Morristown, Vermont (AP) — Tom and Cynthia Croutier’s treasures spend time on the porch, have dinner on the deck with views of the mountains, and typically in a home purchased in 2018 in Vermont. I enjoy the quiet life of living in the countryside. retirement.
It all changed the following year when some of the roads adjacent to their property were opened to all-terrain vehicles that were not previously allowed on the road. He said that in many cases, noisy ATVs would come down the road when they went out.
“Overnight our Silver Ridge (road) became an ATV super highway. I could hear the sounds of these machines inside the house, but I couldn’t talk when I went out. Coffee Sit quietly at the front door with a drink, or have dinner on our deck or enjoy watching the sunset. “
What started as a test run in Morristown in 2019 ended in response to complaints last year, according to town officials. The ATV group is now reopening some roads and other parts of the road to allow riders to get gas, stay or park at local motels, and dine at local restaurants. I am asking the town to do so. Access connects them to nearby communities where ATVs are legal on the road.
Their town has joined the small but ever-growing list of rural communities across the country looking to pave the way for or open the way to ATV, taking advantage of the economic benefits of outdoor tourism.
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As more people go outdoors during a pandemic, interest in ATVs grows. However, their popularity sometimes forces riders to compete with residents, and the community struggles to balance perks and loss of tranquility.
At a public conference in July about Morristown’s proposal, ATV rider Lisa Desjardin said, “Our vision for our town must be for everyone. It’s a bike ride. It’s not just for those who are, runners, it must be for everyone, whether you like ATV or not. “
Last year, ATV sales increased by more than 33%, according to Scott Schlegel, senior vice president of government relations for the Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Association, which opposes the use of ATVs on the road unless they are trail connectors. The surge in sales has increased interest in access to the public land where the trails are located, creating additional demand for new trails and trail maintenance, he said.
According to Governor Jim Justice’s office, the 1,000-mile Hatfield-McCoy Trail in West Virginia is the largest number of trail permits per year, despite being closed for two months during last year’s pandemic. Sold nearly 65,000. ATV permits for residents of Maine surged 6%, officials said.
Schlegel describes the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Network as a major economic driver for these communities: They crossed the state. “
Officials in the Open Space & Trail division of Summit County, Colorado have noticed an increase in the use of trails by off-highway vehicles in recent years. The ATV Trail also has access to hikers, bikers and horseback riding, the agency said.
In northern New Hampshire, Gorham opened several roads to ATV about eight years ago, and on summer weekends, less than 3,000 towns are mechanically crowded.
On Friday, July, a rider far from North Carolina rented a machine to tour the trail. Others leading ATVs in Connecticut and Rhode Island were staying at local motels.
John Bates Jr., who has no trails near his home in Epsom, New Hampshire, is a frequent visitor. He drove for two and a half hours and stayed at the motel. My friends were renting a machine the next day and planned to work with them to access the Ride the Wilds Trail Network for over 1,000 miles. This is “absolutely wonderful,” he said.
Some people who live near the road leading to the ATV are frustrated.
“This little town was a cute little town, quiet and friendly to everyone. It’s a nightmare now,” said Sandy Remia, a longtime resident of Goham on the edge of White Mountain. She complained about the noise and smell of the exhaust.
“It’s incredible outside. Sometimes I can’t hear my thoughts. Especially when a festival is taking place and everyone is moving this way, I can’t even hear the lawnmower. I have.”
Residents of Morristown, Vermont will vote for ATV’s proposal this fall. In July, riders testified that opening parts of certain roads would revitalize the economy and make food and fuel available, while other residents expressed concern about safety, noise and the environment. ..
“For now, we’re not asking you to drive on all other roads, and probably not,” said rider Mike Patvan. “Have you ever paid for an all-terrain vehicle? I don’t want to ride a black top. It’s better to be on dirt roads and trails. I hope I can get more.”
Copyright 2021 AP communication. all rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Does ATV belong to the road?The town is crowded with benefits and shortcomings | National News
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