ATV's

[ruppsterdog]

OK, let's stir things up here...ATV's, off-road motorcycles, they are the same. We pay property taxes, sales taxes and also gas taxes but the state gives us no place to ride. Taxation without representation as I see it. What's the state doing with all that money? I'll tell you, it goes to the general fund. I say eliminate these taxes when we purchase these machines and the gas to run them until we get a place to legally ride.

[Tino3]

Are there that many ATV users? Where do you usually ride? All that I hear about ATVs is negative. Tell me more about the sport. Are there clubs? What do you think the state should do? How much land do you think you would need to do this without being offensive to others? I'm curious to learn more about this sport before I can give an opinion. Thanks!

[ruppsterdog]

There are approximately 75 thousand ATV's in the state of Ct without a legal place to ride. There are clubs in Ct trying to get some space opened up. NETRA is one of those clubs representing off road motorcycles. Unfortunately motorcycles are considered ATV's and motorcycles don't do the majority of the damge but are taking the hit from being lumped into the same category.

[jma]

Sorry folks, I don't agree with providing open spaces for ATV's. Should Kansas create a boating area just because some people purchased boats?? CT just doesn't have enough land for open riding. Meriden certainly doesn't. I'm tired of parents buying quads, ATV's and minibikes for their kids, knowing there is no legal place to ride. Don't get them in the first place!! If you're serious about riding, move to a state with more open land. Sorry to rain on your parade, but this sense of entitlement is getting old.

[mnozzolio]

I agree with JMA. Just because you purchased the vehicles doesn't mean that you have the right to ride it anywhere you like. Also, I'm afraid that the ATV community will have to do some self-policing because, unfortunately, the knuckleheads who willingly vandalize property give the activity a worse name than it already has.

Why not get the kids a bicycle so they can get some real exercise? Our kids are getting too fat as it is.

[ruppsterdog]

All I'm saying that all the taxes we pay for these machines has gone into a black hole. Zero has gone for open space. Let me ask a legitimate question, you purchase your car, pay Ct. tax on the sale? You buy gas, pay taxes to the state? You pay property tax on your car? So do we and have not been provided a place to ride like you do with your car. What if you didn't have a road to ride on after paying all of your taxes? You'd be upset too.

[gunderstone]

Hi ruppsterdog,

I do agree with you that you (and other ATV owners) are disadvantaged with respect to a place to ride despite paying all the same taxes as regular vehicle users.

Given that, I have to agree with jma - if I lived in Kansas (as he used as an example) and bought a boat and had all the same tax structures as a person that bought a car (sales, property, fuel tax, etc) I would be upset as well.

At the same time I'd have to be realistic about my situation in that example - I would have bought my boat knowing my situation of living in Kansas and not really being near a decent place to use it.

In the idea of creating a body of water to use the boat in Kansas is not going to happen but if you're really passionate about riding ATVs in Connecticut you at least have the option to petition other riders and get in touch with your state and local representatives to discuss your concerns.

If you consider as you already pointed out - you pay all these taxes - attempt to get the representation from them that you expect for paying them.

[ruppsterdog]

Hi gunderstone,
I appreciate your comments. I'm sure Kansas has lakes that one could trailer their boats to. No lakes have to be created, it's nature, they are there, just like land is, it appears naturally. I know this will not go over well but for example, Meriden just took title to 800 plus acres. Off road vehicles have always used it, so let's open a portion of it up to riders...legally. Also, the dump, let's think about this, it's just that...a dump...let's open that up.

[ruppsterdog]

I agree with JMA. Just because you purchased the vehicles doesn't mean that you have the right to ride it anywhere you like. Also, I'm afraid that the ATV community will have to do some self-policing because, unfortunately, the knuckleheads who willingly vandalize property give the activity a worse name than it already has.

Why not get the kids a bicycle so they can get some real exercise? Our kids are getting too fat as it is.

I'm not a kid, most ATV's are owned by tax paying adults...If I pay taxes on it, I should be able to ride it.

[mnozzolio]

Ruppers -- You asked if I'd be upset if I bought a car and there were no roads to use it. If there were no roads, I wouldn't have bought the car in the first place.

I think that you have a legitimate right to ride the ATVs on property if a landowner is willing to let you use it. I also think that it may be a good idea for the state to set aside an area for ATV use. However, we alll know that open space is at premium. Until that happens, ATVs should not be allowed on restricted-use trails with hikers and perhapse mountain bikers.

