCentennial Bridge (see map below) from 40mph to 35mph. LSVs are legal to operate anywhere in Michigan on roads up to 35mph speed limit (except to cross).
- Request the Cities of Benton Harbor, St. Joseph & Benton Township support and make a proposal to MDOT to lower the speed limit from 40mph to 35mph between the Main Street (BH) & Riverview Drive rotary over the BiCentennial Bridge.
Thanks!
golf carts VS. LOW SPEED VEHICLES |
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There is a difference between a Golf Cart and an LSV.
A Golf Cart is defined in the regulation as a "vehicle designed for transportation while playing golf". But their utility, efficiency and ease of use in communities and notable summer resort areas around the country as well here in Michigan are becoming more prevalent. As such, the State of Michigan has passed 257.600a of the Michigan Vehicle Code (Act 300 of 1940). This regulation gives municipalities with a population of 30,000 or less the authority to authorize, by resolution, the use of a standard golf cart on public roads with speed limits of no more than 30 mph. Golf Carts maximum speed is 15mph. If a municipality has approved use of golf carts on their roads, that municipality may request from MDOT authorization for use on a State Trunk Line (other than an Interstate Highway) that includes bridges (such as the BiCentennial Bridge or the Blossomland Bridge, see map below). Here is partial list of Michigan Communities that have authorized standard golf carts for use: Michigan communities allowing basic golf carts on streets:
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LSV's come in several designs and are legal in Michigan on roads with up to a 35mph speed limit.
Today, even our local communities (City of Benton Harbor and the City of St. Joseph) operate low speed vehicles as part of the Parks Department, Public Works or Public Safety departments. LSVs, may appear similar to golf cart by design, but are more than just the carts you might see on a golf course or one that has been modified.
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connecting our communities
Our beautiful Twin Cities have fantastic beaches, two vibrant downtown districts, a gorgeous golf course, hotels and restaurants and other tourist related venues on both sides of the St. Joseph River as well as a beautiful waterfront which is second to none here in southwestern Michigan.
Our two cities, as well as the adjacent Benton Township & St. Joseph Township areas are connected by a total of 4 bridges that cross the St. Joseph River (Blossomland, BiCentennial, Napier and Interstate 94).
This proposal focuses on the BiCentennial Bridge, from Wayne Street to the Main Street & Riverview Drive rotary.
SIMPLEST SOLUTION
The simplest solution to connect the communities for low speed vehicles is:
- Add a new 35mph sign just west of the Main Street & Riverview Drive rotary. This lowers the speed by 5 mph established by the 40mph sign a half mile east in front of Wolf's Marine.
- Remove the 40mph sign prior to the bridge heading east. The speed of 35mph is already established at the top of Wayne Street (heading east) across from the Sheriff's Department.
SUMMARY
A consensus & concerted effort among City leaders, businesses & citizens is necessary.
Because Wayne Street heading east out of St. Joe and Main Street heading into Benton Harbor is the I-94 Business Loop, speed limits and signs are controlled by change by MDOT.
It should be noted that other vehicle types including Mopeds, bicycles and ATVs (including those used by the municipalities) all traverse the BiCentennial Bridge connecting the cities.
Both communities would benefit with the change, offering both residents and visitors operating LSVs to get between our two communities safely and legally.
Because Wayne Street heading east out of St. Joe and Main Street heading into Benton Harbor is the I-94 Business Loop, speed limits and signs are controlled by change by MDOT.
It should be noted that other vehicle types including Mopeds, bicycles and ATVs (including those used by the municipalities) all traverse the BiCentennial Bridge connecting the cities.
Both communities would benefit with the change, offering both residents and visitors operating LSVs to get between our two communities safely and legally.
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Things you can do to help:
Thank you! |
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