Proposal presented at Public Works
By Robert Cloud
Gene Goode, president of the Northeast and Central Wisconsin ATV-UTV Asociation, presented a proposed ordinance to New London’s Public Works Board on Sept. 3.
He asked the board to consider an ordinance that opens all city streets to recreational and utility vehicles that are normally used for off-road travel.
The proposed ordinance is modeled after state law regarding all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles.
Goode explained that an ATV has three to four wheels and a single seat, while an UTV has four wheels and can seat up to four people.
Goode said the Waupaca County Board gave municipalities blanket authority to allow ATVs and UTVs on any state, county, municipal roadway with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
All ATV/UTV routes must have signage that meets state standards.
The county retains the authority to close or modify any ATV/UTV route due to safety concerns.
Wisconsin law allows ATVs to travel on state highways within municipalities where the speed limit is 35 mph or less.
Goode told the board that ATV operators are not required to have a driver’s license.
Police Chief Jeff Schlueter asked Goode how old must the operator of an ATV be.
Goode said an ATV driver between the ages of 12-15 is required to have a safety training certificate. A driver that young must also be accompanied by an adult in close proximity.
The driver of an UTV must be at least 16 and have a safety training certificate.
The safety training certification does not apply to drivers born before Jan. 1, 1988.
“No kid can just go out there and drive by themselves,” Goode said.
ATV/UTV operators are not required to have auto insurance.
It is still illegal to operate an ATV/UTV while under influence.
Schlueter also asked if there have been noise complaints from other communities.
He noted homes in cities are usually closer to the road than homes in rural areas.
State law limits ATVs to 96 decibels.
Commerce and safety
Goode said more people are buying and using ATVs and UTVs for recreation.
Allowing ATV/UTV traffic to come through New London will encourage commerce, according to Goode, as the drivers stop for gas or meals.
“We’re sending money out west and up north,” Goode said. “Why not keep it here in the Fox Valley.”
The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism reported, “In 2016, 14 of the 22 fatal ATV or UTV crashes occurred on roadways, eight of them on roads marked as ATV/UTV routes.”
“In some of these on-road crashes, the ATVs or UTVs rolled over or lost control when drivers took a curve or turn too fast, according to DNR summaries,” according to the report. “Drivers also were killed on roads after being hit by a car, another off-road vehicle or a deer or while crossing a U.S. highway while on an ATV route.”