Voters in Royalton, Vermont will be considering at the town meeting next week whether to allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on parts of some town roads.
The Cascadnac Valley Wheelers has requested access to town roads linking to the borders of Tunbridge and Barnard. It would be step toward connecting the Westshire ATV Club’s trails in West Fairlee and Vershire with the Vermont Quad Runners’ trails in Barnard, Bridgewater, Stockbridge and Killington, the Valley News reported.
“We’re just looking to get a way to connect communities,” said Ian MacKenzie, who leads the Cascadnac Valley Wheelers and is a former member of the Royalton recreation committee.
But some residents don’t think ATVs belong on town highways.
“I worry about these small noisy vehicles roaring up and down our narrow back roads,” said Selectboard member John Dumville. “People live on rural back roads because they like the quiet environment.”
He also said ATVs could be dangerous on roads with other vehicles and could damage roads if riders abuse them.
McKenzie suggested that ATVs would be allowed on the roads from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., from May to October but the dates could be adjusted depending on seasonal road conditions. ATV drivers have to wear helmets, and the club plans to enforce a 20 mph speed limit on its trails, the newspaper reported.
The club would also meet with the Selectboard yearly to discuss any areas of reported abuse, McKenzie said.
Topics Vermont
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