"I totally believe that if we keep them off the highways, they're safe," said Jim Markley, a Middlebury resident. "I don't see a thing wrong with it."

Though only two residents spoke about the issue -- both in favor of it -- council members said the idea of driving the vehicles on local streets has become a popular topic around town.

"I've had more people come to me on this issue than any other issue since I've been here," said Jack Kortie, a councilman since 2004.

Council President Gary O'Dell said the council will continue to look into the issue. There would likely be a number of roads that would be off-limits, he said, including highways and C.R. 16, due to safety concerns.

O'Dell isn't against the use of carts in neighborhoods, subdivisions or other local roads, he said.

"I'm not saying it's going to be easy on the police department, but it'd be foolish for us not to look into it," he said.

Ken "Pete" Fore, the Middlebury retiree who first questioned the council on the issue, said he understands the restrictions and limitations that would come with such an ordinance. He's just hoping the town will approve a more cost-effective means of daily transportation, he said.

State code allows towns to regulate golf carts on roadways, according to Town Manager Lowell Miller. More than a dozen Indiana communities have debated the issue in the last two years.

In order to be road-ready, drivers would likely have to have their carts insured and outfit them with seatbelts, head and taillights and a slow-moving vehicle sign. Either the town hall or police department would be responsible for the registration process.

"We'll look further into it," O'Dell said. "Because I think we need to."