A speed bump on 30A... As citizens strive to lower speed limit, bigger plans emerge | 30a, speed, change - Local News - WaltonSun.com
A SPEED BUMP ON 30A: As citizens strive to lower speed limit, bigger plans emerge
January 08, 2010 10:30 AM
By Matt Algarin
Will 45 be a thing of the past on 30A?
Friends of Scenic 30A and members of the public gathered on Jan. 4 to discuss lowering the speed limit on 30A to 35 mph for the entire 18.5 mile stretch. The change would let low-speed vehicles, like street-modified golf carts, share the roadway with cars.
Bill Freeze, Chairperson for the Friends, believes the change will have nothing but positive end results.
?These beaches have been voted as one of the 12 best places to see in 2010.? Freeze said. ?We have noticed that we need to educate the tourists and the residents about what we have here in paradise.?
Freeze added that LSVs have to be registered and licensed, which will provide additional income for the county.
About two dozen supportive residents and industry experts gathered to hear the proposals made by the group.
In order for an electric cart or LSV to share the roadway with cars, the speed limit can be no greater than 35 mph. There are currently four miles of roadway on 30A where the speed limit is 45 mph.
In addition to allowing LSVs to traverse the roadway, supporters say the change would help to alleviate some of the traffic by encouraging motorists who are in a hurry to use the feeder roads that run north and south to get to their destinations.
Graham Fountain, chief of special operations for the Sheriff?s Office, clarified that this only pertains to electric carts, not golf carts.
?Because it looks like a duck, talks like a duck and quacks like a duck, but it?s a goose,? Fountain said while describing that anyone who is caught driving a gas-powered cart on 30A would be ticketed.
?The sheriff?s office will be taking a neutral position on the topic,? Fountain said of the speed-limit change. ?We haven?t pulled traffic (data) to see how many crashes involved these types of vehicles.?
?We do have some concerns because 30A is a little atypical than the usual roads you may do this on,? Fountain added. ?When the building starts up again on 30A you are going to have a lot more dump trucks and mixers going up and down the road.?
Tim Paul, who is a former district five commissioner and developer of Topsail Village on 30A, said changing the speed limit should be the first step.
?I think the whole idea is to have a complete system,? Pauls said. ?You shouldn?t have to only be able to use your LSV on 30A. You should actually be able to make a useful trip with it.?
Tom Stein, the Director for the Friends of Scenic 30A, agreed.
Stein said he ?has always had a lifetime interest in public transit and was a cable car grip man in San Francisco for four years.
?With my background in public transit and in addition to living here for the past 30 years or so watching the traffic load increase here on 30A,? Stein said, ?it has led me to the conclusion that some kind of public transit needs to be established on 30A.?
Stein said that the time is imminent and that something has to happen now.
The Friends of Scenic 30A will be holding another public forum on the first Monday in February to discuss updates on traffic crashes and the price tag for redesigning 30A for a bike path and low speed vehicles.
Replies
285
beats on hood
There's no need to lower the speed limit for Tatas. They go 68 mph. Scooty introduced us to them in http://www.sowal.com/bb/weather/23180-climate-change-poll.html#post407449 .
Tata Motors is an Indian company. The Today Show had a spot on the Tata Nano a few minutes ago. It sells for $2500 in India, but if the auto comes to the U.S. market, it is guessed that the price will go up to $4500 due to being modified for U.S. safety and emissions standards.
I am thinking, "Who would ever name a company Tata Motors?" Ah, the jokes!
Tata Motors is an Indian company. The Today Show had a spot on the Tata Nano a few minutes ago. It sells for $2500 in India, but if the auto comes to the U.S. market, it is guessed that the price will go up to $4500 due to being modified for U.S. safety and emissions standards.
I am thinking, "Who would ever name a company Tata Motors?" Ah, the jokes!
Edited
Beach Fanatic
I'll say this as succinctly as I can. Lowering the speed limit to 35 mph is a BAD IDEA!
