Tuesday, Oct. 12 - Miami-Dade TPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) MEMBER DISCUSSION – PALMETTO BAY GOLF CARTS use of Old Cutler Trail / Shared Paths

Should golf carts be added to shared paths in Palmetto Bay? This issue continues behind the scenes and will come up for a public discussion far from Palmetto Bay's borders, at a live meeting held in downtown Miami. This time, the meeting discussion will be  amongst the Miami-Dade TPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). 

You can download the complete workshop agenda package at the TPO website and/or by clicking here on BPAC.  

Why this discussion? 

Mayor Cunningham and Council passed a Village of Palmetto Bay resolution to study the feasibility of allowing motorized golf carts to use the county's Old Cutler Trail, a shared use path. (Note - this resolution is NOT posted on the village website for viewing). After review, the Miami-Dade County Transportation & Public Works Department (DTPW) issued this response:

"The path is not designed or warranted for the use of golf carts. After reviewing the request DTPW does not recommend the use of golf carts along the OCR (Old Cutler Road) shared use path."

The DTPW specifically cited Florida Department of Transportation standards saying:

"...the conflicts between the golf carts and the shared use path users (pedestrian and bikers) would create significant safety and operational problems..."

No new action has been taken publicly nor have any additional resolutions been passed at any meetings, yet Palmetto Bay has sought additional hearing on this matter, hence this meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2021. 

All sides of this issue may want to be present at this meeting.  

What is the position of the current Palmetto Bay and Council? Palmetto Bay officials have not openly discussed this upcoming meeting or posted any advisement of it to the public. I am unaware as to any policy set by the council setting forth the official position of Palmetto Bay officials. This appears to be yet another example of allowing things to happen instead of proactively advocating for a desired result. Weak leadership allows for others to make decisions affecting our municipality - a desired result for those who refuse to take positions.  

Just what do Mayor Cunningham and Council mean when they asked for a "study" as to "the feasibility of allowing motorized golf carts to use the county's Old Cutler Trail"? This just sounds like a feeble attempt to walk a political tightrope to hide their actual position, reserving the right to claim victory regardless how this issue plays out. This is yet another textbook example of allowing things to fester instead of actually making a decision this mayor and council may fear is unpopular, allowing them to play both sides - for the winners: taking the credit while consoling the losers by blaming the county (sound familiar? Recent examples include the 87th Ave bridge, 136th Shared Path).

Meeting info:

Miami-Dade TPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

In-Person Meeting*

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Starts at 5:30pm

 

Miami-Dade TPO Governing Board Chambers

150 West Flagler Street, Suite 1924

Miami, FL 33130 

 

*Pursuant to CDC guidelines, all persons entering the building are required to wear facial masks at all times. Social distancing measures will also be enforced. 

This is listed as a "BPAC MEMBER DISCUSSION relating to PALMETTO BAY GOLF CARTS" - (NOTE: this topic is on the agenda "for Discussion Only; This is Not an Action Item")