Kids riding ATV's on Lake Road

Almost hit one with my car.

I was very concerned when I saw three youngsters (two on ATVs and one on a small motor bike) heading down Lorne Rd. last Sunday at lunch time. I thought them to be too young to drive such big vehicles, they all had helmets and looked very diligent driving along the side of the road. I then mentioned to my wife that I had a near miss on the lake road with an ATV just this week. She also had a near miss a couple of weeks ago and told me of a story that friends where also in an incident with a very fast and agressive ATV on our lake road.

I took it upon myself to visit the local OPP station and inquire about the status of ATVs on the roads. To my surprise the OPP have issued a release dated July 2004 that specificly deals with ATVs on roads. Specificly, they are not allowed on any of the roads, private or not and not allowed even to drive along the side. They are to be licenced, insured and only driven by licensed drivers with helments. ATVs fall under the highway traffic act.

I told them that I see ATVs on the roads all the time and they said if I took their licence number or knew where they are parked at night, I could call the 1-888-310-1122 (OPP) number to report the incident. An officer would make the call and issue a report and ticket where appropriate.

My last thought was to write this note on our BLOG and get lake owners feedback. What is your opinion on the issue and what should we do about ATVs on the road?

Don