Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
Though most all terrain vehicle drivers are responsible, a few bad apples are spoiling the fun, city councillors were told Wednesday by Dave Bolton, chair of the city's ATV advisory panel.
That is why a bylaw regulating their use is needed, he said at a priorities meeting of city council.
Bolton and 11 other members from police, transportation, economic development and bylaw city staff and citizens are working to develop a bylaw to be in force sometime later this year.
The bylaw would respect the principles of community safety and environmental protection. It would discourage unauthorized use of private property but consider and facilitate potential tourism development.
"Most ATV owners are responsible. But a small minority ruin it for others. We need a bylaw to control them," said Ward 5 Coun. Ron Dupuis.
"ATVs are not a fad. They will be with us a long time, especially in the outlying areas. I saw this problem with snowmobiles in the past. Then programs were enacted to encourage better ridership," he noted.
Bolton presented figures which indicate Canadians spent $3.3 billion on ATV activities in 2005, including 24.9 per cent on meals and accommodations. In 2006, a total of 89,006 ATVs were sold, with one million in use.
"A bylaw gives local enforcement officers some teeth," said Ward 7 Coun. Russ Thompson.
It would also allow a trail system to be developed, even using some existing roadways after careful consideration, said Bolton.
The lack of a trail system has made it difficult to organize chapters of provincial ATV associations. Membership makes it easier to get insurance and other benefits. But lack of linked trail systems has hindered organizing a chapter here, said Bolton. The Ontario Federation Of ATVs has training courses for youth, he said.
"If we had organized trails and training programs through local ATV chapters, then 12-year-olds could learn how to ride safely," he added.
Enacting a bylaw that allowed limited and regulated use of some roads is necessary before clubs can be organized, he noted. Having a club helps to educate the public on proper and safe ridership.
Thompson thought the panel's recommendations were reasonable.
"You are not asking to ride up and down roads. You are suggesting some local roads be used to link various trails together to make a more comprehensive trail system," said Thompson.
