Foley City Council Enhances Golf Cart Accessibility to Boost North-South Connectivity

R. Ken Cooper • May 17, 2023

Foley's New Golf Cart Ordinance Aims to Improve City Connectivity

Foley City Council Enhances Golf Cart Accessibility to Boost North-South Connectivity

Foley, Ala. - (OBA) - In a bid to provide residents with alternative modes of transportation, Foley City Council has moved towards expanding the streets where golf carts are permitted. The council approved the initial reading of an ordinance that aims to improve the city's north-south connectivity on Monday, May 15, 2023.


The ordinance, slated for a final vote on June 5, would allow golf carts on sections of Oak Street, Pine Street, and West Roosevelt Avenue, located west of Alabama 59. Golf carts are currently permitted on several streets and alleys in Foley, including areas near the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.


Mayor Ralph Hellmich has expressed that this expansion will offer increased access to golf cart and low-speed vehicle drivers, particularly those traveling in a north-south direction. “This will close the gap with connectivity,” Hellmich said. He further noted that after this action, not many more streets are expected to be included in the golf cart routes due to traffic safety concerns.


“We’ve talked about other areas in Foley, but there are really no other areas in Foley that has this type of unique situation,” Hellmich said. “On the southeast side of Foley, they’re isolated subdivisions where you have higher-speed roads, so I don’t envision, at this time, any other movement toward streets.”


Hellmich said other streets in the older section of Foley, such as Cedar Street, have too much traffic for golf carts to be allowed.


The plan also involves reducing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour on the designated streets, in compliance with state law that disallows golf carts on streets with a limit above this speed. 


David Wilson, the Public Safety Director, clarified that anyone operating a low-speed vehicle or golf cart must be a licensed driver and that all other city and state vehicle laws, such as penalties for drunk driving, still apply.


Share this article w/ Friends...

Staying Cool on the Gulf Coast: How Residents Can Beat Extreme Heat
By OBA Staff July 28, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast has experienced successive heat waves lately. Humidity increases the heat index—a measure that combines air temperature and moisture—and reduces the effectiveness of sweating. Consequently, moderate temperatures can feel significantly hotter, and high heat indexes above 105 °
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor July 28, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As the final days of July give way to August, the Gulf Coast remains a steady hub of activity, with a wide variety of options for locals and visitors alike. From themed breakfasts and family-friendly fishing charters to live music, waterfront dining, and local market shopping, the week offe
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen July 28, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A bar that has faced scrutiny in the past and denied a conditional use permit to continue operating is going back to the Gulf Shores City Council for another try. SingPlayDance is seeking the CUP in the old Cohiba Dunes space in the Pelican Place shopping complex. Late-night troubles at the
Gulf Shores Fire Rescue receives a check from The Hangout
By Riley Marie July 27, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — What makes a strong community isn’t just who lives there - it’s who’s willing to protect it, no matter the cost. The men and women at Gulf Shores Fire Rescue (GSFR) display this willingness to serve their community exceptionally. This includes protecting Gulf Shores residents and visitors of
Gulf Coast Restaurants Welcome Parents Day Visitors
By OBA Staff July 27, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —Families across the Alabama Gulf Coast are preparing to celebrate National Parents Day by enjoying time together at local restaurants. This tradition allows people to honor their parents in a way that feels both relaxed and meaningful. The Gulf Coast setting adds to the sense of gratitude...
New Baldwin Preparatory School Celebrates Strong First Year
By OBA Staff July 27, 2025
Loxley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Economic Alliance cheered the success of the school's first year success in a news release detailing the progress. After just one year in operation, Baldwin Preparatory Academy (Baldwin Prep) is already reshaping what education can look like for students in Baldwin County. Laun
Baldwin County Schools Ranked Among Top 25 in Alabama
By OBA Staff July 26, 2025
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County Public Schools has earned a spot among the Top 25 school districts in Alabama, according to Niche, a website that ranks schools based on academics, teachers, and student outcomes. The recognition highlights the district’s dedication to educational quality and student...
2025 Shrimp Fest Live Music Lineup Includes Funk and Throwback Hits
By OBA Staff July 26, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores will offer four days of live music and entertainment starting with two main stages filled with local and touring artists. Performers will play a mix of country, rock, blues, jazz, and R&B for visitors. Festival admission is free. Guests can enjoy n
Kids Win Fishing Event Set for September at The Wharf
By OBA Staff July 26, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Children across the Gulf Coast will soon have the chance to cast their lines and reel in big memories as the “Kids Win” fishing event returns to Orange Beach. Held at The Wharf, the family-friendly event will include both fishing and fun activities geared toward young anglers. Parents and l
Bay Watch Boat Ramp
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Weeks Bay, Ala. — (OBA) — The Bay Watch Public Boat Ramp in Baldwin County, Alabama, is now open again after a period of closure for major parking improvements. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) finished the upgrades this month, which are expected to help local anglers, boaters...
Show More