Beach Crab
Please put your 30mph road 30a speedlimit
Hi all S Walton Golfcarters.
Please put your 30mph road 30a speedlimit on this site for all to see.
Welcome to the Wikispeedia, the open speed limit database. We are gathering the GPS-coordinates of every speed-limit sign on earth. You don't need any GPS or cellphone to help, just 2 minutes of your time. Its open source so you can contribute. Peopl
(sorry to barge in, its relevant)
jim pruett
Hi all S Walton Golfcarters.
Please put your 30mph road 30a speedlimit on this site for all to see.
Welcome to the Wikispeedia, the open speed limit database. We are gathering the GPS-coordinates of every speed-limit sign on earth. You don't need any GPS or cellphone to help, just 2 minutes of your time. Its open source so you can contribute. Peopl
(sorry to barge in, its relevant)
jim pruett
SoWal Expert
Thanks BR! I had forgotten about those. 30-A would be a perfect location to introduce those!
125 mile range and top speed of 68 mph.
125 mile range and top speed of 68 mph.
SWGB
Thanks BR! I had forgotten about those. 30-A would be a perfect location to introduce those!
125 mile range and top speed of 68 mph.
Not to mention the fun of decorating your tata(s) for various parades.
SoWal Expert
I want one for the name alone! Shame that the Da Bug's Tatas is too long for a vanity plate!
Shame that the Da Bug's Tatas is too long for a vanity plate!
Beach Fanatic
Exactly. So what many of you would like to see, is a Walton County rollback of the LSVability on the 17 miles or so that LSV's are allowed on currently,, not just being against making the last 4 miles uniform.
Uhm. No.
See, the way I'm reading this, is that LSVs should be ticketed as they are not legally allowed on roadways that have posted speeds of 45 MPH or more. Since 30A is, in fact, just one road, I don't think that they should be allowed to traverse the roadway at all.
I think that, rather than lowering speed limits to accomodate them, we ought to start enforcing the law and keeping the LSVs in the resort communities where they belong--to help you get from your rental house to the golf course to the clubhouse, WITHIN the community. As many have pointed out, although you don't seem inclined to listen to anyone but yourself, 30A is not one large resort community but a large community containing many resorts (i.e., Rosemary, Seaside, Watercolor, etc.)
It has nothing whatsoever to do with hindering progress, or not being "green" and has everything to do with public safety and convenience.
Banned
Would you do that to a cyclist too? I know you're joking kinda, but i mean come on. We're talking about a 1.2 Mile stretch of 45 MPH pavement. It was suggested I move to Sandestin for lowering the speed limit on that stretch LOL
If you know I'm joking why ask a stupid question? I've read this whole thread and you're the only one who seems to have a chip on his shoulder over this subject. I hope someone gives you a great big hug soon
it will make you feel better.Beach Lover
What is an LSV??????
needs to get out more
What is an LSV??????
Golf cart driven on road by someone who's primary residence is not in FL.
Beach Fanatic
What is an LSV??????
Low Speed Vehicle.
Skunky
Coming to a highway near you soon...
SoWal Expert
I had no idea that Ignatius exists for real!
Beach Fanatic
If you know I'm joking why ask a stupid question? I've read this whole thread and you're the only one who seems to have a chip on his shoulder over this subject. I hope someone gives you a great big hug soon
So that's what you call being in the minority on a subject, in this online community. A chip on shoulder? What minority was it that passed the LSV statute in the first place? That out of state minority? That panhandle, GOP, god fearing, coal loving crowd? please.
Banned
So that's what you call being in the minority on a subject, in this online community. A chip on shoulder? What minority was it that passed the LSV statute in the first place? That out of state minority? That panhandle, GOP, god fearing, coal loving crowd? please.
I wasn't trying to insult you, it's just your posts read as if you are taking the opposing view personally. I could be wrong.
Beach Fanatic
Uhm. No.
See, the way I'm reading this, is that LSVs should be ticketed as they are not legally allowed on roadways that have posted speeds of 45 MPH or more. Since 30A is, in fact, just one road, I don't think that they should be allowed to traverse the roadway at all.
