St. Louis Residents Choosing Golf Carts Instead of Cars

Residents of the neighborhood of Soulard started a trend at the beginning of the decade that has changed the face of the neighborhood, and started to catch on in other parts of the city of St. Louis as well.

1 minute read

October 30, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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"In St. Louis, [golf carts are] somewhat synonymous with Soulard, where many residents use the vehicles for everyday purposes around the neighborhood — and the carts have become a common sight in some other St. Louis areas as well," according to an article by Evie Hemphill.

The trend of residents are choosing golf carts for transportation was the subject of an episode ofSt. Louis on the Air, featuring host Sarah Fenske in conversation with St. Louis transportation planner Scott Ogilvie and Midwest Golf Car manager and mechanic Kurt Hagen.

If you missed the show, see also an article on the same subject written by Mike McHugh in September 2017, who confirms, as objectively as possible, the existence of a neighborhood located nowhere near a golf course that is nonetheless filled with golf carts. Another 2010 article written by Doug Moore for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch also corroborates the trend.

As for why people are making the rare choice to downsize their automotive transportation in Soulard and beyond, Moore speaks to residents who say the vehicles are environmentally friendly and encourage social interaction.

Sunday, October 27, 2019 in St. Louis Public Radio

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