ST. MARYS --- It's illegal to drive a golf cart on any sidewalk in St. Marys, but that could soon change.

Some other Georgia communities, such as Peachtree City, already allow carts on paths that run from homes to stores to entertainment venues as a way to set a casual lifestyle. But rising gas prices are prompting others to consider the move since a 20-mile charge of an electric cart costs only 38 cents -- a positive trend for cart manufacturers in Augusta and Newnan, where Club Car, Yamaha and E-Z-Go are based.

City officials in St. Marys will consider a proposal Monday to designate a sidewalk on Point Peter Road a multiuse path for pedestrians, bicycles and golf carts. It would still be illegal to drive carts on other sidewalks.

Residents have no legal way to drive their golf carts downtown to shop, dine or visit the waterfront area because it's against city law to drive a cart on a road with a speed limit higher than 35 mph.

"There are some golf carts doing it now, and they are doing it in jeopardy," said Doug Vaught, the spokesman for a local association of golf cart owners.

Mr. Vaught said he recently delivered a petition signed by more than 100 people urging the City Council to approve the proposal.

The concept will work on Point Peter Road, Mr. Vaught said, because the sidewalk is 8 feet wide, allowing carts traveling in opposite directions to pass each other.

"As gas prices continue to go up, we can expect more golf-cart traffic," he said.

Councilman Greg Bird said city officials have the option of lowering the speed limit to make it legal to drive carts on Point Peter Road. But city officials, including Mr. Bird, believe it will be safer to route cart traffic on the sidewalk.