CREEDE— Several area residents have expressed their concerns about ATV users in town and how they can come up with a solution to fix some of the problems that are taking place. The town voted in the spring of last year to legalize the use of ATVs in town limits and have been working to fix issues as they arise. Many residents and business owners have voiced concerns for the disregard of some users during summer months and are eager to find a solution to the problem.
After the ATV legalization was passed in April of 2016, town officials worked to create a specific route through town that would get ATV users to the Bachelor Loop road down to the gas station without blocking the main roads and traffic. A map was created highlighting the route and was placed throughout town at specific locations alongside the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of ATVs on town streets.
At the end of the first summer season with ATVs legally using roads, officials looked back on the issues that were reported by residents and tried to readjust the map and regulations to help alleviate any concerns. The town board invited Mineral County Sheriff Fred Hosselkus to join the discussion and asked him for suggestions on how the regulations for ATVs could be enforced in the coming summer season.
Hosselkus agreed to help with enforcement in town limits and has since spent time stopping ATV users and directing them on the proper routes and regulations. The summer has seen an increase in users, and the need to educate the public on the proper routes remains.
According to the regulations, ATV users have to have a valid driver license, insurance and adhere to the 15-mile per hour speed limit. The concerns that are being brought up pertain to people driving in areas where ATVs are not allowed, and residents are working to find a solution to the problem without being disrespectful to the visiting users. Many acknowledge the fact that people are coming to the area because the town has allowed the use of ATVs in town limits.
According to Hosselkus there have been hundreds of users in town this year and things are going relatively smooth. “Considering how many people have come to town and are riding ATVs through the streets, I personally think it has gone well,” said Hosselkus. He continued to state that though the sheriff’s department has had to stop people on occasion to remind them of the designated route, there have been very few issues.
One of the main concerns is that the town and the state have different regulations pertaining to the age of users and how fast the vehicles can travel on town roads compared to forest service or county roads. People have stated that they think the main problem lies in simple confusion between the differing regulations and that it will only take time to sort out the issues.
The issue remains one of hot discussion in online groups as well as the topic at meetings. According to a source, town officials are considering adding a position to help monitor users during summer months and enforce regulations, though it has not been confirmed by any town officials.