In the random-paired and rearranged-paired cases the capacity of the lane increases to 4520 vph as the percentage of Lean Machines in the traffic stream reaches 100 percent (Figure 5).

While the golf cart indicates that such a simple, low power vehicle can be manufactured and distributed at a low price relative to a conventional vehicle, the term golf cart was not used when the research began because it suggested a very restricted travel function, as well as a particular life style.  But as work progressed, the golf cart was increasingly given attention because of its presence in a number of communities and the possibility of its multiple uses.

On Figure 17, cart paths are indicated by thin lines and are not named. In many cases, they provide “short cuts" when compared to travel on the conventional street system. In all, there are 60 miles of paths in [Peachtree City], which covers about 15,000 acres, and paths are being extended as the community grows. Serving two way traffic, pavements are 8 feet wide. Undercrossings or overcrossings are provided at major streets. 

Chartered in 1959, growth began in the middle 1960s and population has reached about 23,000 persons and about 7,500 households. Single family dwellings dominate. Only about 10 percent of the dwellings are condominiums or apartments, although they are being added at an increasing rate.

About one half of the households own golf carts, and about one half of these are reported to be used exclusively for nongolf purposes. A driver’s license is required for operation on city streets. No license is required for operation on cart roads, although the City requires that drivers be at least 12 years of age
or be accompanied by a licensed driver.

The City Engineer of Peachtree City has proposed modifications to the cart path system. The proposal identifies trails for pedestrians, connectors to connect residential streets and commercial/institutional facilities to the path system, and collectors feeding arterials. Proposed widths are, respectively, 6, 8, 10, and 12 feet. Trail use is to be restricted to pedestrians, otherwise, there is to be mixed use.

Uses of the golf cart and similar size vehicles indicate a market niche for neighborhood cars. One question is that of the size of the market niche. Is what is observed a fleshed out market oriented largely to special situations or are we seeing first evidence of a new transportation service? To what extent is neighborhood accessibility a driving force for the spread of neighborhood car services? What’s the role of improvements in the quality of neighborhoods?

“Studies of Road Infrastructure Requirements for Small Innovative Vehicles,” 

William L. Garrison, NOV 1993
University of California, Berkeley