I think that, rather than lowering speed limits to accomodate them, we ought to start enforcing the law and keeping the LSVs in the resort communities where they belong--to help you get from your rental house to the golf course to the clubhouse, WITHIN the community. As many have pointed out, although you don't seem inclined to listen to anyone but yourself, 30A is not one large resort community but a large community containing many resorts (i.e., Rosemary, Seaside, Watercolor, etc.)
It has nothing whatsoever to do with hindering progress, or not being "green" and has everything to do with public safety and convenience.
ummm, ok, that's cool you think that. maybe you should change the law to fit your view on ridding 30A of LSV's.
As I've said before, Walton County could really make a name for itself by getting out in front (or behind as it were) on this LSV issue in Florida. I'd love to see the headlines. Perhaps the county could also consider passing an ordinance, which makes putting up solar or wind energy devices ineligible for tax credits from state statutes, while they're at it... and then perhaps 4 lane, or put a raised freeway through 30A, since folks are so convinced it is not one cohesive area. SoWal, should simultaneously announce it is splitting into 6 divisions going forward. 5 to represent each individual community in "SoWal" and 1 to represent the 1.2 mile (or 4 miles) stretch of pavement where people just "gun it" to 45MPH.
YEEEEEEEE HAWWWWWW
Beach Fanatic
I wasn't trying to insult you, it's just your posts read as if you are taking the opposing view personally. I could be wrong.
well, I'll give you this. I am getting a bit more intrigued, and impassioned by the rareness of my side of this debate... and for this community in particular. I take the planet personally.
My loneliness in opinion on this thread, stands in contrast to the fact that an LSV statute passed at all in Florida. I'm hearing all the exception to the rule arguments here too.... similar to what you hear anti-environmentalists or flat earthers, or non climate change folks pointing out. Which ride has a bigger carbon footprint I ask you? and I get legitimate rationalizations only, pointing out how legitimate LSV's "might" be more pollutant for jaunts on 30A, than a Nissan Armada.
Beach Fanatic
Let's have dueling mock press releases. I'll release mine later when I get time. the ANTI LSV one could be quite funny, too, focusing on non conforming (too slow) SUV's driven by sun burned, judgement impaired, gawking vacations who think ALL of 30A (or SoWal) is some kind of damn resort area, which clearly the oasis stretches of 45MPH pavement indicate SoWal is not a cohesive resort duhhhh
SoWal Insider
wow. :roll:
Admin
well, I'll give you this. I am getting a bit more intrigued, and impassioned by the rareness of my side of this debate... and for this community in particular. I take the planet personally.
My loneliness in opinion on this thread, stands in contrast to the fact that an LSV statute passed at all in Florida. I'm hearing all the exception to the rule arguments here too.... similar to what you hear anti-environmentalists or flat earthers, or non climate change folks pointing out. Which ride has a bigger carbon footprint I ask you? and I get legitimate rationalizations only, pointing out how legitimate LSV's "might" be more pollutant for jaunts on 30A, than a Nissan Armada.
I appreciate your viewpoint and you posting your opinions, even if a tad aggressive. A lone voice need not be any louder to be heard on this forum.
I admit to never having thought about LSVs before this thread, or have any knowledge of the statute or what is going on in the rest of Florida.
LSVs seem to make sense in the homogenous environment of a planned community. They don't make nearly as much sense on a 17-mile long county highway connecting diverse communities, many of which aren't LSV friendly.
The green argument holds little water because SoWal is a destination for families in SUVs. Adding LSVs for them after they get here just adds to the drain of raw materials for LSV production, the energy costs of LSV manufacture and operation, and the pollution and land filling disposal of the vehicle at some point in the future.
When SoWal starts getting planned communities for permanent residents, then maybe the green argument will make sense.
Beach Lover
Exactly, Sunspotbaby.
