Yes, I do know how to drive a cart…
As a moving vehicle I follow all posted speed limits so going over the bridge at 10 miles per hour on Morse is my mode of behavior. Therefore, I DO NOT need you to rev up your engine to signal your impatience nor your tailgating attempts to push me faster along.
Nor do I need your rude verbal comments about the use of hand signals at stop signs. I want to assure you that I AM going to STOP FULLY at the indicated stop — whether it is the red hexagon; the white pillar between the lanes at the guarded gates; or, WHITE LINES in the various parking areas around the squares. Your comments will only add to heightening of your already elevated blood pressure—not mine. And your foul language only pollutes the ears of those around you.
Likewise, when turning I WILL signal — WITH ARM AND LIGHTS — my intent both to stop and then to turn. I. DO. NOT use the rolling stop so often seen by those who feel that the rules OF THE ROAD apply only to others.
I WILL pull into the opposite lane after signaling to allow walkers and cyclists their unimpeded use of the multimodal path or — if the path is divided by a planted island — await for clearance and thus slow my cart down to their pace until it is safe to pass them. I WILL NOT honk or otherwise startle them from their safe use of the joint-use path.
Lastly, I will not presume that because you have opted to VIOLATE the law and soup-up your gas or electric powered cart to enable it to travel faster than the posted 20 MPH limit for non-licensed, non-street legal registered vehicles that you know how to drive a cart. It only proves that you are a fortunate criminal.
B Howard Penix is a resident of the Village of Buttonwood