Spokane County commissioners skeptical of new ATV law [The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.]
By Mike Prager, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
But
Lawmakers last spring approved ATVs on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower but gave control over the decision to local governments.
Rep.
The problem has been
The law was described as a compromise among ATV enthusiasts, conservationists and government.
The law sets up a licensing system for ATVs, intended to control illegal off-road use of the vehicles and prevent ATV thefts.
Licensed ATVs would need safety and other equipment, such as spark arrestors, to be allowed on regular roads.
Shea and ATV users said opening local roads to the vehicles would create tourist opportunities in rural areas where economies have been depressed over the years.
It would also create new, legal riding opportunities closer to home, said
"I think there are lots of roads that could be opened to ATVs in this county," he said.
Cahill said he travels to other states to ride and has discovered the draw of ATVs provides economic stimulus in small communities outside of
Conservationists and landowners have been concerned over the years that some ATV riders tear up property and damage wetlands. Opening roads to legal riding also opens up opportunities to go off-road, conservationists said.
"It shouldn't be everywhere," he said of allowing ATVs on public roads, "but it should be in some places."
Spokane County Engineer
He said riders might go up and down ditches and embankments, causing erosion and other problems.
Commissioner
Cahill said he believes the concerns are overstated. ATV owners carry insurance to cover their liability, he said.
"Most people who are out there riding are very respectable people," he said. "We are kind of self-policing."
As an option, Cahill said, ATV enthusiasts would like to have routes designated for ATV use. The law provides that option, particularly on roads that connect ATV parks with small towns.
Riding ATVs is common in rural areas, Commissioner
Auditor
The map includes the
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