[skimoose]

All I'm saying that all the taxes we pay for these machines has gone into a black hole. Zero has gone for open space. Let me ask a legitimate question, you purchase your car, pay Ct. tax on the sale? You buy gas, pay taxes to the state? You pay property tax on your car? So do we and have not been provided a place to ride like you do with your car. What if you didn't have a road to ride on after paying all of your taxes? You'd be upset too.

Just because we pay taxes, doesn't entitle us to anything. If I purchased a race car and pay taxes, should the state build me a track to use it on? I'd love to purchase and restore a steam locomotive, if I pay taxes, should the state build me a rail line to operate it on?

And to your comments about the dump... think about it, the dump is a TOXIC wastepit which was capped with our tax dollars to protect us, our children, and the environment from our forefather's short-sightedness. Off road vehicles tear through the protective cap exposing the pollutants buried beneath it, and every time disrespectful riders tear it up our tax dollars have to go into repairing the damage. That's more money wasted that can't be used for creating a safe place for riders.

The tax Black Hole might not be so big if people thought more about the cost of their actions.

[skimoose]

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for riders having a place to use their ATVs and bikes. You've already pointed to a solution, which doesn't involve tax dollars, too. If there really are 75,000 riders in this state alone, then an association should be formed. If each member contributed $1,000 to a fund, you'd have $75 million to purchase a huge track of land, pay the taxes on it virtually forever, maintain the property, and cover liability insurance, too. Then the tax dollars that are collected from riders can be used for rider safety training, repair costs for damages caused by illegal riding, and other atv related uses. Everyone would win then. People need to stop relying on the government for everything.

[ruppsterdog]

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for riders having a place to use their ATVs and bikes. You've already pointed to a solution, which doesn't involve tax dollars, too. If there really are 75,000 riders in this state alone, then an association should be formed. If each member contributed $1,000 to a fund, you'd have $75 million to purchase a huge track of land, pay the taxes on it virtually forever, maintain the property, and cover liability insurance, too. Then the tax dollars that are collected from riders can be used for rider safety training, repair costs for damages caused by illegal riding, and other atv related uses. Everyone would win then. People need to stop relying on the government for everything.

Good morning Ski
We've already paid our taxes, but they went to the general fund instead of to purchase open space, thank you Mr. Rowland. Presently there are groups trying to establish riding areas. NETRA, NETA and the Connecticut off-road coalition. It's tough though with, excuse the pun, well funded tree huggers fighting our every step.

[gunderstone]

Hi ruppsterdog,

I have read about some issues with ATV riders at the Meriden dump and you bring it up so let's use that.

What are your arguments for allowing ATV use at the Meriden Landfill site? I know it sounds like an obvious question but I'd like to hear your arguments "for"

At the same time is there anyone here that sees why that use couldn't or shouldn't be allowed?

[ruppsterdog]

Well, for one, it's open space. Unused open space, for the sake of argument, keep everyone off of the "dome" as to not damage the cover, easy enough. Why not charge a "rental" fee so once in a while an officer can go by and sound check machines to ensure factory mufflers and toss out any ruffians. Registration is available from the state, so ensure machines have a plate. Most machine do not, why register it if you can ride it mentality. If a machine is muffled to factory specs, it's no loader than an airplane taking off accross the street.

[gunderstone]

All solid arguements.

I am not a resident of Meriden (I live in Wallingford) but have you approached any of your Town Councilors about your thoughts on this resolution option?

[ruppsterdog]

I have approached them in conversation. It's a political hot potato, and probably political suicide. I've seen the legislation for New Hampshire, truly a full time job to get it together, I just don't have the time or smarts to put together a package and present something formally to our state or city

[gunderstone]

So given the fact that this has been a fairly active thread I wanted to ask everyone their opinion of today's article in the paper.

For the benefit of those that haven't had the chance to review it here are the details from page 1 and 4 of the Tuesday January 9th edition of the RJ:


ATVs spotted in Hubbard Park

Investigation finds two gates unlocked

By Steven Scarpa

Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN — Despite recent police efforts to crack down on all-terrain vehicle riders in restricted public spaces, there was some flagrant flouting of city ordinances Sunday morning.

Three ATVs were spotted on Percival Park Road in Hubbard Park. They then drove north and were seen at the top of South Mountain. The main gate leading to Castle Craig was locked, and it’s not clear how they got into the park, but the riders were seen leaving by opening an unlocked gate at the water filtration site at the south end of Merimere Reservoir.

According to police, ATV riding is not allowed at the park.

