The summer is over, and school has started, and our county staff recently added new signage prohibiting motorized vehicles on County-owned multi-use paths. When major developments begin, it’s not unusual for the roads, multi-use paths, and other neighborhood amenities to be privately held. On occasion, some of those amenities are transferred to a county, state and sometimes to federal jurisdictions. This occurred almost 20 years ago in the case of the Willbrook section of the multi-use path in the Litchfield area of Pawleys Island. Just like many signs that provide speed limits, some members of the public choose to not follow what is posted and they are doing so at their own risk. For those that are curious what the Georgetown County ordinance says, see below:
ARTICLE VI. - STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES
DIVISION 2. - TRAFFIC ON SIDEWALKS AND BIKE PATHS
Sec. 13.8-121. - Definitions. As used in this division, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:
Bicycle path. Any bicycle path owned or maintained by the county or the state. The term shall not include bicycle paths on private property in shopping centers, apartment complexes, office building sites or any other private property.
Block. To interfere with unobstructed travel by any means, including, but not limited to, standing on the part of the walk or path that is fit for travel, or placing any object or vehicle whatsoever on such walk.
Motor vehicle. Any mechanism used for transportation that is powered by a gas or electric engine or motor; provided, however, mechanized wheelchairs or other devices used for and by handicapped or physically impaired persons shall not be defined for the purposes of this division as motor vehicles.
Sidewalk. Any sidewalk owned or maintained by the county or the state. The term shall not include sidewalks or walkways on private property in shopping centers, apartment complexes, office building sites or any other private property.
(Ord. No. 2000-23, § 1, 6-14-00)
Sec. 13.8-125. - Driving on sidewalk or bicycle path prohibited.
No person shall drive a moped or a motor vehicle upon or within any public sidewalk or bicycle path area, or upon any sidewalk or bicycle path located therein, or upon any bike path except to cross it upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.
And finally, here’s some guidance for those who choose to drive their golf carts on the path, including a link to the entire code from South Carolina.
Highlights include:
- Permit & decal from DMV every 5 years.
- Allows daylight operation by licensed driver.
- May operate on secondary streets with 35mph or less speed limits within four miles of permitted address.
Link to entire section of SC Code: