Requests the city of Baton Rouge to designate golf cart accessibility lanes in certain areas of downtown Baton Rouge.
Impact
If adopted, this resolution could lead to the implementation of designated golf cart lanes from North Street to River Road towards the State Capitol, potentially alleviating congestion caused by standard vehicles in downtown Baton Rouge. By creating these lanes, the city might encourage more residents and visitors to utilize golf carts, which could further the goals of reducing traffic and promoting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.
Summary
Senate Resolution 194, introduced by Senator Cathey, urges the city of Baton Rouge to designate specific lanes for golf carts in certain areas downtown. The resolution highlights the growing popularity of golf carts for short-distance travel on public roads, emphasizing their classification as low-speed vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. This initiative aims to support the ongoing efforts of Baton Rouge to enhance pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, contributing to safer transportation options throughout the city.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SR194 appears to be positive, with proponents likely viewing the addition of golf cart lanes as a progressive step towards more sustainable urban mobility solutions. By fostering a multifaceted transportation approach, the resolution aligns with contemporary city planning trends that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety alongside vehicular access.
Contention
While the resolution currently focuses on requesting a feasibility study, there could be potential points of contention concerning the allocation of city resources and how the implementation might affect existing traffic patterns and infrastructure. Residents and city officials may have differing opinions on the prioritization of golf cart lanes over traditional vehicle traffic, and discussions around this issue could become more pronounced as the resolution moves forward.
Requests DOTD to 6-lane Florida Boulevard between downtown Baton Rouge and the town of Livingston and implement "reversible" lanes to accommodate peak traffic hours.
Requests DOTD study feasibility of south alternative routes to I-12 in the parishes of East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension between US 61 and LA 16.
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to include the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport in the passenger rail system between Baton Rouge to New Orleans
Commends East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotic Division for their exceptional investigative efforts as well as their aggressive arrest and prosecution of fentanyl dealers in the Greater Baton Rouge Metro Area.