Mark Zebora, city parks and public works director, was shocked by the news. “We found another (gate) on the Southington side (of Hubbard Park) that was popped,” Zebora said.

Zebora said three more gates would be added, including near the north end of the reservoir and on the trail up to the old gas lines. “It does help. We’ve definitely carved it down from how it was before,” he said. “We are not going to let them beat us.”

Lt. Michael Zakrzewski, commander of the Police Department’s traffic division, said that when patrols were sent out looking for ATV riders last week, none were found. The officers have gone out on other occasions and arrested several riders. “The coverage was good. The ATVs just weren’t out there. … It is very hit or miss,” he said.

A rented helicopter was used for one recent search, but the cost of $270 an hour is prohibitive, Zakrzewski. He said officers traveling along the Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail and in other locations talk to the walkers there, hoping to collect in*formation that would lead to future arrests.

“There is no real pattern to when they go out. We try to be random with our patrols,” Zakrzewski said. Zakrzewski acknowledges that making more legal trails available to riders could solve part of the problem. He praised a Middletown farmer who opened up part of his property, charged riders a fee, had them sign a waiver, and allowed them to ride as much as they like.

“There are very few places where they can ride legally,” he said.

Justin Miller, a parts consultant at Willow’s Motor Sports in Cheshire, believes that enforcement against illegal riders is necessary. “There are always a couple of guys that give us a bad name, a bad rap,” Miller said.

Miller said the state receives federal money that could be used for the upkeep of public riding trails. However, the money is often allotted somewhere else, he said. “The state wants us to register, but don’t give us the property to ride,” Miller said.

Fellow riders feel the same way. He estimates the bulk of ATV and motorbike riders don’t register their vehicles and, thus, don’t pay fees, because of the lack of legal riding terrain. “I am not going to pay taxes on something I can’t legally use,” Miller said. “It is like the Boston Tea Party, only smaller.”

Record-Journal chief photographer Chris French contributed to this story.
sscarpa@record-journal.com (203) 317-2225




So what are your thoughts on the article itself and the topic ongoing in general?

[GLenn]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to speak about what we, as ATVers are facing in CT. I’m involved with two organizations; Connecticut Trail Users and northeastatvers.com

Under Connecticut law, an ATV is a four, three or two wheeled vehicle, weighing under 1,000 pounds, that the rider straddles to operate. This is a bit different from how other states define an ATV. Most other states define ATVs as 4 wheeled vehicles and dirt bikes as dirt bikes. In Connecticut, both are considered ATVs.

Currently, there are no legal places for people to ride their ATVs. Some folks have arrangements with private land owners. As far as public places…there are non to be had.

There have been a few comments here about the lack of land in Connecticut and “just because you own one, doesn’t mean you’re entitled to riding areas”. My stance on that is public land is public. If you’re going to allow other forms of recreation on public land, why not ATV use? These facilities could be separate from current user groups, but should be considered nonetheless. Furthermore, if there’s a shortage of land in Connecticut, should we take away current state land from other recreational user groups? Is land at that much of premium? It’s not very fair to say one user group is more deserving than another.

There’s been a law on the books since the 1980’s saying the state will provide land for ATV use. For some reason, that has not happened yet. A lot of folks in the ATV community are notably frustrated by the fact that there are laws, but no land.

In addition, many trails in current state parks were constructed by motorized trail users. I’m not sure about the exact timeframe, so I’ll make an educated guess that this occurred sometime in the 1960’s and/or 1970’s. Imagine how frustrating it must be to see trails you and your organization built, but are now off limits to your use.

Many of us ride our ATVs legally in Massachusetts. From the Meriden/Wallingford area, you can get to a few riding areas in about an hour or two hours. The season is open from May, until the last Sunday in November.

I personally believe a lot of the trespassing issues we read about in the Record Journal are due to the lack of riding opportunities in the state. I will say, this is NOT a justification for illegal riding; it just helps explain why it happens. I feel if people had legal means to enjoy their ATV in Connecticut, we would see instances of trespassing decline.

[ruppsterdog]

Well said GLenn. your perspective is right on the money. Seeing the picture of the 2 ATV's in Hubbard Park on the front page of the paper make me think it must be a really slow news day.

[gunderstone]

Thanks GLenn and ruppsterdog for your input on this.

GLenn you indicated that there’s been a law on the books since the 1980’s saying the state will provide land for ATV use - would you happen to know where additional information could be reviewed on this?

I find it interesting that there's a law on the books that no one will adhere to or use to otherwise represent the ATV riders and their right to ride.

