Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Minot bans ATVs from roads

Minot bans ATVs from roads

Nov 08, 2006 - 04:06:20 CST

MINOT (AP) - Off-road vehicles have to stay off the roads here.

The City Council on Monday voted to ban all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes from city streets. ATVs were allowed to travel at 15 mph on streets that are the shortest route out of town.

ATV owners pleaded for the chance to prove they can operate safely on city streets, but safety concerns raised by police compelled the council to pass the ban.

Police Chief Jeff Balentine said the ATV manufacturers recommend against using off-road vehicles on paved streets because of the dangers involved with sharing the road with licensed vehicles.

The council still must pass the ordinance on a second reading before the ban takes effect.

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Comments

bill c wrote on Nov 8, 2006 10:01 PM:

" most atvs are nearly as tall and heavy as most steet bikes. Safety is a scape goat! The next thing you know they will outlaw streeters too. "

wood-eye wrote on Nov 8, 2006 7:15 PM:

" It's a safety issue. Most all major cities have such a rule. Get over it and move on! "

Leonard Smalls wrote on Nov 8, 2006 10:51 AM:

" Please, be on the lookout for my HAND SIGNALS as I ride where ever I feel like it. And no, the hand signal does not mean you all are number one. "

Bravo wrote on Nov 8, 2006 9:43 AM:

" I think the rest of us should follow Minot's lead. There is no place for ATV's on city streets. ATV's are recreational vehicles. "

Really?! wrote on Nov 8, 2006 8:28 AM:

" Police Chief Jeff Balentine said the ATV manufacturers recommend against using off-road vehicles on paved streets because of the dangers involved with sharing the road with licensed vehicles. Is that the main reason? ATV's can be licensed also. And insured! Are they less visable than a Harley Davidson, or a pedal bicycle? ATV's do have lights on them, and hand signals are legal for turn signals. Lookout Minot, sounds like you guys have a dangerous commission on your hands. "

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