Signs up, most roads now open to all-terrain vehicles
By Holly Neumann
With signs now in place, all streets in Manawa, unless otherwise marked, are open as ATV and UTV routes.
The routes were approved by the Manawa City Council in February.
“I think the decision to have ATV/UTV routes anywhere is a great economic decision,” Mayor John Smith said in February. “If you do any traveling to the western side of Wisconsin and continue to the Rocky Mountains there are a lot of communities where the ATVs and four wheelers have been operated for many years and with very little issues.”
The city will be following the ATV/UTV guidelines presented by the Department of Natural Resources as well as the state of Wisconsin.
According to these guidelines, anyone can drive an ATV on designated routes, including youth as young as 12 years old when accompanied by an adult and with the required safety certificate.
Accompanying adults are not required to be on the same machine.
UTV drivers must be at least 16 years of age and also have a required safety certificate.
There is no requirement for ATV/UTV owners to carry insurance.
Drivers are reminded to be courteous to pedestrians, motorists and homeowners.
All ATV/UTV operators and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a minimum DOT standard ATV or motorcycle helmet. Bicycle helmets do not meet this requirement.
For more information on the rules and regulations for operating ATVs and UTVs, visit dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/le/le0500.pdf.