If this is a fact then I would think that the ATV riders would have something to stand on when discussing this with representatives.

I personally am not an ATV rider but I would like to review the law if there is any information you could provide here

[GLenn]

I will do my best to dig up the actual law/regulation that states land will be provided. It's out on the net; probably on one of the State of CT's sites. It's just a matter of me digging it up.

Connecticut Trail Users recently re-formed as a multi-user Off Highway Vehicle group comprised of dirt bikes, ATVs (four wheelers, quads) and Full size 4x4s (Jeeps and whatnot). We hope by combining all of our resources collectively, we can make arrangements to enjoy our respective OHV activities legally in the state of Connecticut.

[gunderstone]

Cool.

If you know any of the title information I might be able to pull it up online (I wouldn't know what it would be called but I thought you might)

Anyway, as I mentioned. I'm interested in reviewing it some

[Grey Cat]

These two sites might be helpful:

http://dep.state.ct.us/rec/atvplan_final.pdf

http://atvsafety.gov/legislation/connecticutlaw.pdf

[GLenn]

These two sites might be helpful:

http://dep.state.ct.us/rec/atvplan_final.pdf

http://atvsafety.gov/legislation/connecticutlaw.pdf

Thanks for posting those. The first link is a proposal the DEP came up with in 2002. I think that one didn't pass due to the universal registration requirement some on the other side of the debate were demanding.

If you look at "Apendix C", it touches on how state land is viable, with permission. I want to say that's part of the law, but out of the context of the orginal statute, I can't tell.

[Grey Cat]

Contact this person and ask about the laws.

Leslie Lewis, State Parks Division, at (860)424-3578 or via email at leslie.lewis@po.state.ct.us.

[GLenn]

I know Leslie from the NOHVCC meetings and some meetings I've done with the CFPA. :)

[Ameridencitizen]

Give them land and this "Destruction" wont happin.

[ruppsterdog]

I don't think the paper got any bang for their buck by running the ATV picture in Hubbard Park on the front page. As of this morning, there hasn't been any letters to the editor flaming the activity. I thought he flood gates would open up bashing the whole sport.

[gunderstone]

Sometimes depending on timelines and review the letters may not show up for a few days (although sometimes they are there the very next day)

As I mentioned before, I am just curious on the subject so I wouldn't necessarily have the passion to write a letter to the editor on the topic.

Others here are avid riders and quite passionate on the subject.

So I'll ask them here - did you write a letter to the editor? Are you planning to?

If you're not - why is that?

[ruppsterdog]

No plans to write any letters, I'm in a positition that if I wrote what I write here publicly, I'd catch too much grief. Like I've stated here, I know what has to be done but do not have the time nor the education to do so properly. I've personally seen 2 people with high energy go after this on a regular basis get burned out. I've also seen one politician resign because of the headaches surrounding this. I cannot remember her name but she was the president of the audobon society. Maybe someone can dig it up, this was just last year.

[Joecitizen]

So given the fact that this has been a fairly active thread I wanted to ask everyone their opinion of today's article in the paper.

For the benefit of those that haven't had the chance to review it here are the details from page 1 and 4 of the Tuesday January 9th edition of the RJ:


ATVs spotted in Hubbard Park

Investigation finds two gates unlocked

By Steven Scarpa

Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN — Despite recent police efforts to crack down on all-terrain vehicle riders in restricted public spaces, there was some flagrant flouting of city ordinances Sunday morning.

Three ATVs were spotted on Percival Park Road in Hubbard Park. They then drove north and were seen at the top of South Mountain. The main gate leading to Castle Craig was locked, and it’s not clear how they got into the park, but the riders were seen leaving by opening an unlocked gate at the water filtration site at the south end of Merimere Reservoir.

According to police, ATV riding is not allowed at the park.

Mark Zebora, city parks and public works director, was shocked by the news. “We found another (gate) on the Southington side (of Hubbard Park) that was popped,” Zebora said.

Zebora said three more gates would be added, including near the north end of the reservoir and on the trail up to the old gas lines. “It does help. We’ve definitely carved it down from how it was before,” he said. “We are not going to let them beat us.”

Lt. Michael Zakrzewski, commander of the Police Department’s traffic division, said that when patrols were sent out looking for ATV riders last week, none were found. The officers have gone out on other occasions and arrested several riders. “The coverage was good. The ATVs just weren’t out there. … It is very hit or miss,” he said.

