Home > Fayette.Talk > Archives > 2007 > March > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIs 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
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Algernon Pitts
March 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Dear Readers, I know my message does not concern the topic, but I’m an advent reader of Steve Rose’s“Neighborhood Watch Report.” I believe in our law enforcement system and its officers who put their lives on the line every day. I have been reading the comments from Mr. Lynch screaming of an injustice that has happened in his life here in Dekalb County. He began posting on the blog and I first thought this man was lying about his experiences with the judicial system. I was bias towards him until I purchased his book, Dirty Justice. I do not like his character but the documents that he placed in his book concerning police officials actions were so overwhelming that one cannot ignore that a miscarriage of justice has taken place; especially when he listed the names of officials. Not one official has commented on his allegations. I wish Mr. Lynch will release his second book (Dirty Justice Exposed) so I could discover his results. Citizens would be shock to discover what has happened to this family. Review Mr. Lynch’s story at www.kllundypublishingllc.com
By Thomas Nordhorn
March 8, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
I have suggested to a council member the tunnels should be marked with the name of the street crossing over the tunnel. People would have a better idea where they are presently located. Most of the carts are electric and have limited distance they can travel before recharging. I have helped many people who had trouble but no idea where they were. Path markings would be very helpful to the recent homeowner and vistors using the paths.
By Hey
March 12, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Everyone I know has gotten lost on the cart paths before. There is no way of knowing where you will end up when you take a turn onto another path. You just have to go and find out for yourself. If you make too many turns into the unknown, it’s hard to remember how to get back to where you came from in the first place. We now have a map of the paths which we keep in our cart for reference.