Home > Fayette.Talk > Archives > 2007 > March > 08
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Is it time to mark the PTC cart paths?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In perusing the online version of Atlanta magazine’s March 2007 issue, I was surprised to come across an article, “Path Less Traveled,” a lengthy feature about Peachtree City and its cart path system told via the writer’s rather tongue-in-cheek personal experiences on a golf cart.
The writer, Paige Williams, makes some interesting observations about the local golf cart culture and path system as she proceeds to get lost several times on her way to a retail store. I actually read Williams’ piece twice to ascertain whether she was making fun of us or being sincere in her references to the cart path system as “a diorama of middle-class America, with alpine scent and bird song piped in for effect.” I’m still deciding.
In any case, Williams does bring up a point for discussion when she notes that the 90 miles of cart paths are generally unmarked, which can be a problem in an emergency situation. By way of example, she talks about the fatal accident last fall between a cyclist and a golf cart. A local woman who witnessed the accident was frustrated, Williams says, as she attempted to direct an ambulance to the accident scene with the aid of neighborhood names and landmarks as her sole references.
With the potential for future emergency situations in mind, Peachtree City spokeswoman Betsy Tyler tells Williams the city is considering naming and marking cart paths. “With 90 miles of these things, it’s a real challenge, coming up with a system,” Tyler says.
I’ve often wondered if part of the appeal of the path system is the lack of signage, as drivers, cyclists and runners weave their way instinctively through the entrails of the city. That said, if I witnessed an accident on the path where I run, I’m sure I would have difficulty directing emergency personnel to the closest connecting street.
Have you ever gotten lost on the cart paths? Do you think it’s time for the city to mark cart paths?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Donna Soper