A rented helicopter was used for one recent search, but the cost of $270 an hour is prohibitive, Zakrzewski. He said officers traveling along the Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail and in other locations talk to the walkers there, hoping to collect in*formation that would lead to future arrests.

“There is no real pattern to when they go out. We try to be random with our patrols,” Zakrzewski said. Zakrzewski acknowledges that making more legal trails available to riders could solve part of the problem. He praised a Middletown farmer who opened up part of his property, charged riders a fee, had them sign a waiver, and allowed them to ride as much as they like.

“There are very few places where they can ride legally,” he said.

Justin Miller, a parts consultant at Willow’s Motor Sports in Cheshire, believes that enforcement against illegal riders is necessary. “There are always a couple of guys that give us a bad name, a bad rap,” Miller said.

Miller said the state receives federal money that could be used for the upkeep of public riding trails. However, the money is often allotted somewhere else, he said. “The state wants us to register, but don’t give us the property to ride,” Miller said.

Fellow riders feel the same way. He estimates the bulk of ATV and motorbike riders don’t register their vehicles and, thus, don’t pay fees, because of the lack of legal riding terrain. “I am not going to pay taxes on something I can’t legally use,” Miller said. “It is like the Boston Tea Party, only smaller.”

Record-Journal chief photographer Chris French contributed to this story.
sscarpa@record-journal.com (203) 317-2225




So what are your thoughts on the article itself and the topic ongoing in general?
I would like to express my thoughts on this article.
First, I would like to tell you that I hike Hubbard Park frequently and it is not at all uncommon to see ATVs' and motorcycles on the trails so the fact that anyone could be shocked that they are there tells me that our city officials do not know what, if anything, is there at all.
Secondly, no gates have to be removed to enter the park on an off road vehicle. If you travel Percival Park Road to the reservior spillway and go through the giant concrete blocks toward Berlin, look to the left side of the road WHERE THE ATV TRACKS ARE and you will see where they cross a small stream into the park. Even closer access to the main park area is through a flattened fence on Reservior Avenue WHERE THE ATV TRACKS ARE routed under the highway bridge onto Percival Park Road. These access points should be fairly obvious to anyone, even high ranking city employees and police officers.

[Eastside Bill]

Just because you own an ATV does not entitle you to use it anywhere you please. People who go out and spend the not inconsequential amount of money to buy one should have had the foresight to think "Gosh, where can I use this?" ATVs certainly do not belong anywhere in our parks. The Meriden city code has said that for a long time so it should not be any shock to ATV riders that they will be fined if they do so. You know, if you really want to experience the great outdoors, try doing it on foot!

[stellas mom]

I have to agree with mnozzolio. The only experience that I have had with ATVs is bad, in that they have come thru my backyard and ride thru the woods at the end of my street - and a neighbor recently has decided that he'll let his kid ride his ATV DOWN THE SIDEWALK. I don't see a lot of common sense being used when it comes to ATVs, and, outside of living in Vermont/NH, central CT is not the place for an ATV. If you live in a neighborhood, you shouldn't be riding one of those things in it. Period. Get a bike, try to get away from anything gas-powered for a thrill - or move to the woods of NH.

[ruppsterdog]

So true, nobody should ever ride an ATV or dirtbike on the sidewalk or street. There are plenty of woodlands here in Ct to ride in that should be made legal, we shouldn't have to go out of state to ride. After all, we pay Ct taxes on them, not NH taxes.

[Eastside Bill]

I'm not a kid, most ATV's are owned by tax paying adults...If I pay taxes on it, I should be able to ride it.

Sure you should be able to ride it, but not through city & state parks, land trust property, and private property. You need designated trails, but also need to stay off land and trails that are not designated for ATV use. I pay taxes on my car and don't really expect that I can drive it on sidewalks or across a softball field just because I'm a taxpayer.

[ruppsterdog]

Sure you should be able to ride it, but not through city & state parks, land trust property, and private property. You need designated trails, but also need to stay off land and trails that are not designated for ATV use. I pay taxes on my car and don't really expect that I can drive it on sidewalks or across a softball field just because I'm a taxpayer.

But you are provided with streets to ride on with your auto. We are provided with nothing. All the taxes go into the general fund, thanks to John Rowland.
I am totally against riding on the streets and sidewalks, see my prevoius post.

[eds]

ATVs might be allowed anywhere were it not for lack of respect.

The ATV riders I see sometimes on public roads, in snowstorms, and such ride irresponsibly. They act in a manner that endangers others. Plus they are noisy.

