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Sen. Ritchie sponsors bill to allow use of side-by-side ATVs on North Country trails, use registration fees to create more trails

Posted 5/10/16

State Sen. Patty Ritchie is sponsoring a bill that would allow the use of side-by-side ATVs  on trails and use ATV registration fees to plan and build a network of approved trails. The bill is …

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Sen. Ritchie sponsors bill to allow use of side-by-side ATVs on North Country trails, use registration fees to create more trails

Posted

State Sen. Patty Ritchie is sponsoring a bill that would allow the use of side-by-side ATVs  on trails and use ATV registration fees to plan and build a network of approved trails.

The bill is seen as a way to create new riding opportunities, boost local tourism and promote safe, responsible ATV use that allows riders to enjoy the outdoors while also protecting the state’s natural environment.

Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, represents the 48th Senate District, which includes all of the northern edge of St. Lawrence County from Massena to Hammond, and Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur. It extends into Jefferson and Oswego counties.

Similar trail systems in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine and Pennsylvania have helped generate millions of dollars for local economies, and also increase revenues from ATV registrations for state and local governments.

Nearly two dozen ATV dealers from across the state fanned out Monday in an effort to convince the State Assembly to lift the ban on side-by-side ATV’s, and embrace Senator Patty Ritchie’s, proposed legislation creating a statewide recreational trail system for four wheel enthusiasts.

“Every day, these small business men and women are listening to their customers’ frustration with New York’s outdated ATV rules that prevent us from using some of the most popular ATV models on the market,” Ritchie said.

Dealers from the North Country to the Adirondacks, Western and Central New York, to the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys were to meet with Assembly members and ask their support for lifting the ban, which prevents New Yorkers from legally registering and using the most popular versions of outdoor sports vehicles.

“They know that lifting the ban is not only good for their local businesses, but also good for the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who enjoy four-wheeling and exploring the outdoors with family and friends.”

Forty-nine states already allow the use of side-by-sides, and New York is the only state that won’t permit them to be registered and operated legally.