Some residents of Peaks Island say that increased use of golf carts on the island has caused safety concerns. Golf carts are parked in a lot near the island's ferry landing Friday.
Jim Greenwell mimics some golf cart drivers he has seen with one hand on the wheel and the other holding a child. With him is his wife, Emily Magal, who said, "It’s so upsetting when we see the golf carts operated unsafely.”
Robert O'Brien, who manages Peaks Island Golf Carts, said, "We try to dispel the myth that there are no laws on Peaks." The company's rental agreement spells out various prohibitions, including no drinking, no standing, no overloading the cart, and no sitting in the driver’s lap.
A sign at Peaks Island Golf Carts says that renters must be 21 or older and have valid driver's licenses. The manager, Robert O'Brien, says the company is strict about not allowing renters to drink while using the carts.
A woman holds onto children while returning a golf cart to Mike's Carts on Peaks Island on Friday.
Alix Bosch, a part-time resident of Peaks Island, drives off the ferry with her dogs, Freya, left, and Annin, as she arrives Friday. The Portland City Council is considering speed limits for golf carts, but few carts have speedometers. Bosch said, “How are we supposed to know how fast we’re going? Maybe there’s an app for that."
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