My car has a muffler. There are ordinances against those "fart pipes" in Wallingford. I've seen cars driiving recklessly too.

I've been on trails that allow bicycles and have been nearly run off the road by a cyclist intent on being the next Lance Armstrong.

Its not about ATV's per se. They are an easy item to attach a greater problem. That problem is respect. Everyone needs to respect the rights of others. We all have limited nature lands to enjoy and urban sprawl is taking those areas away everyday. We need to work together to come to a mutual and respectful way in which both can co-exist on the same land.

[JohnH]

I live in South Meriden and recently there have been issues with quad riders pulling down signs on the new trail. The cap that was put on the landfill was torn up by a few idiots before the grass grew in and this was all done at tax payers expense. These few idiots will ruin it for all quad riders.

Just a suggestion but why not form some sort of association and buy some land to ride on? There has got to be some small parcel of land or old quarry etc that you could get access to. The biggest problem I see for quads is dealing with the few idiots that have them.

John

[Eastside Bill]

My guess is that an awful lot of the users are kids whose parents either aren't monitoring how they are using the ATVs or just allow them to ride wherever they want regardless of where they go. There needs to be some sense of responsibility by the kids who ride them and their parents. If Mom & Dad buy Junior an ATV, Mom & Dad need to have figured out where it can be used first.

[ruppsterdog]

You guys have hit the nail right on the head. A few bad apples spoil it for the rest of the off road community. Personally, I do not ride quads, too big and bulky. I was raised on dirt bikes when it was OK to ride them on the blue trail. With the size and footprints of today’s quads combined with irresponsibility give the sport a bad name. The Connecticut Off road Coalition is trying to get land opened up for off road use so people can enjoy the sport legally. Visit http://www.cttrailusers.com/index.htm and go to the forums there to see how we are trying legally to ride.

[GLenn]

I've posted a few times in this thread, but a lot of the responses are buried back a few pages.

I'm Glenn Jurgen and I'm the President of Connecticut Trail Users. http://www.cttrailusers.com/ CTU is a group of Off Highway Vehicles enthusiasts made up of Off Highway Motorcycles, All Terrain Vehicles and Full-size 4x4s. Our goal is to work with elected officials and the CT DEP to open safe and responsible OHV areas in Connecticut.

As it stands now, there are no legal public places of OHV users to enjoy their hobby. If you want to use an OHV in Connecticut, it can only be done on your land, or private land with written land owner permission.

In Connecticut, an ATV is a two, three or four wheeled vehicle where the operator straddles the machine and steers with handle bars. What makes Connecticut different is dirt bikes are considered ATVs. In other states, a dirt bike is a dirt bike and an ATV is a three or four wheeled all terrain vehicle.

A lot of people aren't aware that there's been a law on the books since 1986 stating that the CT DEP will locate and provide land for OHV use. Unfortunately, this has not happened yet.

A group of us went to the Capital on March 2, 2007 to testify in front of the Environment Committee on a bill pertaining to ATV use. We felt that the testimony went well and we helped the elected officials understand our position and even learn about our hobby.

We're in favor of people wearing helmets, eye protection, above the ankle boots and gloves. We're also in favor of machines having to meet what's known as "The 20-inch stationary sound test, SAE J1287 JUL98" (http://www.thumperfaq.com/sound.htm) Safety gear and sound checks would be required before riding on any land in CT that is open to the public for ATV use.

In addition, riders would be required to register their ATV before riding in these areas. Fees collected from registrations and possibly from a created "ATV Account" (Based on the point of sale price of the ATV) would go towards upkeep and maintenance of the trail system.

[eds]

Hi Glenn.

Now that's the most responsible idea I've heard. I personally would like to see more enforcement and penalties against ATV riders who do not play by the rules you propose. That includes snowmobiles.

While we're at it...those annoying mufflers on compact cars could use a "Sound test" as well.

I too enjoy a hobby that is not well liked yet is legal. Marksmanship. I definitely feel for the ATV's. But like someone said, a few bad apples. We have them in our sport and its given us a bad name too.

I hope something passes so that you have a place to ride responsibly. The off-road 4x4 folks have a saying, "Tread lightly". It means to respect the land, the people, and fellow riders.

We all need to respect each other, each others rights and privledges, and our own individual hobbies. We can co-habitate.

[GLenn]

Thanks for the kind words eds.


We all need to respect each other, each others rights and privledges, and our own individual hobbies. We can co-habitate.

Very well put. Bravo!

[ruppsterdog]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124831007584074147.html#articleTabs%3Dco