Whitewater’s public works committee on Tuesday referred possible action regarding UTV/ATV use on city streets to a future meeting of the city council.
Committee members expressed skepticism of allowing universal access to city streets for ATVs.
“When I hear all city streets, I think ‘Oh brother,’” member Carol McCormick said. “I see minimal need for these vehicles going on all city roads. There could be designated parts of the city.”
Fellow committee member Jill Gerber pointed out that the state Department of Natural Resources does not require a license or insurance for ATV/UTV use on public streets.
“Knowing that having insurance or having a driver’s license is not mandatory is very alarming to the safety of citizens,” she said.
McCormick suggested having a representative from a local ATV or UTV club to say where riders have the most need for access in the city of Whitewater.
Public works committee members generally said they did not support the idea but that they would “entertain” it. Allen recommended having representatives from the DNR and the Whitewater Police Department present to discuss the situation.
It wasn’t immediately clear when the city council might discuss the ATV question.
An agenda for the next city council meeting, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 17, had not been released Wednesday afternoon.
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