SoWal Expert
I love that just because I think LSV's are a bad idea I am anti-green or anti-environment. :roll:
Now, if you'll excuse me, I am off to walk to the farmer's market.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I am off to walk to the farmer's market.
Beach Comber
All I know is that when I pull out to scenic 98 in destin, at 7:30 am, i shouldnt have to worry about ma and pa kettle checking out the scenery at 15 mph. all I ask is that you GO THE FREAKING SPEED LIMIT AT 35. i had a man point at the MPH sign as he was driving (he was probably 95) and it said 35. he was going 20. like I was doing something wrong by tailgating him. JUST GOOOOO.... we have JOBSS!!!!!
Banned
well, I'll give you this. I am getting a bit more intrigued, and impassioned by the rareness of my side of this debate... and for this community in particular. I take the planet personally.
My loneliness in opinion on this thread, stands in contrast to the fact that an LSV statute passed at all in Florida. I'm hearing all the exception to the rule arguments here too.... similar to what you hear anti-environmentalists or flat earthers, or non climate change folks pointing out. Which ride has a bigger carbon footprint I ask you? and I get legitimate rationalizations only, pointing out how legitimate LSV's "might" be more pollutant for jaunts on 30A, than a Nissan Armada.
Kurt's advice was good but I do admire and respect your passion and your willingness to fight to have your viewpoint heard.:boxing:
Beach Fanatic
I appreciate your viewpoint and you posting your opinions, even if a tad aggressive. A lone voice need not be any louder to be heard on this forum.
I admit to never having thought about LSVs before this thread, or have any knowledge of the statute or what is going on in the rest of Florida.
LSVs seem to make sense in the homogenous environment of a planned community. They don't make nearly as much sense on a 17-mile long county highway connecting diverse communities, many of which aren't LSV friendly.
The green argument holds little water because SoWal is a destination for families in SUVs. Adding LSVs for them after they get here just adds to the drain of raw materials for LSV production, the energy costs of LSV manufacture and operation, and the pollution and land filling disposal of the vehicle at some point in the future.
When SoWal starts getting planned communities for permanent residents, then maybe the green argument will make sense.
Thanks Kurt. You and others make numerous valid points, I don't yet agree with you though overall - If you guys organize and roll back LSV for 30A, so be it.. I'm interested in the dialogue. I was aggressive above admitedly, but make no apology, I felt quite provoked - frankly was caught offguard by an out of character (IMO) comment by SWGB, who usually posts the coolest things, and obviously hence is so well liked by the online community. It caused me to argue way more forcefully 'for" LSVS than I actually otherwise would have, but I still on balance agree with the proposal being forwarded by The Friends of 30A (apparently not your friends lol) I still say, I've been slowed by obnoxious (won't pull over under any circumstance) cyclists on 30A than golf carts (licensed by LSV or not) but I can't speak for your experiences.
As far as the 'green' stuff goes, I have conceded earlier it is no panacea, it is a tough call as to the environment, and your best point is that this causes us to produce more crap (i.e. golf carts) that eventually go to the junk heap, and that's a damn good point, even if more than offset by the carbon benefit, of riding 1000 pound vehicles on electricity while on vacation, vs. 6000 pound vehicles on unleaded gasoline.
Vacation homes and resorts are also superfuous unecessary output waste, by some extension of that logic however. And so therefore, as a user of resorts in general and vacation homes etc. I am not GREEN, and am the opposite of green. If I were truly out to save the planet, I'd sleep in a tent when in SoWal, instead of a house that's occupied 50 days a year. So I'll have to allow you (all) that I'm not truly green in the least, and if any of you are truly living green lives, congrats. All I do is make gestures, like put a solar panel up on a 2nd home, or look into putting up a mini windmill generator on same etc. But those aren't 'green'... b/c the 2nd home itself hurts the planet, just like manufacture and eventual disposal of an LSV.
I'm tired of this topic now... I think I'll change gears so to speak, and just shut up until I trade in my Tahoe for something more planet friendly. All I really want is a convertible, screw golf carts.
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